Cuba's 2025 death toll doubles its births, signaling deep demographic crisis
Cuban officials reported 136,214 deaths and only 68,064 births in 2025, a ratio that highlights a severe population decline.
Cuba's statistical agency revealed that 2025 recorded 136,214 deaths compared with just 68,064 births, a stark illustration of the nation's ongoing demographic collapse. The capital, Havana, experienced a near-tripling of deaths over births, and provinces such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Camagüey and Villa Clara reported the highest mortality figures. The population is aging rapidly, with a median age of 45 and 26.7 % of citizens now over 60, while the working-age cohort shrank from 6.86 million in 2021 to 5.6 million.
Fertility rates fell to a Gross Reproduction Rate of 0.62 daughters per woman and a Total Fertility Rate of 1.29, the lowest since 1958. Gender ratios also shifted, with fewer men per 1,000 women, especially in rural areas, reflecting higher female participation in education and service jobs. Experts warned that without profound political and economic reforms, Cuba faces a "demographic emptying" by 2030.
Why it matters
The data shows Cuba is losing population faster than it can replace it, threatening its economy and social stability.
How this story developed
- Aug 4 U.S. Boosts CIA Operations in Cuba Amid Heightened Sanctions and Ral Castro Indictment
- Aug 15 The U.S. has added new economic sanctions and increased CIA staffing in Cuba.
- Aug 19 The U.S. strategy has moved from debating a possible military operation to focusing on intensified sanctions.
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