Cuba's Death Rate Outpaces Births in 2025, Highlighting...

Qué pasó

In 2025, Cuba recorded a significant rise in mortality, with 136,214 deaths. This figure represents an increase of 8,116 fatalities compared to the previous year. The data highlights a worsening demographic imbalance on the island.

This trend is characterized by an aging population, a declining birth rate, and emigration, all contributing to the island's demographic challenges.

Dónde y cuándo

These statistics were detailed in a report by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), published in late 2026 and reported by the EFE agency. Havana experienced the highest number of deaths, with 29,646. Santiago de Cuba followed with 12,431, and Holguín with 12,175.

Conversely, Mayabeque reported the fewest deaths at 4,624, followed by Cienfuegos with 4,801, and Ciego de Ávila with 4,970. At the municipal level, Santiago de Cuba registered the most deaths with 6,677, while Ciénaga de Zapata in Matanzas had the lowest with just 55.

Por qué es importante

The stark difference between deaths and births points to a critical demographic crisis. With only 68,064 births registered in 2025, deaths nearly doubled new births, resulting in a negative natural population balance of 68,150 people. This imbalance poses a long-term threat to Cuba's population structure and workforce.

The fertility rate remains critically low, at 1.29 children per woman for the second consecutive year, far below the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates a severe challenge for generational replacement.

Qué dicen las partes

Official data from the ONEI underscores the severity of the situation. The report indicates that 2025 was one of the years with the highest mortality in the last decade. While the record for the period was in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic (167,675 deaths), the ongoing trend is concerning.

The stated figures reflect the government's acknowledged demographic imbalance, driven by factors including low fertility and emigration, which are impacting the island's population dynamics.

Qué viene ahora

Cuba's population at the end of 2025 was officially recorded at 9,434,593 inhabitants. The data indicates a continuing trend of low birth rates and high mortality. Future demographic trends will likely depend on potential policy changes addressing fertility, emigration, and healthcare.

Observers will be watching to see if these statistics prompt significant governmental interventions to mitigate the demographic decline and its socioeconomic consequences.