The head of the Center for Demographic Studies of the University of Havana, Antonio Aja
Díaz, called on us to think about the population, in demographic terms, after it was announced that, at the end of 2024, Cuba had an effective population of 9,748,532 inhabitants, which represents an absolute decrease in the population of more than 30,000 people, in relation to the same period of the previous year.

This was announced by Juan Carlos Alfonso Fraga, deputy head of the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) in a recent meeting of the Government Commission for Attention to Demographic Dynamics, where Aja Díaz acknowledged that there is a well-designed policy for attention to demographic dynamics but insisted at the same time on the need to analyze the consequences and impacts that the demographic situation has for the country's economic and social strategy.

Data to meditate on and act

- The country registered approximately 71,000 births last year, a figure that is once again significantly low
- The number of deaths increased in that period while more than a quarter of the population, according to preliminary figures, are 60 years and more, "a trend that was predicted for 2030 and we have it right now," says the deputy head of ONEI.
- The number of children, adolescents and young people who reach school ages from primary to higher education will continue to decrease.
-The number of people who reach reproductive ages, incorporation into defense and labor activities will also continue to decrease.
-Only the elderly population will increase.
-For 2025, funding of 2,456 million pesos is planned for attention to demographic dynamics. This figure exceeds the real figure reached last year by 1,071 million pesos.
-This budget is mainly allocated to the development and improvement of care services for children up to 6 years old and elderly or disabled people, to fertility care, and to the production of technical aids such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, among others.
-The country has 1,100 child care centers, with 156,670 capacities, as well as 266 children's houses, with a capacity of 7,850; most of them belong to the business sector.
picture

Faced with "this complex context and trends," the vice-chief of ONEI reiterates the urgency of the population being key in the planning and design of economic and social development strategies from the municipality to the nation.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff