In three years, the population of Kuba has shrunk by ten percent.

severe economic crisis - In three years, the population of Kuba has shrunk by ten percent.

Cuba's population has decreased by around ten percent between the years 2021 and 2023 due to massive emigration. In this period, approximately one million people left the Caribbean country, as stated in the Statistical Office ONEI's report to the Parliament. Additionally, there was a negative birth rate. Cuba had slightly over ten million inhabitants at the end of the previous year – on December 31, 2020, there were still approximately 11.2 million.

Cuba is going through a severe economic crisis. Among other things, food, medicines, and fuel are in short supply. There is high inflation, infrastructure is deteriorating, and power outages lasting hours are common. In addition to the US trade embargo, which has been in effect for over 60 years, the inefficient economic administration by the Communist Party also contributes to the problems. The Caribbean one-party state is economically heavily dependent on tourism – this has not yet recovered significantly from the decline caused by the Corona pandemic.

One reason for emigration is also the authoritarian actions of the government. After rare mass demonstrations three years ago, hundreds of participants are still in detention – among them the German citizen Luis Frómeta Compte. Human rights organizations count over 1,100 political prisoners in Cuba. Most emigrants are attracted to the nearby USA.

Cuba passes new migration law

Cuba's National Assembly passed a new migration law on Friday, which eases some hurdles for Cubans abroad. They no longer lose specific civil and property rights if they stay abroad for more than two years continuously. However, the law also provides for the prohibition of exit or return to Cuba for reasons of "public interest." Cubans can also have their citizenship revoked if they engage in actions deemed contrary to the state's interests by the authorities.

1. The significant population decrease in Cuba over the past two years, as indicated by the Statistical Office ONEI's report to Parliament, is largely due to migration and emigration.
2. The United States of America has emerged as a popular destination for Cuban refugees, attracted by the contrasting economic conditions.
3. The new migration law passed by Cuba's National Assembly aims to ease some hurdles for Cubans living abroad, but also introduces restrictions such as the prohibition of exit or return for reasons of public interest.
4. The economic crisis in Cuba has contributed to the emigration wave, with residents leaving in search of essential resources like food, medicine, and fuel, which are in short supply.
5. Kuba's political climate, marked by authoritarian actions and the detention of protestors, such as German citizen Luis Frómeta Compte, has also fueled the desire to emigrate.
6. Inflation rates and deteriorating infrastructure have further compounded Cuba's economic crisis, leading citizens to seek better opportunities abroad.

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