Cuba's population and Demographics

Population and Demographics

Cuba is not only the largest island in the Caribbean, but also with over 11 million inhabitants the most populated. However, population density is just 100 inhabitants per Km², relatively low in contrast to other Caribbean countries. More than 2 million Cubans live in the capital, the City of Havana. The Cuban population is generally adult, between the ages of 30 and 60. Life expectancy is 75 years which compares to first world countries, a major achievement of the Cuban health care system. In the course of the last century, the Cuban population has grown fivefold: from 2 million in 1900 it grew to 6 million inhabitants by the end of 1970. At present the population growth is only 2%, due to a low birth rate. Emigration does not affect the statistics in this respect. In almost every age group women make up the majority.

After the almost total extermination of Cuba's indigenous population during the first century of colonization, the survivors mixed with Spaniards and Africans. Today it is very rare to see people with indigenous Indian features in Cuba, the perceived closest is said to inhabit the eastern section of the island. In contrast with the rest of the Caribbean islands, the Cuban population is mostly white: 60 % descended from Europeans, mainly Spanish immigrants. The fact that Cuba was one of the last Spanish colonies largely contributed to this outcome; even after the foundation of the Republic the links to Spain and the US were closely maintained. Whereas in Jamaica and Haiti the black population is the most prevalent, in Cuba the descendants of African ancestors make up only 12%. Nevertheless, Cuban culture has been deeply influence by African elements.

Another 27% of Cubans are represented by people defined as "mulatos", the mix among Africans, Indians and Spaniards. As a result of a heterogeneous culture, this sector was the integrating link among the different racial groups. During the late 19th century, 200 000 Asian immigrants arrived in Cuba, above all, Chinese and Philippines who provided a cheap labor force. They largely settled in the capital, where they created Havana's China Town and also mixed with the rest of the ethnic groups.

In spite of the wide mixture of races that exist in Cuba, there's almost no trace of racism, especially after the Revolution, which managed to establish equality among all Cubans. It is rather interesting for the visitor to witness how well the spectrum of skin shades mixes and interacts in Cuban society.

Only 24% of the population lives in the countryside. The Agrarian Reform in 1960 guaranteed the farmers their livelihood and made possible for them to enjoy the benefits of education and health care. Nevertheless, the majority of Cubans continue to move into urban areas. The most populated rural regions are: Pinar del Río, Santiago de Cuba and Holguín. The other 76% of the population resides in the cities, one fourth of this percentage live in the City of Havana. The second largest city in the country is Santiago de Cuba with 540 000 inhabitants, followed by Holguín, Camagüey, Santa Clara and Guantánamo with over 200 000. Cienfuegos, Bayamo, Pinar del Río and Las Tunas accommodate more than 100 000 people. The major issues in Cuban cities are the limited housing options and food supplies. However, cities always offer better opportunities of employment, education and cultural amenities. At present, the regular affluence of tourism is a determining factor in the population growth in some areas.

The Revolution brought limitless freedom for Cuban women as far as equality, employment and public life is concerned, which stands in contrast to the Latin American macho ideology. Although in everyday life, women are still the ones who bear the burden of the house and children. In today's world, this translates into greater dedication and improvisational talent; as most women's daily routine is marked by the double responsibility of work and household responsibilities. The social and health systems in Cuba provide women and all Cuban citizens with the necessary care and treatments, as well as the guarantee of full payment during 1 year of maternity leave. In general, Cubans marry at a very early age, which together with the housing shortage and economic limitations, may be the catalyst for such a high divorce rate.