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The Economy of Cuba

Emigration and Demographic Decline

Since 2021, hundreds of thousands of Cubans have left, worsening labour shortages and population ageing.

People leaving.

Surge

Hundreds of thousands have left since 2021, mostly to the US, Spain and other countries.

Ageing

Cuba’s population is old and declining.

Labour

Shortages of skilled workers in health, education and industry.

Remittances

Emigrants send money home, helping families but not fixing structural problems.

A departure

A young engineer emigrates, leaving an older parent dependent on remittances.

Assuming emigration only relieves pressure

It also drains talent.

Key takeaways
  • Emigration surged after 2021.
  • The population is ageing.
  • Skills are lost.
  • Remittances help families.
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