The streets of Cuba are empty as residents flee the country in record numbers. A recent study reveals that the island’s population has decreased by 18%, with only 8.62 million Cubans currently living there. The dramatic exodus began in October 2021 and has seen 1.79 million people leave the country between 2022 and 2023.
The emigration wave, fueled by economic collapse, political unrest, and the pandemic, has pushed many Cubans to sell everything to afford a one-way ticket out. The United States remains a top destination, but Cubans are also seeking refuge in countries like Mexico and Uruguay.
Women are at the forefront of the exodus, with 56% of migrants being female. As birth rates decline and the population ages, Cuba faces significant demographic challenges. The situation has prompted government acknowledgment of the crisis and predictions that the population could drop below six million by 2100.
The many destinations of the Cuban emigrant
Since 2013, Cubans have been leaving through various exit points, with Nicaragua becoming a prominent starting point for the journey to the United States. Despite efforts to curb irregular migration, Cubans continue to find ways to escape the country’s turmoil.
Women, at the head of the Cuban exodus
The gender disparity in migration, coupled with declining birth rates, is reshaping Cuba’s demographic landscape. With grandparents left alone with children, the country is experiencing a “Peter Pan in reverse” phenomenon as young parents leave their children behind in search of a better future.
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