HAVANA, Cuba (ACN): The population of Cuba dropped by 4,300 inhabitants in 2006 compared to 2005, a phenomenon happening for the first time in 25 years.
Juan Carlos Alfonso, director of the Population and Development Studies Center of the National Office of Statistics, gave this information at a workshop sponsored by the Women's Studies Center of the Cuban Women's Federation held May 15, on the International Day of Families.
Alfonso explained that the number of births dropped significantly from 120,716 in 2005 to 111,084 in 2006, which corroborates the tendency towards an aging population in Cuba mainly due to a decreasing birthrate.
Since the mid-1970s, the growth rate has been below the level of population replacement, with less than one child born per women.
Changes in the role of Cuban women within society and others related to economic limitations are seen as important contributing factors.
Maria del Carmen Franco, researcher of the Population and Development Study Center, said an average Cuban family today is comprised of only three persons. |
