Cuba has a population of approximately 11 million people in 2025, making it the 85th most populous country in the world and the most populous island nation in the Caribbean. Spread across the largest island in the Caribbean, this population is unusual among developing nations because it is no longer growing — Cuba is one of the few countries in Latin America experiencing demographic decline.
How Many People Live in Cuba?
Cuba is home to roughly 11,000,000 residents as of 2025. That figure places it 85th globally for population size, ahead of fellow Caribbean nations like the Dominican Republic in island prominence but smaller than many mainland Latin American countries. To put it in perspective, Cuba has more people than Belgium or Greece, yet its numbers are slowly shrinking rather than rising.
The country occupies the long, narrow island of Cuba plus the Isla de la Juventud and thousands of smaller cays. With a land area of around 110,000 km², this gives Cuba a population density of roughly 100 people per square kilometre — moderate by global standards and far lower than crowded island neighbours like Puerto Rico. For more on the island itself, see our cuba country guide.
A Population in Decline
One of the most striking facts about Cuban demographics is that the population is contracting. The annual growth rate sits at about -0.21%, meaning the country loses people each year. Two forces drive this decline:
- Very low fertility: Cuba's fertility rate is around 1.5 children per woman — the lowest in Latin America and well below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. Remarkably, Cuba reached replacement-level fertility back in the 1970s, decades ahead of most developing nations.
- Heavy emigration: Economic hardship has pushed hundreds of thousands of Cubans to leave. An estimated 300,000 or more departed during the 2022–2023 crisis alone, many heading for the United States.
The early arrival of low fertility was no accident. Universal education, free healthcare, and high female workforce participation gave Cuban women the tools and incentives to have smaller families long before similar shifts occurred elsewhere in the region.
Where Cubans Live: The Largest Cities
Cuba's population is heavily urbanized, with the majority of people living in cities and towns. The three largest urban centres are:
- Havana — the capital, with about 2.1 million residents, nearly one in five Cubans. It is the island's political, economic, and cultural heart, famous worldwide for its weathered colonial architecture, sea-front Malecón, and vintage American cars.
- Santiago de Cuba — the second city, with roughly 500,000 people. Set in the mountainous east, it is celebrated as a cradle of the Cuban Revolution and the birthplace of musical styles like son and trova.
- Camagüey — the third-largest city, home to around 310,000 residents. Its labyrinth of winding colonial streets and plazas forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This urban concentration, especially in Havana, means much of Cuba's interior and countryside is comparatively sparsely settled.
Who Are the Cuban People?
Cuba's population reflects centuries of mixing between European settlers, enslaved Africans, and their descendants. Estimates suggest the population is roughly 64% White, 27% of mixed race, and 9% Black, though census categories and self-identification vary. The official language is Spanish, spoken by virtually the entire population.
The country is officially secular, but religion remains part of daily life for many. Roman Catholicism is the largest faith, often blended with Santería, an Afro-Cuban tradition that merges Catholic saints with West African Yoruba deities. Cuba also has one of the oldest populations in Latin America, with a median age of about 42 years — a direct consequence of long life expectancy and decades of low birth rates.
Health, Aging, and the Diaspora
Cuba consistently posts health statistics that rival far wealthier nations. Life expectancy stands at around 79 years, slightly higher than the United States, despite a fraction of the per-capita healthcare spending. The country trains and employs more doctors per capita than almost anywhere on Earth, and routinely dispatches thousands of medical workers overseas as part of its international "medical diplomacy."
That success has a demographic cost: an aging society with few young people to replace retiring workers, straining pensions and public services. Meanwhile, the Cuban diaspora has grown to roughly 2.5 million people — equivalent to about 22% of the island's current population — concentrated heavily in Florida and the wider United States. Together, low fertility, an aging populace, and continued emigration make Cuba a clear example of a nation whose population story is now defined by decline rather than growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Cuba in 2025?
Cuba's population is approximately 11 million people in 2025, ranking it 85th in the world and making it the most populous island nation in the Caribbean.
Is Cuba's population growing or shrinking?
Cuba's population is shrinking, at an annual rate of about -0.21%. This decline is driven by a very low fertility rate of around 1.5 children per woman and large-scale emigration during recent economic crises.
What is the largest city in Cuba?
Havana is the largest city and the capital, with about 2.1 million residents — close to 20% of the entire national population.
What language do people in Cuba speak?
Spanish is the official language and is spoken by virtually the whole population. Cuban Spanish has its own distinctive accent and vocabulary shaped by Caribbean and African influences.