In recent years, the province of Holguin has faced a complex demographic reality marked by a sustained decline in the birth rate and an accelerated aging population. Trends that reflect national challenges but with their own nuances.
These dynamics, closely studied by the Center for Demographic Studies (CEDEM in the Spanish acrononym). Serve as the basis for the Cuban government to design territorial development and social care policies.
However, how is Holguin responding to these challenges?
Holguin, Cuba’s third most populous province, has one of the lowest fertility rates in the country. With just 1.5 children per woman, well below the generational replacement rate (2.1).
Factors such as youth emigration, economic hardship, and limited access to housing influence this trend. Municipalities such as Moa and Sagua de Tanamo have seen a drastic reduction in births. While Holguin City maintains a slight advantage due to its superior health infrastructure and services.
The province exceeds the national average for aging. With more than 22% of its inhabitants over 60 years of age.
This puts pressure on services such as public health. Also where the demand for geriatric care is growing, while the active workforce is declining.
Rural areas such as Baguanos and Calixto Garcia are the most affected. With communities where young people are migrating to provincial capitals or abroad. Although the Cuban government has implemented measures to alleviate the demographic crisis. The effectiveness of these policies is uneven.
While the provincial capital is achieving a degree of stability, peripheral municipalities are facing depopulation and critical aging, requiring solutions tailored to each region.
Holguin is a microcosm of Cuba’s demographic challenges.
While the CEDEM provides vital data for national decisions. The province is working to develop proactive strategies to prevent a collapse of key services and the loss of economic vitality.
With information from the Government/Holguin website
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernández
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