An aging population
One of the most striking features of Cuban demography is the aging of its population.
Geographic distribution: where do Cubans live?
Large cities: Havana (capital), Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Cienfuegos, Holguín.
The archipelagos: Jardines de la Reina Archipelago, Canarreos Archipelago.
The main provinces: Havana, Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, 1 Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo.
The origin of the Cuban people is a rich mixture of cultures and ethnicities, forged by centuries of history.
Cubans are descended primarily from three ethnic groups:
Native Americans: Before the arrival of Europeans, the island of Cuba was inhabited by several Native American peoples, including the Tainos and the Ciboneys. Their descendants are today a very small minority in the Cuban population, but their cultural heritage is still perceptible in certain traditions and in the names of places.
The Spanish: Spanish colonization, which began in the 16th century, had a profound impact on the island. The Spanish language, the Catholic religion and many aspects of Cuban culture are of Spanish origin.
Africans: Slavery played a major role in Cuba's history. Millions of Africans were deported to the island to work on plantations. Their heritage is omnipresent in Cuban music, dance, cuisine and religion.
Mestizaje is therefore a fundamental characteristic of the Cuban population. Over the centuries, the different ethnic groups have mixed, giving rise to a very diverse population, both physically and culturally.
Other influences have also helped shape Cuban identity, such as the arrival of Asian (mainly Chinese) and European (Italian, French) immigrants.
In summary, Cuban identity is a unique blend of Amerindian, Spanish and African cultures, enriched by other contributions.
This diversity is one of Cuba's great riches and is reflected in its cultural heritage, its music, its cuisine and its people.
To learn more, I invite you to consult these resources:
Conclusion
Cuba's population is constantly evolving, reflecting the island's social, economic, and political transformations. Understanding its demographics helps us understand the challenges and opportunities Cuba faces.
The Cuban population: a portrait in figures
Comments