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Demography
Cuba has a total population of around 11 million people. Despite various influencing factors such as birth rate, death rate and migration, the total number of Cubans has remained relatively stable since 2000. One of the lowest migration rates in the world and the low birth rate of 1.4 births per woman contribute to this stable population growth, especially in comparison to the entire Latin America and Caribbean region, which has a birth rate of 1.9 births per woman. Around 77% of the Cuban population live in urban areas, while 23% live in rural areas. Havana, the capital, has around 2.1 million inhabitants and is the country's most important urban center. Santiago de Cuba, with around 500,000 inhabitants, and Camagüey, with around 300,000 inhabitants, are also important cities and play a central role in Cuba's economic, cultural and political spheres.
Cuba's population is multi-ethnic and reflects its complex colonial origins. Around 65% of Cubans describe themselves as white, 10% as black and the remaining 25% as people of mixed ethnic origin. The regional differences are particularly striking: In the western regions of Cuba, the proportion of whites is 70-80%, while in the eastern regions it is only around 25%.

Age structure
Cuba's age structure shows an interesting distribution in the population. A significant proportion of the population is made up of older people, which is due to the low birth rate and high life expectancy. Around 20% of Cubans are over 60 years old, while only around 16% of the population is under 15 years old. This demographic development poses challenges for the country, particularly in terms of care and support for the elderly population.

Health and life expectancy
At around 79 years, the average life expectancy in Cuba is one of the highest in the Latin America and Caribbean region. This is a result of the well-developed healthcare system, which is known for its comprehensive and free medical care. The Cuban healthcare system places great emphasis on prevention and primary care, resulting in low infant mortality rates and a high general health of the population.
Cuba Economy
The Cuban economy is diverse, with the main sectors of agriculture, industry and services playing important roles. Agriculture, including sugar cane and tobacco cultivation, remains important, especially for the rural population, although its importance has declined. Industry focuses on the production of rum, tobacco products and nickel and provides employment in urban areas. The service sector in particular, especially tourism, has grown strongly and creates numerous jobs, improving the quality of life for many Cubans.
Another important aspect of the Cuban economy is the traditionally low unemployment rate, which is often below 3%. This is due to the state-controlled economy and the full employment policy. The recent economic opening and the growing private sector offer new job opportunities and contribute to the stability of the unemployment rate. By supporting initiatives to create jobs in the private sector, the government is contributing to the economic security and social stability of the population.

Education

The education level of the Cuban population is very high by regional standards. Cuba has a literacy rate of over 99%, which is one of the highest rates in the world. The government attaches great importance to education, and this is reflected in the well-educated population. The Cuban school system is highly regulated by the state and offers free education from elementary school to university. Schooling is compulsory until the age of 16, and most students attend secondary schools or technical training programs. Cuba has numerous universities and colleges offering a wide range of courses. The country is particularly well known for its medical education, which is internationally recognized.
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Colonial roots: How Spanish became the official language of Cuba
The Spanish language came to Cuba in the 15th century with the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. When Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1492, an era of Spanish colonization began that had a profound impact on the indigenous population and cultural development of Cuba. The Spanish conquerors and settlers brought their language, culture and religion with them, which quickly displaced the indigenous Taíno culture.
Spanish established itself as the dominant language and became the official language of Cuba. For centuries, the Spanish language shaped the social and cultural life of the island. Church and state institutions, education systems and the administration were all run in Spanish, which promoted the deep-rootedness of the language in Cuban society. Today, Spanish is not only the official language, but also a symbol of Cuban identity and culture.
Cuba through the ages
Want to learn more about Cuba's fascinating history? Read more about the rich Cuban history in our article!
Cuban Spanish
Cuban Spanish, often referred to as "Cubano", has special features in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. One of the most striking features is the omission of the "s" at the end of syllables, which leads to a soft and fluent pronunciation. In addition, many words and expressions in Cuba are unique or have a different meaning compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.
Influence of African languages
The African influence, which goes back to the history of African slaves on the island, has also left its mark on Cuban Spanish. Some words and phrases originate from African languages and have found their way into everyday speech.
Other languages
In addition to Spanish, there are also influences from other languages in Cuba. Chinese is spoken in small communities inhabited by the descendants of Chinese immigrants. English is also becoming increasingly important due to growing tourism and global networking, especially in urban and tourist areas.
Learn Spanish - In Cuba's metropolis
Experience the language and culture of Cuba up close!
Imagine learning Spanish in Havana while listening to the rhythmic sounds of salsa and enjoying the charm of the colonial architecture. Cubans are known for their hospitality, and it's easy to strike up a conversation and practise the language in real-life situations. You can also learn in small, interactive classes, which makes the experience even more intense.
In addition to language lessons, there are countless activities to enrich your learning. Visit historical sites such as the Museum of the Revolution, explore the impressive El Morro fortress or enjoy the lively atmosphere on the Malecón. Each of these experiences offers you the opportunity to improve your Spanish while immersing yourself in Cuban culture.
Your trip to Cuba will not only enrich your language skills, but also your life!

Cuban terms and basic vocabulary
Would you like to take your first steps in the Spanish language? We have prepared a special info page for you containing Cuban expressions and basic Spanish vocabulary!
Discover Cuba's treasures: Top group tours!
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Cuba's green west
- Cuba's most beautiful landscapes
- Dreamlike white sandy beaches on Cayo Levisa
- Orchid gardens, waterfalls and the tobacco factory in Pinar del Río

Cuba Cross Over
- Our most popular active round trip
- Dream beaches of Cayo Jutias
- Trinidad, Viñales, Cienfuegos, Havana

Highlights of Cuba
- 8 selected highlights in 8 days
- Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos etc.
- Hiking in the Topes de Collantes National Park
Population Cuba - Frequently asked questions
The official language of the Republic of Cuba is Spanish. It is spoken on the island by 11 million Cubans, who make up practically 100% of the country's population. Cuba offers a unique opportunity to learn the Spanish language in a lively cultural context.
Cuba has a population of around 11.3 million people. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, particularly in the capital Havana. Cuba's ethnic composition is diverse and characterized by a rich history.
The population is mainly made up of the following groups:
- White (about 64%): Predominantly of Spanish descent, this group forms the majority of the Cuban population.
- Afro-Cubans (about 9%): This group consists of descendants of African slaves who were brought to Cuba during the colonial period.
- Mulattoes and Mestizos (about 27%): This group is the result of ethnic mixing between Europeans and Africans as well as Europeans and indigenous peoples.
Cuba is proud of its cultural diversity, which is reflected in the country's music, art, cuisine and festivals.
The Cuban economy is state-controlled and comprises the main sectors of agriculture, industry and services, although tourism has grown strongly. Despite economic challenges such as the US embargo and dependence on raw materials, reforms are increasingly promoting the private sector. Two currencies are used in Cuba: the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Convertible Peso (CUC), which makes the monetary system complex and affects financial transactions for both locals and tourists.
Life expectancy in Cuba is among the highest in Latin America. For men, the average life expectancy is around 77 years, while women have an average life expectancy of around 81 years. These high figures are due to the country's well-developed healthcare system, which is known for its comprehensive and free healthcare. Cuba places great emphasis on preventative medicine and health promotion, which contributes to the high life expectancy.
The Cuban government ensures that all children receive free vaccinations against a variety of diseases, including polio, measles and hepatitis B. This program has helped to minimize the spread of infectious diseases and improve the overall health of the population.
Cuba has an interesting population distribution, with a significant proportion of the population living in urban areas. The three largest cities in the country are Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey. Here is an overview of the distribution:
- Havana: As the capital and largest city in the country, Havana has a population of around 2.1 million people. This makes up around 19% of Cuba's total population.
- Santiago de Cuba: This city in the east of the country is the second largest and has around 500,000 inhabitants.
- Camagüey: With around 300,000 inhabitants, Camagüey is the third largest city.
Around 75% of the Cuban population lives in urban areas, while the remaining 25% can be found in rural regions.
The Cuban education system is free and highly centralized. It consists of several levels: Pre-school education (0-5 years), primary education (6 years), and secondary education (6 years, divided into lower and upper secondary education). This is followed by higher education at universities or technical colleges. Adult education is also offered. The system places great emphasis on equality and accessibility, with considerable investment in infrastructure and teacher training. There is a particular focus on promoting fundamental rights and social and economic development.

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Culture & Religion
Find out about Cuba's diverse culture and religion, a mixture of African, Spanish and Caribbean influences, including Santería.
Festivals in Cuba
It's not just on public holidays that people in Cuba get out and celebrate. Visit one of the many Cuban festivals and let yourself be carried away!
Experience Cuba's fascinating range of culinary delights and let yourself be seduced by the many exotic flavors!
Visit our travel information page and discover everything you need to know for your upcoming trip to Cuba. Here you will find details on the best time to travel, information on the time change and recommendations for important health precautions you should take before you leave.
We have compiled all the necessary information for you to ensure that your stay in Cuba is pleasant and smooth. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.