Demographic dynamics of the Cuban rural population: territorial inequalities in the period 2006-2021

Abstract

Rural areas in Cuba show a growing tendency towards depopulation with a differentiated historical-territorial behavior. This paper aims to interpret the demographic dynamics of the Cuban rural population in the context of territorial inequalities between 2006-2021. The methodological design was based on the critical-interpretative approach of the previous scientific production and different official databases published in Cuba. Descriptive statistics analysis and cluster analysis (SPSS software) were carried out, as well as spatial analysis and cartographic representation using the ArcGIS software. As a result, profound transformations in the demographic dynamics of Cuba are verified with marked gaps between rural and urban areas, important population changes are recognized in its municipalities, as well as robust internal mobility in the period from 2006 to 2021 with significant inequalities; and four groups of administrative entities are established that explain Cuban territorial differentiation. It concludes by emphasizing that the main findings of the research demonstrate the complex demographic dynamics of the Cuban rural population, which should serve as a basis for decision-making to reverse this complex problem.