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The latest National Employment Survey (ENO) reveals that 50.1% of the Cuban population aged 15 and older is outside the labor force, meaning they neither works nor actively seeks employment.
The data was shared this Monday in a thread on the social media platform X by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), which detailed that only 49.9% of that population is part of the workforce, including both employed and unemployed individuals.
Of the more than 8.4 million Cubans of working age, 4.13 million are employed, and only 69,333 are listed as unemployed—people who are seeking work and are available to start.
This indicates a low dynamism in the formal labor market, a very serious issue in today's Cuban society.
ONEI also warns about the aging workforce: 52.1% of those employed are 45 years old or older.
Moreover, a high level of education is noted, with 76.5% having a technical secondary, pre-university, or higher level of education.
Five provinces account for 51.1% of employment: Havana (18.4%), Santiago de Cuba (9.8%), Holguín (8.2%), Granma (7.4%), and Villa Clara (7.3%).
On the other hand, informal employment accounts for 20.1% of the total workforce, with a male predominance (77.2%).
In absolute numbers, there are 831,063 informal workers, of which 749,094 belong to the non-state sector and 81,969 to the state sector.
Within the non-state sector, 58.5% of informal workers are self-employed, a proportion that increases to 70.1% when including those contracted by other private individuals or households.
The report also highlights that women account for 63.5% of those outside the workforce, with a greater presence in urban areas.
According to reports from the agency EFE, Cuba has one of the lowest employment rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, at 49.1%, compared to a regional average of 58.9%, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
This is further compounded by a significant aging of the workforce and the increasing migration of young people, which has led to a shortage of active labor.
Moreover, between 2021 and 2024, the real average salary adjusted for inflation decreased by 33.5%, according to calculations by economist Pedro Monreal, which further exacerbates the lack of incentives to enter formal employment on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Employment and Demographic Situation in Cuba
Why are more than half of working-age Cubans neither employed nor seeking work?
50.1% of the Cuban population aged 15 and older is outside the labor force. This is due to several factors such as the low dynamism of the formal labor market, the aging of the population, and adverse economic conditions that discourage the pursuit of formal employment. Additionally, the country's economic and social context, characterized by inflation and a scarcity of opportunities, contributes to this situation.
What role do women play in the workforce in Cuba?
Women account for 63.5% of those who are outside the labor force. This situation is partly due to the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic work that falls on them, a persistent issue in Cuban society. Despite progress in formal equality, traditional gender roles still constrain professional development opportunities for women in Cuba.
What demographic challenges is Cuba currently facing?
Cuba is facing an accelerated aging of its population, with more than a quarter of its inhabitants over 60 years old. This phenomenon, combined with low birth rates and the massive migration of young people, creates significant pressure on the pension and health systems, and poses serious economic and social challenges for the country's future. The dependency ratio of older individuals has also increased, reflecting the growing burden on the active population.
How does the economic situation affect the Cuban labor market?
The average salary in Cuba barely amounts to 17 dollars a month at the informal exchange rate. This economic reality, marked by high inflation and low purchasing power, discourages participation in the formal labor market. Moreover, informal employment makes up 20.1% of the total workforce, reflecting the precariousness of formal work on the island.
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