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In Cuba, an increasing number of marriages are replacing "until death do us part" with a date in court.
In 2024, 21,113 divorces were granted, which is 543 more than in 2023 and just 72 fewer than in 2022, according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
However, the map of heartbreak has its curiosities: although only 265 divorces were registered in absolute numbers on the Isle of Youth, when calculating the rate per population, it ranks first in the country with 3.6 separations for every thousand inhabitants.
In second place is Artemisa, with 1,406 divorces and a rate of 3.1.
In Mayabeque, Camagüey, and Matanzas, the figures also stand out, all with rates of 2.8.
In contrast, Granma and Havana stand out as places where the "I do, I accept" endures a bit longer.
Granma ended the year with 915 divorces (rate 1.2), while the capital recorded 2,574 (rate 1.4), both figures significantly below the national average.
The yearbook also specifies that almost all divorces involved marriages between men and women (21,011), although 102 dissolutions of same-sex couples were recorded, a figure that reflects the new legal reality following the approval of the Family Code.
Even the calendar has its months more prone to breakups: January (2,215 divorces), February (2,065), and June (2,095) top the figures, while September was the most "faithful" month, with only 1,302 separations.
The numbers confirm a trend that shows no signs of abating: separations have rarely fallen below 20,000 annually in the last decade.
Beyond formalities, statistics portray a society where marriage does not always withstand economic and social pressures, and where an increasing number of couples find themselves transitioning from the altar... to the courtroom.
The situation becomes more complex when considering the economic and demographic context. The average monthly salary in Cuba rose to only 6,649 pesos, a figure that contrasts sharply with the actual cost of living on the island.
This economic gap has been identified as one of the factors that contribute to family instability, as it generates frustration, financial stress, and difficulties in maintaining a household.
This scenario is compounded by the mass exodus of over 250,000 Cubans in 2024, which fragments thousands of families and directly impacts the continuity of marital relationships.
Forced migration often leaves behind spouses, children, and legal responsibilities that ultimately lead to official separation over time.
Another concerning piece of information provided by ONEI indicates that half of Cubans of working age neither work nor look for employment.
This productive disengagement not only reflects a lack of opportunities but also a general climate of demotivation, which extends into the domestic sphere and undermines the couple's dynamic.
Frequently asked questions about the increase in divorces in Cuba
How many divorces were recorded in Cuba in 2024?
In 2024, 21,113 divorces were granted in Cuba, representing an increase of 543 cases compared to 2023. This figure reflects a sustained trend of over 20,000 separations annually over the past decade, according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
Which region of Cuba has the highest divorce rate?
Although the Isle of Youth only recorded 265 divorces in absolute numbers, it leads the country with a rate of 3.6 separations per every thousand inhabitants. Artemisa, with a rate of 3.1, and regions such as Mayabeque, Camagüey, and Matanzas, with rates of 2.8, also show significant figures.
How does the economic situation affect the increase in divorces in Cuba?
The economic situation in Cuba, characterized by a prolonged crisis, inflation, and a lack of prospects, negatively impacts marital stability. Economic and social tensions are factors that contribute to the rise in divorces, reflecting a society where marriage faces increasing challenges.
What months of the year are most prone to divorces in Cuba?
During 2024, January was the month with the highest number of divorces, recording 2,215 separations, followed by February and June. On the other hand, September was the month with the fewest divorces, counting only 1,302 cases. These data suggest a seasonal variability in marital dissolutions.
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