A University of Puerto Rico (UPR) study found that Puerto Rico is headed toward population decline and progressive aging. Professor Hernando Mattei, coordinator of the CDES at the Medical Sciences Campus, took part in the study analyzing the island’s demographic dynamics. Among the main findings, Puerto Rico had a population of 3.8 million in 2004, but the figure is projected to fall to 2.28 million by 2050.
Mattei said Puerto Rico is among the jurisdictions experiencing the largest population losses. "It is a dramatic figure because of various factors that are not common to other jurisdictions," he said. He noted that the island’s fertility rate is very low and that families tend to have only one child.
He said Japan faces a similar demographic situation. Adding to this is negative net migration, meaning more people leave Puerto Rico than arrive. The findings point to a significant demographic transformation marked by a shrinking population and an aging society.
Mattei also said Puerto Rico’s fertility patterns differ from those of several European and Asian countries. The study can be consulted through the University of Puerto Rico’s Board of Governors.