Curaçao Rate of Natural Increase

Curaçao’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate—has been relatively low in recent years, reflecting broader demographic trends in the Caribbean. As of the early 2020s, Curaçao’s RNI hovers near zero or even slightly negative, indicating that births barely outpace deaths, or the population is experiencing natural decline. This is largely due to low fertility rates and an aging population. In contrast, some neighboring countries, such as the Dominican Republic or Aruba, have slightly higher RNIs, though they too are experiencing declining birth rates. Meanwhile, countries like Haiti maintain a much higher RNI due to higher fertility rates and younger populations. Thus, while Curaçao shares the region’s trend toward slower natural growth, its RNI is among the lowest, making migration a more significant factor in its population change compared to some of its neighbors.

Data from US Census International Database