KINGSTON, Jamaica (AFP) — Jamaica’s population was estimated at 2,764,200 at the end of 2025 when compared with 2,763,600 in 2024.

This indicates a net population increase of just 600 persons and a growth rate of 0.0 per cent according to the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, a publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

According to the survey, there were 28,900 births and an estimated 21,300 deaths in 2025 resulting in a natural increase of 7,600 persons. However, migration also accounted for a loss of 7,000 individuals compared with 8,800 in the previous year.

In explaining the low growth, the PIOJ said, “Jamaica is undergoing demographic changes that are consistent with the final stages of the demographic transition model which is characterised by low fertility and low mortality rates; this contributes to low or negative population growth”.

“At the same time, demographic shifts are exacerbated by climate-related shocks, which are intensifying vulnerability, as evidenced by the impacts of Hurricane Melissa…,” it added.

The PIOJ highlighted that in 2025, Jamaica’s estimated population exhibited changes in its age and sex composition. It noted that a relatively large proportion of the population remains in the working age group (15–64 years), while there is an increasing dependent elderly population (65 years and over).

Worryingly is that the share of the child population (0–14 years) continues to record a decline and, as noted by the PIOJ, “net migration loss, below replacement level fertility rates and population ageing have all had an impact on the population structure”.

The PIOJ explained that over time, there has been a downward trend in both the crude birth rate and crude death rate. Other notable trends in the population include smaller household sizes and an increase in single-member households.

It said a number of strategic initiatives continued to be implemented as a consequence of changing demographics. These initiatives are aligned with national, regional and international frameworks including Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan; the National Population and Sustainable Development Policy and Programme of Action; the National Policy on International Migration and Development; the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development for Latin America and the Caribbean; and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Special emphasis was placed on social protection; population ageing awareness; below replacement level fertility; health and non-communicable diseases; and education and skills training.

The PIOJ said investment in these areas is critical for mobilising the relatively large working age population for economic growth and sustainable development.

It said that in the areas of international migration, civil registration, and diaspora and development, collaboration continued among government entities, non-governmental organisations, and international development partners.

Key initiatives included mainstreaming national policy on international migration and development at the local project level; development of the five-year Implementation Plan for the National Diaspora Policy; updating of the national migration database by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica; review of the draft CARICOM Regional Labour Migration Policy Framework and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration; and dissemination of findings from a study on high-skilled migration in Jamaica, Belize, and Grenada.