The Causes and Consequences of Puerto Rico's Declining Population

Puerto Rico’s population has been falling for nearly a decade, and the pace of decline has accelerated in recent years. Although a slowdown in the island’s birthrate has contributed to this decline, a surge in the out-migration of its citizens has been a more important factor. The exodus — which includes a large share of younger people — has hastened population aging, but it has not necessarily led to a “brain drain.” To counter its population loss, Puerto Rico must not only adopt measures to shore up its economy and expand job opportunities, but also enact fiscal reforms and improve the island’s amenities