IRI Survey Sheds Light on What Cubans Have & Want; Hurricanes’ Effects
Washington, DC – A research survey (Spanish Version) recently commissioned by IRI is helping the global community better understand the opinions of average Cubans regarding social, economic and political issues, as well as shedding light on their access to technology and the effects of hurricanes Gustav and Ike last fall. IRI’s public opinion research is one of the only data-driven studies of its kind that is conducted on the island. Among the key findings of the survey:
- More than 92 percent of Cubans 18-and-older feel unaffected by the nominal policy changes Raul Castro has instituted since he took over for Fidel Castro in February 2008.
- While Raul Castro has officially lifted bans on the ownership of cell phones and personal computers, more than nine out of 10 adults in Cuba don’t have access to cell phones, while approximately 80 percent of Cubans never use computers to access the internet and/or e-mail.
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In identifying the biggest problem in their country, Cubans cited low salaries (43 percent), food scarcity (12.8 percent) and housing problems (7.9 percent) most frequently.
Approximately 11 percent of Cuban adults – the island has an estimated 18-and-older population of around 8.5 million – have been directly affected by the damage of last fall’s hurricane season, especially the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
In regards to desire for change in their country, 63 percent of Cubans want freedom of expression and the ability to choose their leaders. More than 86 percent want the right to own their own property and businesses.
From November 8-30, 2009, interviewers from Latin America engaged Cubans in public areas with a short repertoire of questions. A total of 592 Cuban adults were surveyed in all 14 of the country’s provinces. The survey has a margin of error of +/- four percent, with a 95 percent level of confidence.
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