Country Profile: Haiti
Haiti, located on the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, faces significant challenges, with a landscape marked by mountains and a tropical climate. The population, estimated at about 11.9 million in 2025, is predominantly Black (95%), with a mix of languages, including French and Haitian Creole. Economically, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, grappling with extreme poverty, political instability, and civil unrest following recent turmoil, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The governance structure is currently in transition, with significant changes occurring in the leadership and electoral processes.
Geography
Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic and is characterized by its rough, mountainous terrain. It experiences a tropical climate, with seasonal hurricanes threatening its coastlines and contributing to periodic natural disasters.
- Total Area: 27,750 sq km
- Coastline Length: 1,771 km
- Highest Point: Pic la Selle (2,674 m)
- Natural Hazards: Frequent hurricanes and earthquakes, including the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010.
- Population Distribution: Predominantly near coastal areas.
People and Society
Haitians are mainly of African descent, with a significant portion practicing Vodou alongside other religions. The population is predominantly urban, with about 59.7% living in cities as of 2023. The country also faces considerable health challenges, including high infant mortality rates and a low physician density.
- Estimated Population (2025): 11,898,812
- Major Languages: French (official), Haitian Creole (official)
- Life Expectancy: 65.6 years (2024 est.)
- Urbanization Rate: 2.47% annual change (2020-25)
- Literacy Rate: 68% (2017 est.)
Economy
Haiti's economy is small and heavily reliant on agriculture and remittances, experiencing extreme poverty and ongoing inflation issues. The economic outlook remains challenging with a significant decline expected in real GDP.
- Real GDP (PPP) 2024: $32.971 billion
- Unemployment Rate: 15.1% (2024 est.)
- Inflation Rate: 26.9% (2024 est.)
- Exports (2023): $1.095 billion
- Major Exports: Garments, essential oils, and industrial products.
Government
Haiti operates as a semi-presidential republic. Due to recent political instability, including the vacuum left by the assassination of President Moïse, the country is currently governed by a transitional council, with elections expected in August 2026.
- Capital: Port-au-Prince
- Government Type: Semi-presidential republic
- Latest Constitution: Adopted on 10 March 1987
- Voting Age: 18 years
Military and Security
The Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH) have been reconstituted after being disbanded in 1995. The focus now includes domestic security issues, particularly combatting gang violence affecting the capital.
- Personnel Strength: Up to 13,000 National Police personnel (2025 est.)
- Military Personnel: Planned expansion to around 5,000
- Recent Security Initiatives: Deployment of a Kenya-led multinational security support mission to aid in stabilizing the country.
Energy
Haiti faces significant challenges in energy access, with a large part of the population lacking electricity. The energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels.
- Electricity Access: 49.3% of total population (2022 est.)
- Installed Capacity: 472,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Energy Consumption per Capita: 3.486 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues such as deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate access to potable water hinder development efforts. Natural hazards frequently disrupt the country's stability.
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 2.854 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Agricultural Land Use: 65.1% (2023 est.)
- Municipal Solid Waste Generated Annually: 2.31 million tons (2024 est.)
Transportation
Haiti possesses limited transportation infrastructure, with significant reliance on road networks and a small number of ports for trade and import activities.
- Airports: 17 (2025)
- Merchant Marine Fleet: 4 vessels (2023)
- Total Ports: 5 (2024)
Communications
Haiti's communications sector is developing, but access to internet and fixed-line services remains limited.
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 7.5 million (2022 est.)
- Internet Users: 39% of the population (2019 est.)
- Fixed-Line Subscriptions: Less than 1 per 100 inhabitants (2022 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,898,812 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 27,750 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $32.971 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 15.1% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Inflation Rate | 26.9% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 65.6 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Energy Access | 49.3% | Percentage of total population (2022) |
| Urban Population | 59.7% | Percentage of total population (2023) |
| Literacy Rate | 68% | Estimated for 2017 |
| Civil Aircraft for Registration Code | HH | Civil aviation code |
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