Country Profile: Haiti

Haiti, occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola, is characterized by a rugged terrain and a tropical climate. The nation has a population of approximately 11.9 million people, predominantly of African descent, and is known for its rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history of colonialism and independence as the first nation led by former slaves in 1804. Economically, Haiti faces significant challenges, including extreme poverty, inflation, and ongoing civil unrest, particularly following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The governance structure is currently in a state of transition, underscored by political instability and a lack of elected officials since early 2023.

Geography

Haiti is located in the Caribbean, bordered to the east by the Dominican Republic and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The country boasts a total area of approximately 27,750 square kilometers, with a rugged mountainous terrain and an elevation range that reaches as high as 2,674 meters at Pic la Selle. The climate is predominantly tropical with periods of drought and susceptibility to natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes.

376 km: Length of land borders with the Dominican Republic.
1,771 km: Total coastline.
65.1%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
13.4%: Forest coverage as of 2023.

People and Society

Haiti's population is estimated at 11,898,812 (2025), with a youthful demographic—the median age is just 25.3 years. The majority of the population is Black (95%), with French and Haitian Creole as the official languages. The religious landscape includes a mix of Catholicism and Protestantism, with significant elements of Vodou practiced among the populace.

59.7%: Urban population as of 2023.
20.76 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.).
328 deaths/100,000: Maternal mortality ratio (2023 est.).
35 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2025 est.).
68%: Literacy rate as of 2017.

Economy

Haiti's economy is classified as small and vulnerable, marked by extreme poverty and significant income disparity. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $32.971 billion, with a contracted growth rate of -4.2%. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with services and industrial sectors also contributing. Despite challenges, Haiti remains open to foreign investment, particularly benefiting from preferential access to the US market.

15.9%: Agriculture's share of GDP in 2024.
48.3%: Services' share of GDP in 2024.
15.1%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
18.9%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.).
$1.095 billion: Export value for 2023.

Government

Haiti is a semi-presidential republic with a history marked by instability and external influence. The country has no sitting elected officials as of January 2023, and the government is currently led by a Transitional Presidential Council following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April 2024. The latest constitution was adopted in 1987, with significant revisions in 2012.

10: Number of administrative departments.
18 years: Voting age.
Zero: Percentage of women in the Chamber of Deputies as of the last elections.
Expected: Next elections on August 30, 2026.

Military and Security

Haiti's security environment is fraught with challenges, particularly due to rising gang violence and a recent history of political turmoil. The re-established military, comprising an estimated up to 2,000 personnel, is supported by the Haitian National Police, which faces significant operational pressures.

2,500: Total personnel anticipated for the multinational security support mission involved in stabilizing the country.
9,000-13,000: Estimated personnel range for the National Police (2025).

Energy

As of 2022, only 49.3% of Haiti's population has access to electricity, highlighting significant infrastructural challenges. The country's energy generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, with installations covering 472,000 kW in capacity in 2023.

81.3%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023).
3.486 million Btu/person: Total energy consumption per capita (2023).

Environment

Haiti faces numerous environmental issues including deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. The country is also prone to natural disasters, significantly affecting its development.

65.1%: Agricultural land use (2023).
2.854 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).

Transportation

Haiti has a limited transportation infrastructure with 17 airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The transportation system is essential for connecting the populace and facilitating trade within and outside the country.

5: Total number of ports (2024).
4: Number of vessels in the merchant marine (2023).

Communications

The communications sector in Haiti includes a growing mobile cellular network but remains underdeveloped in terms of fixed-line subscriptions and Internet access, with about 39% of the population being Internet users as of 2019.

7.5 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
398: Total legal broadcasting stations, including about 105 TV stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,898,812	Estimated for 2025
Total Area	27,750 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$32.971 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	15.1%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	20.76 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Maternal Mortality Ratio	328 deaths/100,000	Estimated for 2023
Infant Mortality Rate	35 deaths/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Energy Consumption per Capita	3.486 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Electricity Access	49.3%	Percentage of population with access
CO2 Emissions	2.854 million metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023