Country Profile: Haiti

Haiti, located on the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, is characterized by its mountainous terrain and tropical climate. As one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, it faces significant challenges, including high levels of poverty, political instability, and recurrent natural disasters. The population is predominantly Black, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history of colonization and revolution. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, remittances, and foreign investment, while its governance has been marked by a series of tumultuous political events.

Geography

Haiti is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, bordered by the Dominican Republic to the east. The nation covers an area of approximately 27,750 square kilometers and features a rugged, mountainous landscape, which contributes to its vulnerability to natural disasters.

376 km of land borders with the Dominican Republic.
1,771 km of coastline.
The highest point is Pic la Selle, rising to 2,674 m.
65.1% of total land is used for agriculture as of 2023.

People and Society

Haiti has an estimated population of about 11.9 million people as of 2025, predominantly of African descent. The official languages are French and Haitian Creole, reflecting the country's colonial history and cultural identity. The society is marked by high rates of urbanization and significant youth demographics.

30.5% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
59.7% of the population resides in urban areas as of 2023.
The median age is 25.3 years in 2025.
68% literacy rate recorded in 2017.

Economy

Haiti's economy is small and heavily reliant on agriculture, which accounts for about 15.9% of its GDP. The country faces extreme poverty and inflation, with a notable portion of GDP coming from remittances sent home by Haitians abroad.

Real GDP per capita projected at $2,800 in 2024.
15.1% unemployment rate estimated for 2024.
The inflation rate reached 26.9% in 2024.
18.9% of GDP is derived from remittances as of 2023.

Government

Haiti operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a complex political landscape shaped by its tumultuous history. The country has experienced several changes in governance, notably after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Political instability continues to pose challenges to governance.

The capital city is Port-au-Prince.
The most recent election for president was held on 20 November 2016.
A transitional council was established on 25 April 2024 to oversee governance until elections can be held.

Military and Security

Haiti's military has undergone significant changes over the years, with the Haitian Armed Forces recently reinstituted to assist in maintaining public security and responding to natural disasters. The Haitian National Police plays a crucial role in public safety.

The military is projected to have around 5,000 personnel in the future.
Estimates for the National Police range between 9,000 and 13,000 officers.
A Kenyan-led multinational security mission was approved in 2023 to assist in combating gang violence.

Energy

Haiti’s energy sector is marked by limited access to electricity, particularly in rural areas. The primary sources of electricity generation include fossil fuels and hydroelectricity.

49.3% of the population had access to electricity in 2022.
Total installed capacity for electricity generation is 472,000 kW as of 2023.
81.3% of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels.

Environment

Haiti faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil erosion, largely due to agricultural practices and the country's vulnerability to natural disasters.

The country is located in the hurricane belt, experiencing severe storms from June to October.
About 13.4% of land is forested as of 2023.
2.31 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually, with only 9.1% recycled.

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Haiti is limited, with a few airports and seaports serving the country. The transportation system is vital for both domestic travel and imports/exports.

There are 17 airports in operation as of 2025.
Haiti has 5 total ports, including key locations such as Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien.
The merchant marine consists of 4 vessels.

Communications

Haiti's communications infrastructure includes a mix of traditional and modern telecommunications systems. Mobile phone usage is prevalent, while internet access remains limited.

There were approximately 7.5 million mobile cellular subscriptions in 2022.
39% of the population were estimated to be internet users in 2019.
The country has 398 legal broadcasting stations, indicating a diverse media landscape.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,898,812	Estimated for 2025
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
Life Expectancy	65.6 years	Estimated for 2024
Electric Access	49.3%	Estimated for 2022
Inflation Rate	26.9%	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	68%	Recorded in 2017
Total Fertility Rate	2.39 children/woman	Estimated for 2025