Country Profile: Haiti
Haiti, located in the Caribbean on the island of Hispaniola, covers the western one-third of the island and shares a border with the Dominican Republic. With an estimated population of nearly 11.9 million in 2025, it faces serious challenges related to poverty, governance, and civil unrest, particularly following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The economy is characterized by extreme inequality and a heavy reliance on agriculture, despite significant sectors in manufacturing and services. Governed as a semi-presidential republic, Haiti's political landscape has been marked by instability and a lack of elected officials since early 2023, making the path to democratic governance precarious.
Geography
Haiti is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, featuring a mountainous terrain with a tropical climate that is vulnerable to hurricanes and natural disasters. The country's total area is approximately 27,750 square kilometers, with a coastline of 1,771 kilometers.
- Highest point: Pic la Selle at 2,674 m
- Lowest point: Caribbean Sea at 0 m
- Natural hazards: Subject to hurricanes, earthquakes, and droughts
- Land use: 65.1% agricultural land (2023)
People and Society
Haiti's population is predominantly Black (95%), with a small percentage of mixed and White individuals. The official languages are French and Haitian Creole. The country has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 25.3 years and urbanization at 59.7% of the total population.
- Population (2025 est.): 11,898,812
- Birth rate: 20.76 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy: 65.6 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy rate: 68% (2017 est.)
Economy
The Haitian economy is classified as small and heavily reliant on agriculture, which accounts for 15.9% of GDP. Despite foreign direct investment opportunities, the nation suffers from extreme poverty and inflation, alongside ongoing civil unrest.
- GDP (PPP): $32.971 billion (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 15.1% (2024 est.)
- Inflation rate: 26.9% (2024 est.)
- Remittances: 18.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Government
Haiti is a semi-presidential republic currently lacking a president following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April 2024. The political landscape is characterized by a transitional government and a significant absence of functional legislative bodies since October 2024.
- Capital: Port-au-Prince
- Independence: January 1, 1804
- Voting age: 18 years
- Next expected election: August 2026
Military and Security
The Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH) and the Haitian National Police (PNH) are responsible for maintaining security. The PNH has faced challenges from gangs controlling large areas of the country.
- Military personnel: up to 2,000 trained military personnel (2025)
- Police strength: estimates vary from 9,000 to 13,000 (2025)
- Recent security initiatives: UN Security Council approved a Kenyan-led multinational mission in response to gang violence.
Energy
Haiti has low electricity access, particularly in rural areas, with only 1.2% electrification. The country's energy generation is largely dependent on fossil fuels.
- Electricity access: 49.3% of the total population (2022 est.)
- Installed electricity generation capacity: 472,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Energy consumption per capita: 3.486 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues in Haiti include deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate access to clean water. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements.
- Deforestation: Major cause due to agricultural practices and fuel use
- Urban population: 59.7% of total population (2023)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.854 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure includes roads, ports, and limited air transport facilities, with ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities.
- Airports: 17 (2025)
- Merchant marine: total of 4 vessels (2023)
- Major ports: Key ports include Cap Haitien, Port au Prince, and Jacmel.
Communications
Haiti's communication sector includes a mix of fixed-line and mobile services, with expanding internet access despite challenges.
- Mobile subscriptions: 7.5 million (2022 est.)
- Internet users: 39% of the population (2019 est.)
- Broadcast media stations: 398 legal broadcasting stations (2019)
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 |
| Inflation rate | 26.9% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth rate | 20.76 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 65.6 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Electricity access | 49.3% | Estimated for 2022 |
| Total fertility rate | 2.39 children/woman | Estimated for 2025 |
| Literacy rate | 68% | Estimated for 2017 |
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