Country Profile: Haiti

Haiti is located in the Caribbean, occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. With a population of approximately 11.7 million, Haiti faces significant challenges, including extreme poverty and a governance structure affected by political instability. The economy, characterized by a heavy reliance on agriculture and a history of foreign economic influence, grapples with inflation and inequality. Despite these challenges, Haiti is a nation with rich cultural heritage and resilient citizens striving for progress.

Geography

Haiti covers an area of 27,750 sq km, featuring primarily rough and mountainous terrain. The country's climate is tropical, with variations influenced by its topography, particularly where the mountains restrict trade winds. Haiti experiences many natural hazards, including hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes.

376 km: Border with the Dominican Republic.
1,771 km: Total coastline.
65.1%: Agricultural land use as of 2023.
13.4%: Forest cover as of 2023.
2,674 m: Highest point is Pic la Selle.

People and Society

As of 2024, Haiti's population is estimated at 11,753,943, with a median age of 25 years. The nation is predominantly Black (95%), with French and Haitian Creole as its official languages. A significant portion of the population practices Christianity, with 55% identifying as Catholic and 29% as Protestant.

59.7%: Urbanization rate as of 2023.
21.2 births/1,000 population: Birth rate for 2024.
65.6 years: Life expectancy at birth for 2024.
1.23%: Annual population growth rate for 2024.
37.5%: Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) for 2024.

Economy

Haiti's economy is small and heavily impacted by ongoing civil unrest and extreme poverty. The GDP is projected at $32.971 billion for 2024, with a negative growth rate of -4.2%. The economy relies significantly on agriculture, industry, and services.

15.9%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP in 2024.
48.3%: Services sector contribution to GDP in 2024.
$2,800: Real GDP per capita for 2024.
15.1%: Unemployment rate estimated for 2024.
18.9%: GDP contribution from remittances in 2023.

Government

Haiti operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a long history of political instability and cycles of unrest. The government structure includes a prime minister and a president, though the presidency is currently vacant as of 2024. The constitution is based on civil law influenced by the Napoleonic Code.

10 March 1987: Date of the latest constitution adoption.
18 years: Universal suffrage age.
5 years: Residency requirement for naturalization.
10: Number of departments in Haiti.

Military and Security

Haiti has reestablished its armed forces, the Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH), which is tasked with aiding the police in dealing with civil unrest. The Haitian National Police is responsible for public security and faces ongoing challenges due to rising gang violence.

2,000: Estimated trained military personnel as of 2025.
9,000 to 13,000: Estimated strength of the National Police.
2023: Year the UN approved a Kenya-led mission to assist with security.

Energy

Haiti's energy infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with only 49.3% of the population having access to electricity. The installed capacity for electricity generation is approximately 472,000 kW, primarily sourced from fossil fuels and hydroelectricity.

861 million kWh: Total electricity consumption in 2023.
19,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption in 2023.
0.4%: Solar energy contribution to total installed capacity in 2023.

Environment

Deforestation, inadequate access to clean water, and vulnerability to natural disasters are significant environmental issues in Haiti. The country has also signed multiple international environmental agreements addressing climate change and biodiversity.

2.31 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually as of 2024.
9.1%: Rate of municipal waste recycled in 2022.
14.022 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources in 2022.

Transportation

Haiti has a limited transportation infrastructure consisting of several airports and ports. The country is served by a small merchant marine fleet and has various transport facilities to support internal and international movement.

17: Total number of airports as of 2025.
5: Total ports in the country.
4: Number of merchant marine vessels in 2023.

Communications

Communications infrastructure includes a network of fixed and mobile telephone subscriptions. As of 2021, there were 7.32 million mobile cellular subscriptions, indicating growing connectivity among the population.

39%: Percentage of the population using the internet in 2019.
398: Legal broadcasting stations in the country.
35,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions as of 2022.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,753,943 (2024 est.)
Area	27,750 sq km
GDP	$32.971 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	15.1% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	21.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	65.6 years (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	49.3% (2022 est.)
Urban Population	59.7% (2023)
Infant Mortality Rate	36.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Public Debt	33.9% of GDP (2016 est.)