Overview of Haiti

Profile

The 27,750km² territory is almost entirely mountainous with narrow coastal plains scattered along the coast. Blessed with tropical climate and rich coral reefs, but frequent natural disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. Politics destabilized by long civil strife and foreign intervention, economy evaluated as Caribbean's most fragile. However, unique Creole culture blending French language and African traditions in music, dance, cuisine, and Vodou beliefs supports people's pride.

Official name: Republic of Haiti
Common name: Haiti
Numeric code: 332
Alpha-3 code: HTI
Alpha-2 code: HT
Population: Approximately 11.5 million (2023 estimate) (2023)
Population density: About 418 people/km²
Primary languages: Haitian Creole, French
Major religions: Catholic, Protestant, Vodou
National anthem: La Dessalinienne
Calling code: +509
Internet TLD: .ht

History

After Columbus's 1492 landing, French colonization, black revolution starting 1791, gained independence 1804. Since then continued coups, dictatorship, U.S. occupation, earthquake damage.

18th century French Saint-Domingue boasted world's greatest wealth from sugar and coffee exports, but rebellion against harsh slavery erupted in 1791. Toussaint Louverture, Dessalines and others rose up, defeated Napoleon's forces, and established Haiti in 1804. Post-independence saw confusion with French reparations, north-south division, U.S. military rule (1915-34), Duvalier father-son dictatorship (1957-86). Civilian transfer in 1990s, but 2010 M7.0 earthquake and recent gang rise severely impaired state functions, with state of emergency and transitional council established in 2024.

Geography & climate

About two-thirds of territory mountainous, with north-south peninsula protrusions and central plateau. Coastal mangroves and coral reefs, interior karst plateaus scattered.

Tropical savanna to tropical rainforest. Distinct dry and rainy seasons, hurricane pathway.

Area: North America / 27750 km²
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Largest city: Port-au-Prince
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Azuéi, Trou Caïman Lake, Étang Saumâtre
Bordering countries: Dominican Republic

Natural resources

Bauxite, Copper, Gold, Limestone, Marble, Hydropower, Forests, Fishery resources, Fertile volcanic soil, Vetiver, Mangoes, Coffee, Cacao, Sugarcane, Tourism resources (beaches, hot springs)

Politics

Government: Semi-presidential republic (under transitional government)

Economy

Currency: Haitian Gourde (HTG)

GDP (nominal): 21.5 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 36.0 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Haitian Creole, French

Time zone: Haiti Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Afro-Haitian, Mulatto, Arab-Haitian, Small Taíno minority, Other

Life expectancy

64.5 years (2022)

Literacy rate

About 61% (2021 estimate)

National sports

Soccer, Basketball, Boxing, Judo, Athletics