Haiti

The Republic of Haiti, occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, holds a singular place in global history as the first independent Black republic and the second-oldest republic in the Western Hemisphere. It emerged from the only successful slave revolt in history, marking a monumental milestone in the universal struggle for freedom and equality. Despite this proud legacy, Haiti has endured centuries of political upheaval, economic hardship, and natural disasters. The strength, cultural vitality, and resilience of its people continue to define the nation’s identity amid profound institutional and social challenges.

Historical Background

Before European colonisation, the island was home to the Taíno, an Arawak-speaking Indigenous people who cultivated maize, cassava, and tobacco. Christopher Columbus landed on Hispaniola in 1492, claiming it for Spain. Within a few decades, the Taíno population was decimated by disease, forced labour, and violence, making way for the importation of enslaved Africans.
By the 17th century, French settlers occupied the island’s western portion. Under the Treaty of Ryswick (1697), Spain formally ceded this area to France, establishing the colony of Saint-Domingue. During the 18th century, Saint-Domingue became the richest colony in the world, producing nearly half of Europe’s sugar and coffee through the exploitation of enslaved Africans.
The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) transformed this colony into an independent nation. Led by figures such as Toussaint L’Ouverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe, enslaved people and free people of colour overthrew French rule and abolished slavery. On 1 January 1804, Dessalines declared independence, naming the new state Haiti, after its Indigenous Taíno name.
Haiti’s triumph alarmed colonial powers, leading to diplomatic isolation and economic punishment. In 1825, France demanded a massive indemnity of 100 million francs (equivalent to over $22 billion USD in 2023) in exchange for recognition, plunging the country into long-term debt. The United States refused recognition until 1862, fearing Haiti’s influence on enslaved populations in the American South.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Haiti faced chronic political instability, coups, and external intervention. The US occupation (1915–1934) reshaped Haiti’s economy and military but reinforced dependence on foreign powers. Dictatorial rule returned under François “Papa Doc” Duvalier (1957–1971) and his son Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier (1971–1986), whose regimes combined brutal repression with economic decline.
Democracy returned briefly in the 1990s under Jean-Bertrand Aristide, but recurring coups (1991, 2004) and contested elections weakened institutions. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 plunged Haiti into one of its deepest crises, characterised by lawlessness, gang control, and the collapse of governance.
In April 2024, after mounting international pressure, Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned, and a Transitional Presidential Council of nine members assumed power. Alix Didier Fils-Aimé was appointed prime minister in November 2024 to lead preparations for elections scheduled for 2025. Haiti currently has no sitting elected legislature, marking an unprecedented constitutional void in its modern history.

Geography and Environment

Location: Western Hispaniola, Caribbean SeaArea: 27,750 sq kmCoastline: 1,771 kmTopography: Predominantly mountainous, with plains and river valleys; the Massif de la Selle and Massif du Nord dominate the landscape.Highest point: Pic la Selle (2,674 m)
Climate: Tropical, with a wet season from April to October and vulnerability to hurricanes, floods, and droughts. The country lies on a major geological fault line, making it prone to earthquakes. The 2010 earthquake (magnitude 7.0) killed approximately 300,000 people, while another major quake in 2021 claimed over 2,000 lives.
Natural resources: Bauxite, copper, gold, marble, and fertile but degraded soil.Land use (2023):

• Agricultural: 65%
• Forest: 12.4%
• Other: 22.6%

Environmental challenges: Deforestation, erosion, and poor waste management (recycling <10%). Soil degradation has drastically reduced agricultural yields. Haiti’s emissions remain low (2.85 million metric tonnes CO₂ in 2023), but weak institutions limit environmental enforcement.
Haiti is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, and Convention on Biological Diversity, yet environmental policy implementation remains limited.

Demography and Society

Population (2024): 11.75 millionGrowth rate: 1.23%Median age: 25 yearsUrban population: 60%Capital: Port-au-Prince (~3 million)
Ethnic composition:

• Black – 95%
• Mixed/White – 5%

Languages:

• Official: French and Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen)

Religion:

• Roman Catholic – 55%
• Protestant – 29%
• Vodou – widely practised (50–80%, often syncretic with Christianity)

Health indicators:

• Life expectancy: 65.6 years
• Infant mortality: 42 per 1,000 live births
• Maternal mortality: 328 per 100,000 births
• Access to safe water: 67%
• Adequate sanitation: 67% urban / 33% rural
• Health expenditure: 6.3% of GDP

Education:

• Literacy rate: 68% (male 71%, female 65%)
• Education expenditure: 1.1% of GDP
• School life expectancy: 9 yearsMost schools are privately operated, and higher education access is limited to urban elites.

Social conditions:

• Poverty rate: over 60%
• Youth unemployment: 37%
• Remittances: 18.9% of GDP (primarily from the US, Canada, and France)

Urban poverty, gang violence, and limited state presence have contributed to large-scale migration to the Dominican Republic, United States, and Chile.

Government and Political Structure

Official name: Republic of Haiti (République d’Haïti)System: Semi-presidential republic (transitional administration)Capital: Port-au-PrinceConstitution: 1987 (amended 2012)
Executive:

• Transitional Presidential Council (since April 2024) – nine-member body exercising collective executive power.
• Prime Minister: Alix Didier Fils-Aimé (since November 2024)

Legislature: Bicameral National Assembly (Senate and Chamber of Deputies) – inactive since January 2023.
Judiciary:

• Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) – highest judicial authority
• Legal system based on Napoleonic civil law, influenced by French jurisprudence.

Administrative divisions: 10 departments (including Ouest, Nord, Artibonite, Sud, and Centre).Local governance remains fragile, hindered by limited resources and corruption.

Economic Overview

Haiti’s economy is small, aid-dependent, and chronically fragile, frequently disrupted by political instability and natural disasters.
Key indicators (2024):

• GDP (nominal): $10.8 billion
• GDP (PPP): $32.9 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $2,800
• Real GDP growth: -4.2% (recession)
• Inflation: 26.9%
• Unemployment: 15%

Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 15.9%
• Industry: 33.4%
• Services: 48.3%

Main exports: Textiles, essential oils, mangoes, cocoa, and coffeeMain export partners: United States (80%), Canada, Dominican RepublicMain imports: Petroleum, rice, vehicles, food products, and machineryMain import partners: United States, China, Dominican Republic
Fiscal indicators:

• Public debt: 24.7% of GDP
• Remittances: 18.9% of GDP
• Foreign aid and NGO assistance remain vital sources of funding

Energy:

• Electricity access: 49% (urban 75%, rural 1%)
• Energy mix: 81% fossil fuels, 18% hydroelectric, 1% renewablesChronic blackouts, outdated grids, and fuel shortages constrain productivity.

Defence, Security, and International Assistance

Armed Forces (FAdH): ~2,000 active personnel (re-established 2017; dissolved 1995)Police (PNH): 9,000–13,000 officers nationwide
The Haitian National Police struggles against heavily armed gangs controlling major districts of Port-au-Prince. Kidnappings, extortion, and road blockades are widespread.
In 2023, the UN Security Council authorised a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to assist in restoring security. Deployment began in 2024, supported financially by the United States, Canada, and CARICOM members.
The Haitian Armed Forces remain small, tasked with border protection, disaster response, and limited security cooperation.

Culture and International Relations

Haiti’s culture embodies a fusion of African, European, and Caribbean traditions, expressed vividly through its music, art, religion, and language. Vodou ceremonies, kompa and rara music, and the Haitian Creole language are integral aspects of national identity.
Art and literature: Haiti has produced internationally renowned artists and writers such as Jacques Roumain, René Depestre, and Edwidge Danticat, reflecting themes of struggle, faith, and resilience.
Cuisine: Rooted in African and French influences, featuring staples like rice, beans, plantains, and griot (fried pork).
National symbols:

• Flag: Blue and red horizontal bands with a white panel displaying the national coat of arms
• Motto: “L’Union Fait La Force” (“Unity Makes Strength”)
• Anthem: La Dessalinienne
• National holiday: Independence Day – 1 January

UNESCO World Heritage Site: National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, and Ramiers – monuments of Haiti’s revolutionary era symbolising freedom and resilience.