Haiti - General Overview

General overview

Over the last decade, Haiti has experienced political, economic and social strife. This situation has resulted in low or negative GDP growth, further exacerbating the levels of poverty and inequality in the country. According to 2006 data, 78 percent of Haitians are poor (defined as living on less than US$2 a day), and 54 percent live in extreme poverty (living on less than US$1 a day). Living conditions are particularly difficult in rural areas.  Two-thirds of all Haitians depend on the agricultural sector to survive, mainly small-scale subsistence farming, and remain vulnerable to damage from frequent natural disasters, exacerbated by country-wide deforestation. With an infant mortality rate of 76 per 1,000 births, an illiteracy rate of 47 percent, and the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS outside Sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti ranks 154th of 177 countries worldwide in the United Nations 2006 Human Development Index.

Haiti’s development level is similar to that of some of the poorest countries in Africa. The recent surge in international food prices has made the lives of ordinary citizens even more difficult, and the prospect of starvation is a reality for many. Over the past few years, the security situation has improved, to a great extent because of the performance of over 9,000 UN soldiers stationed in Haiti, but also because of increasingly effective governmental leadership. Much remains to be done to promote continued human and food security as well as political and economic stability.

Facts and Figures

Geography

Haiti’s terrain consists mainly of rugged mountains with small coastal plains and river valleys.  The east and central part is a large elevated plateau.  The highest point is Chaine de la Selle at 8,793 feet (2.680 m).  The 224 mile border is shared with the Dominican Republic.

In 1925, Haiti was a lush, tropical paradise, with 60% of its original forest covering the lands and mountainous regions.  Over the years, 95% of Haiti’s trees have been cut down and in the process fertile farmland soils were destroyed.  Erosion has been severe in the mountainous areas.  Charcoal production has accounted for the bulk of Haitian logging.

In addition to soil erosion, the deforestation has also caused periodic flooding, as seen on September 17^th 2004.  Tropical Storm Jeanne (‘04) skimmed the north coast of Haiti leaving 3,006 people dead after flooding and mudslides, mostly in the city of Gonaives.  This problem was further reinforced when 3 hurricanes and a tropical storm drenched the entire country during August and September 2008.  Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike caused massive damage and mudslides claiming the lives of approximately 500 people.  Again the city of Gonaives was worst affected.

Population and Economy

About 95% of Haitians are of predominant African descent.  The rest of the population is mostly mulatto or mixed African-Caucasian ancestry. A few are of European heritage.

Although Haiti averages about 758 people per square mile (293/km²), its population is concentrated most heavily in urban areas, coastal plains and valleys.  The largest city is the capital Port-au-Prince with a metropolitan population of over 2.5 million, followed by Cap Haitian with 600,000 and Gonaives with at least 200,000.

Haiti remains the least-developed country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world. Haiti now ranks 153^rd of 177 countries in the UN’s Human Development Index.  About 80% of the population lives in abject poverty.  Nearly 70% of all Haitians depend on the agriculture sector, which consists mainly of small-scale subsistence farming. 

Culture - Language, Art and Music

All Haitians speak Haitian Creole, the country’s first official language.  This is the language you will hear most often on the streets and in the majority of Haitian households.  French is the second official language, and is the language of instruction in most Haitian schools and used widely in official settings. 

Most of the Caribbean has a rich tradition of art, but none of the countries is as prolific and unique as Haiti.  For its size and population, Haiti has an abundance of artists-they are predominantly painters, but also metal workers and Voodoo flag makers.  Much of Haitian art has been classified as ‘naïve’ or ‘primitive’, partly due its simple style and avoidance of classical perspective.  The major factor contributing to the singular vision of Haitian artists is their inextricable link with Voodoo and the spirit world.

Musical expression in Haiti reflects both the fusion of cultural influences and, more recently, popular resistance and struggle in Haitian politics. Wherever you travel you will encounter impromptu concerts or loudspeakers blaring traditional and popular tunes.  The music of Haiti is easily recognisable from other styles.  It includes Konpa, Kadans, and Racine and Haitians have also imported Zouk from the Lesser Antilles and merengue from the Dominican Republic.  Some Haitian musicians perform regularly in the United States and Quebec.