Haiti Overview

Haiti

Background

Haiti, officially the Republic of Haiti, is the most populous country in the Caribbean with approximately 11.4 million inhabitants. It is the 13th largest island in the world, located in the Atlantic Ocean, and is the westernmost of the two islands that make up the island nation of Hispaniola. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.53.

Language

Haiti has two official languages: French and Haitian Creole. However, the majority of the population (approximately 90%) speaks only Haitian Creole. Despite this, schools are primarily conducted in French, which creates a linguistic challenge for many Haitians. Mastery of the minority French language is a pivotal socioeconomic status symbol in Haiti.

History

Haiti is the first independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. It gained independence from France on January 1, 1804, after the successful Haitian Revolution, which lasted from 1791 to 1804. Since then, Haiti has experienced long periods of political instability, including a series of dictators, occupations, and coups. The country has yet to develop a means of collective decision-making, often going from dictator to occupation and back again for more than 200 years.

Economy

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a per capita GDP of $784.30 as of 2019. The country has remained among the poorest and most unequal countries in Latin America, with more than one in two Haitians living on less than $2.41 a day and one in four living below the national extreme poverty line of $1.23 a day. The country has experienced some progress, with a decline in both monetary and multidimensional poverty rates since 2000, and gains in access to education and sanitation.

Challenges

Haiti has faced numerous challenges over the years. The country has suffered from nearly unprecedented demographic, economic, and environmental pressures. The latest tyrants in Haiti are the gangs that compete violently over territory and resources, blocking the flow of even basic humanitarian aid. In the aftermath of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, the public discourse of major politicians, civic leaders, and radio and television journalists has been conducted primarily in Haitian Creole, as French has been largely abandoned.

International Support

There have been numerous calls for the international community to support Haiti in its efforts to address its challenges. Proposed solutions include establishing a national dialogue process, supporting the country through an interim government and election, and implementing constitutional reforms. The international community has been urged to play a more active role in Haiti's political and security processes.