Haiti: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Haiti 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Haiti: na
  • Happiness Score Haiti:na

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Haiti. HT.

    Haiti is the first independent nation in Latin America, gaining independence from France in 1804.

  • home to the Citadel, a massive fortress built in the early 19th century to defend the country from French invasion.
  • known for its vibrant and unique Vodou religion, which combines elements of African, Caribbean, and Roman Catholic beliefs.
  • Haiti – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History and Ancient Civilizations

    Haiti’s history is deeply rooted in the indigenous Taíno and Arawak cultures that inhabited the island before European arrival. The Taíno people, known for their advanced agricultural practices and intricate ceramics, were one of the first to encounter Christopher Columbus in 1492.

    Colonial Period and Struggle for Independence

    Haiti’s colonial history was marked by the brutal enslavement of Africans under French rule. The island, then called Saint-Domingue, became one of the wealthiest European colonies, fueled by the labor of enslaved people on sugar and coffee plantations. In 1804, after a long and bloody revolution led by Toussaint Louverture and other revolutionary leaders, Haiti became the first independent black republic in the Western Hemisphere.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Haiti’s journey as an independent nation has been tumultuous, with a succession of authoritarian rulers, foreign interventions, and political instability. The Duvalier family dictatorship, from 1957 to 1986, was particularly oppressive. In the 1990s, a series of coups and international interventions destabilized the country further. Since then, Haiti has struggled to establish a sustainable democracy, facing challenges such as poverty, environmental degradation, and natural disasters like the devastating 2010 earthquake.

    Current Political Situation

    Haiti’s current political landscape is fragile, with ongoing protests and calls for reform. The country has faced a constitutional crisis since the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, and elections have been repeatedly delayed. Efforts are underway to establish a transitional government and hold elections, but the process has been marred by gang violence and political gridlock.

    International Relations

    Haiti maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United States, Canada, and regional neighbors. However, the country has faced challenges in securing international aid and investment due to political instability and corruption. Haiti participates in regional organizations like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States (OAS).

    Human Development and Economy

    Haiti ranks among the lowest in human development indicators, with high poverty rates, limited access to education and healthcare, and a fragile economy heavily dependent on remittances and aid. The country’s primary industries include agriculture, light manufacturing, and services, but economic growth has been hindered by political instability and natural disasters.

    Cultural Highlights

    Haiti boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by its indigenous, African, and French roots. The country is renowned for its vibrant art, music (particularly Compas and Rara), and literature. Vodou, a syncretic religion with African and Catholic elements, is widely practiced and has significantly shaped Haitian culture.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Haiti faces significant challenges, including political instability, poverty, environmental degradation, and vulnerability to natural disasters. However, the resilience and determination of the Haitian people, coupled with sustained international support and investment in infrastructure, education, and economic development, could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.

Main facts

1. Location

Haiti is located in the Caribbean Sea, occupying the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. It is situated to the east of Cuba, southeast of Florida (United States), and west of Puerto Rico.

2. Map References

Haiti is located in the Caribbean region, which is part of the North American continent.

3. Area – Comparative

With an area of 27,750 square kilometers (10,714 square miles), Haiti is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland in the United States.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Haiti shares a 360-kilometer (224-mile) border with the Dominican Republic, which occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola.

5. Coastline

Haiti has a total coastline of 1,771 kilometers (1,100 miles), featuring various bays and inlets.

6. Maritime Claims

Haiti claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, a contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles, and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.

7. Climate

Haiti has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. The climate is moderated by trade winds, with slight variations in temperature and rainfall across different regions.

8. Terrain

Haiti’s terrain is predominantly rugged and mountainous, with the highest peaks in the Chaine de la Selle mountain range. The country also features narrow coastal plains and river valleys.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Haiti is Pic la Selle at 2,680 meters (8,793 feet), while the lowest point is the Caribbean Sea at 0 meters (0 feet).

10. Natural Resources

Haiti’s natural resources include bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, and hydropower.

11. Major Bodies of Water

Notable bodies of water in Haiti include the Gulf of Gonâve, the Canal de la Tortue, and the Lac de Péligre, a man-made lake.

12. Natural Hazards

Haiti is susceptible to natural hazards such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and occasional droughts.

13. Geography – Notes

Haiti’s geography is marked by widespread deforestation and soil erosion, which have contributed to environmental degradation and vulnerability to natural disasters. The country’s location in the hurricane belt also makes it prone to frequent tropical storms and hurricanes.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 3.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 2,978. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 66.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  18.971187-72.285215.
  • Capital: The capital of Haiti is  Port-au-Prince
  • Major Cities:
    • Port-au-Prince – Population: 987,310
    • Carrefour – Population: 442,156
    • Delmas – Population: 382,920
    • Pétion-Ville – Population: 283,052
    • Port-de-Paix – Population: 250,000
  • Population: 11,263,077
  • Area(Km2): 27750
  • Population Density( P/Km²):414. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:509
  • Official Language(s):Haiti is primarily spoken in Haitian Creole (95%) and French (5%).
  • Currency: HTG

Main Economic Indicators

Haiti has a free market economy with low labor costs and tariff-free access to the US market for many goods. Its economy is hampered by corruption, political instability, and a lack of access to education. Over 25% of the population lives on less than $1.25 per day. Key economic challenges include rebuilding infrastructure devastated by the 2010 earthquake and addressing high unemployment rates.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

16.8% (2022 est.)
24.6% (2021 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated
Fitch: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 20.5%
Industry: 19.9%
Services: 59.6%
Source: CIA World Factbook (2017 est.)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Sugar cane, corn, pineapples, coffee, mangoes, logwood, cocoa
Industrial Products: Textiles, sugar refining, flour milling, cement, light assembly industries

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 4.743 million (2021 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Current Account Balance

-$113 million (2021 est.)
-$37 million (2020 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Exports and Imports

Exports: $1.51 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Canada, Germany
Main Exports: Apparel, manufactures, oils, cocoa, mangoes, coffee
Imports: $4.74 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: United States, China, Netherlands Antilles
Main Imports: Food, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, raw materials

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $3.718 billion (31 December 2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 1.81 tonnes (Feb 2018 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

  • GDP (Current US$):$8,498,981,821. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 42.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.81. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.25. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 13.78%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Haitian(s)
Adjective: Haitian

2. Ethnic Groups

Black: 95%
Mulatto and White: 5%

3. Religions

Roman Catholic: 54.7%
Protestant: 28.5% (Baptist 15.4%, Pentecostal 7.9%, Adventist 3%, Methodist 1.5%, other 0.7%)
Other: 4.6%
None: 10.2%
Unspecified: 2%

4. Age Structure

0-14 years: 31.9% (male 1,752,993/female 1,693,766)
15-64 years: 63.3% (male 3,408,928/female 3,416,736)
65 years and over: 4.8% (male 216,785/female 300,587) (2022 est.)

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 57.1 (2022 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 50.3 (2022 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.8 (2022 est.)

6. Median Age

Total: 24.3 years
Male: 23.8 years
Female: 24.8 years (2022 est.)

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 22.7% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 4.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
Tobacco use: 6.3% of adults (2020)
Maternal mortality ratio: 480 deaths/100,000 live births (2017)
Infant mortality rate: 47.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 63.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 61.7%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:24.35. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.94. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 11.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 6,328,948. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):36.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The armed forces of Haiti consist of the Haitian Armed Forces, which include the Military of Haiti, the Haitian Coast Guard, and the National Police of Haiti. The Military of Haiti comprises the Haitian Army and the Haitian Air Force. Haiti does not have a navy. The country’s security apparatus also includes the Haitian National Police, which plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security.

Military Expenditures

Haiti’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years is as follows:

  • 2022: 0.05%
  • 2021: 0.04%
  • 2020: 0.04%
  • 2019: 0.03%
  • 2018: 0.03%

Haiti ranks among the countries with the lowest military expenditures globally.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel in Haiti is estimated to be around 3,500, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 3,000
  • Air Force: 500

The Haitian National Police has a strength of approximately 15,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Haiti’s military equipment inventory is relatively modest and consists primarily of light weapons, small arms, and some armored vehicles. The country relies heavily on imports for its military hardware, with most equipment sourced from the United States, Canada, and other Western nations. There are no significant ongoing or planned major military acquisitions or development programs.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Haiti is voluntary, with enlistment permitted for individuals aged 18 to 25 years. There is currently no mandatory military service obligation in the country.

Military Deployments

Haiti does not have any significant overseas military deployments. The country has contributed a small contingent of personnel to various United Nations peacekeeping missions in the past.

Strategic Military Notes

Haiti’s overall defense strategy is focused on maintaining internal security and addressing domestic threats, such as gang violence and civil unrest. The country’s military plays a limited role in regional or global security frameworks. Haiti is not a member of any major military alliances but maintains bilateral security partnerships with countries like the United States, Canada, and France.

  • Armed Forces Size: 150. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.23
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 67.20%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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