Haiti's development continues to be hindered by political instability, increasing violence, and unprecedented levels of insecurity, which exacerbate fragility. Haiti remains the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean and among the poorest countries in the world. In 2024, Haiti had a GDP per capita of US$ 2,142.62 USD and a GINI index of 0.41 (consumption-based). Haiti's Human Development Index value for 2023 is 0.554 — which places the country in the medium human development category — ranking 166 out of 193 countries.
Since 2019, the level of violence and insecurity have remained high notably in the metropolitan area of Port au Prince, cities in the Artibonite and Centre departments, with devastating consequences for the population, including the displacement of 1,300,000 people as of June 30, 2025. between January 1st and 30 June 2025, more than 3,100 people were killed and over 1,100 injured in the context of violence perpetrated by gangs, self-defense groups and unorganized members of the population, as well as security force operations.
Haiti is also one of the most vulnerable countries to natural hazards, mainly hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. More than 96 percent of the population is exposed to these types of shocks and, as the country’s crises continue, 5.4 million Haitians struggle daily to find enough to eat.
Haiti has a total of 93,212suspected cases of cholera as of August 09, 2025. Infant and maternal mortality remain at high levels, and prevention measures are stagnating or declining, especially for the poorest households.
According to the 2020 Human Capital Index, a child born today in Haiti will grow up to be only 45 percent as productive as they could be if he or she had enjoyed full access to quality education and healthcare. Over one-fifth of children are at risk of cognitive and physical limitations, and only 78 percent of 15-year-olds will survive to age 60.
Economy
Haiti’s long-term economic potential is supported by a young population, proximity to major export markets, resilient diaspora remittances, and opportunities to develop agriculture, light manufacturing, and services. Achieving this potential will require overcoming complex challenges. Political instability, gang violence, and institutional weaknesses have contributed to a deepening fragility trap. Disruptions to transportation networks and border crossings have constrained trade and limited government revenue mobilization.
The economy contracted by 4.2% in 2024, including declines in agriculture (-5.6%), industry (-4.7%), and services (-3.9%). Inflation moderated from 44.2% in 2023 to 25.8% in 2024, but food inflation has remained persistently high (34.7% on average in 2024). An estimated 37.6% of Haitians live on less than $2.15/day (2017 PPP) in 2025. Tax revenues dropped from 6.3% to 5.2% of GDP, though a tight fiscal stance and strong remittance inflows helped stabilize the gourde and reduce inflation.
In 2025, GDP is forecast to contract by 2.0 percent as political uncertainty and gang violence depress private investment and high inflation dampens private consumption. Modest GDP growth is projected by 2026 as investment increases from a low baseline, assuming modest improvements on the political and security fronts. However, trade policy changes may dampen textile exports, compounding existing security and business climate challenges. With modest GDP growth, poverty is expected to moderate, with the share of Haitians living on less than US$2.15/day 2017 PPP projected to drop slightly from 37.6 percent in 2025 to 36.7 percent by 2027.
To accelerate growth and reduce poverty, progress on security, credible elections, and investment in governance, infrastructure, and human capital are needed. Improved disaster risk management and a stronger social contract will be critical to reversing fragility and enabling sustainable development.
Last Updated: Oct 13, 2025
