Haiti

Haiti
Type	Sovereign state
Key terms	Caribbean, Hispaniola, Creole/French
Related	Dominican Republic, Caribbean Community, Port-au-Prince
Examples	Gourde (HTG), 2010 earthquake, Artibonite River
Domain	Geography
Wikidata	Q790

Haiti is a country in the Caribbean Sea on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Located in North America’s Caribbean region, it covers about 27,750 square kilometers (roughly the size of Maryland) and has around 11 million inhabitants. Its capital and largest city is Port-au-Prince. Haiti became the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean in 1804, following a successful slave revolt. The official languages are French and Haitian Creole (a French-based creole language), and Haiti’s culture reflects a blend of African, French, and indigenous Taino influences. Today Haiti faces significant challenges: it is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, with chronic political instability, environmental vulnerability, and weak infrastructure.

Geography and Climate

Haiti occupies the western third of Hispaniola, with a long coastline of plains and beaches and a mountainous interior. Much of the country is rugged: the Massif de la Hotte and Massif de la Selle mountain ranges run through the south, and the Massif du Nord rises in the north. The highest point is Pic la Selle (Chaine de la Selle) at about 2,680 meters. Haiti’s terrain includes fertile river valleys between mountain ranges. The country has a tropical climate: warm and humid near the sea and cooler in the highlands. There are two seasons – a rainy season (roughly April to November) and a dry season. The rainy season coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November). Haiti lies in the hurricane belt and is frequently hit by tropical storms. It also sits near major fault lines, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. Natural hazards are a major concern: Haiti experienced a catastrophic 7.0-magnitude earthquake in 2010 and more earthquakes in 2021, as well as repeated hurricanes (for example, Hurricane Matthew in 2016). These disasters often cause severe flooding and landslides, exacerbated by soil erosion.

Haiti’s environment has suffered from deforestation and land degradation. Fifty years ago about 60% of the land was forested; today only about 30% remains. Trees have been widely cut down for timber and charcoal (wood fuel), and for farming, contributing to erosion of the soil. The loss of forests has made floods and landslides more frequent and severe when heavy rains or storms arrive. The country also faces chronic droughts in some regions. Despite its small size, Haiti hosts diverse ecosystems. Four main ecoregions exist: moist tropical forests, dry forests, pine forests, and mangroves. These support varied wildlife, including unique species of bats and the Hispaniolan solenodon (a rare insect-eating mammal). Reptiles like the rhinoceros iguana and Haitian boa, and over 260 bird species (many endemic to Hispaniola) live in Haiti. Conservation efforts are underway by international and local groups to restore forests and protect habitats, but economic hardship makes progress difficult.

Demographics

Haiti’s population is young and predominantly of African descent. About 95% of Haitians are Black (mostly descendants of West and Central African slaves brought under French rule), with the remaining 5% being mulatto (mixed race), white, Arab, or Asian. A small indigenous population (Taino) was largely wiped out during colonial times, though archaeological evidence and DNA traces persist. The population growth rate is high; in 2023 the estimated population was about 11.4 million, making Haiti the most populous country in the Caribbean. Indigenous Taino’s name “Haiti” (meaning “mountainous land”) was adopted by the revolutionaries.

Haitian Creole and French are the official languages. Haitian Creole is spoken by virtually the entire population and is derived mainly from 18th-century French with influences from African languages, Taino, Spanish, and Portuguese. French is used by the government, in education, and in the media, but only a minority of people (mostly the urban elite) are fluent. Spanish is sometimes spoken along the border and by some immigrants, and English is learned by some.

The population is mostly rural but urbanizing. Historically, about two-thirds lived in rural areas, working in agriculture. In recent decades more people have moved to cities. Port-au-Prince’s metropolitan area now holds over one-third of Haitians, along with large cities like Cap-Haïtien, Carrefour, and Gonaïves. Families tend to be large (more than four children on average) and households often include extended relatives. Life expectancy (around 66 years) and literacy (about 60–70% of adults) are low by global standards, reflecting limited health care and education. Infant and maternal mortality rates are high. Haitian society is nearly evenly split by gender (about half women, half men).

Most Haitians are Christian. By one estimate roughly 55–60% are Catholic and 25–30% Protestant (including Baptists and Evangelicals). However, religious practice is syncretic: many Haitian Catholics and Protestants also incorporate elements of Vodou (Voodoo), a traditional West African religion that arrived with the slaves. Officially only a few percent declare Vodou as their religion, but studies suggest that 50–80% of Haitians blend Vodou beliefs or rituals into their faith. Urban areas and the diaspora have small communities of Muslims, Jews, Baháʼís, and others. Monthly ceremonies with drumming and dancing are common in Vodou tradition and have influenced Haiti’s cultural rhythms.

Migration is an important demographic factor. Large numbers of Haitians live abroad – estimates suggest one in six people of Haitian origin lives outside the country. Close ties with Haiti exist in the Dominican Republic (its neighbor on Hispaniola), the United States (especially Florida, New York and Boston), Canada (mainly Quebec), and countries like France, Brazil, and Chile. These emigrants often send remittances (money) home, which now help sustain Haiti’s economy (see below). Haiti also hosts some foreigners, including tens of thousands of Americans and Canadians, and refugees from other Caribbean nations.

Economy

Haiti’s economy is small and struggling. It is classified by the United Nations as a lower-middle-income country but suffers from extreme poverty (over half the population lives below the national poverty line). Gross domestic product (GDP) measured by purchasing power parity is around $38billion(2025estimate),makingpercapitaincomeroughly$ 3,000 per year – one of the lowest in the Americas. The Haitian gourde is the national currency. Economic growth has been slow and volatile due to political instability and disasters. For example, the 2010 earthquake and a cholera outbreak (linked to UN peacekeepers) caused GDP to shrink by about 8%. Growth resumed later but remains challenged by corruption, poor public infrastructure, limited education, and crime.

Agriculture employs the majority of Haitians but contributes a minority of GDP. Roughly two-thirds of workers do small-scale subsistence farming or fishing. Common crops include corn, rice, mangoes, coffee, sugarcane, and vetiver (a plant used for essential oils). However, farms are often tiny and yields are low, partly due to soil erosion. The U.S. and other countries used to subsidize imports of rice, making it hard for Haitian farmers to compete (though Haiti has since lifted some import restrictions). Fishing and livestock (pigs, goats) supplement incomes for many rural families.

Manufacturing and assembly make up a modest share of the economy. In special economic zones (notably the Caracol Industrial Park in the north), foreign garments and textiles are produced for export, mainly to the U.S. market under trade agreements. Apparel and light assembly industries (often foreign-owned factories) are one of Haiti’s few significant export sectors. Haiti also exports agricultural products like coffee, mangoes, cocoa, and handicrafts to Europe, North America, and other Caribbean nations.

Services (retail, banking, tourism, etc.) account for about half of GDP. The formal service sector is small, but informal trading and small businesses are widespread (e.g. market stalls, street vendors). Tourism – which might benefit from Haiti’s beaches, mountains, and heritage sites (it has two UNESCO World Heritage landmarks: the Citadelle fortress/Sans-Souci palace and Old Town of Limonade) – has been limited due to insecurity and lack of infrastructure (few international flights, poor roads, unreliable power).

A very large share of Haiti’s income comes externally. Haiti receives aid and remittances that together equal a substantial slice of its GDP. For years, Haiti qualified for debt relief under international programs due to its poverty and heavy debt. Foreign aid flows (from the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, USAID and others) are large – often over 100% of the government budget. Remittances from the Haitian diaspora are also critical, totaling about 20% of GDP; these living abroad send money to family members, which boosts household incomes and foreign exchange. By comparison, earnings from exports (coffee, apparel) are much smaller.

Economic inequality is high. A small urban elite (often of mixed race) controls most of the country’s formal wealth and jobs, while most Haitians in rural areas or shanty towns live on subsistence wages. At least 75% of Haitians earn less than $2 per day. Unemployment (especially among youth) is very high. Many people depend on international charities or casual work (like construction or portering) to survive. The informal economy (shops, street trading, “petit commerce”) is vibrant, but it provides little security or pension. Infrastructure is weak: only a minority of Haitians have reliable electricity (around 30%), running water, or paved roads, which further limits economic development.

Despite these challenges, Haiti is a member of international economic organizations (UN, WTO, OAS, CARICOM, etc.) and has potential areas for development. The Dominican Republic proposes cross-border projects like a shared railway. Haiti also has resources: small deposits of bauxite, copper and marble, and some hydropower potential. However, political and security problems, plus natural disasters, have kept Haiti among the poorest and least developed nations in the world.

Governance and Politics

Haiti is officially a semi-presidential republic, meaning it has both a president (head of state) and a prime minister (head of government). According to the 1987 constitution (revised 2012), the president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term, and appoints the prime minister (who must be confirmed by the legislature). Executive power is shared between them. Legislative power is vested in a bicameral parliament: the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Departments (the country’s top administrative units) and municipalities serve as local governments.

However, Haiti’s political system has been unstable. Since independence in 1804 Haiti has never sustained more than a few consecutive years of democratic rule without interruption by coups or dictatorships. In the 20th century alone, Haiti endured multiple coups and foreign occupations. From 1915 to 1934, the U.S. occupation controlled Haiti’s government. In 1957 François “Papa Doc” Duvalier seized power, ruling as a dictator until his death in 1971, succeeded by his son Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier until 1986. These autocratic regimes left a legacy of repression and state weakness.

Since the end of the Duvalier dynasty, Haiti has made several attempts at democracy. In 1990 Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president in Haiti’s first free elections, but he was ousted by a military coup within months. International pressure and a U.S.-led intervention in 1994 restored Aristide to power. Another period of elected rule followed, but Aristide was again forced to resign (amidst allegations of corruption) in 2004, resulting in a U.N.-led stabilization force (MINUSTAH, mainly Brazilian troops) policing the country until 2017. In 2010–11, Michel Martelly was elected president; he oversaw reconstruction after the earthquake. In 2017 Jovenel Moïse took office, but his tenure was marked by protests and unrest. His term was extended in 2019 through controversial means, which further destabilized the situation.

The mortally serious challenges intensifying after 2017 culminated in President Moïse’s assassination in July 2021. No election had been held since 2016, and by late 2021 there was effectively no nationwide government. A series of interim prime ministers took turns (first Claude Joseph, then Ariel Henry). In April 2024, a special transitional presidential council was formally established (with representatives of political parties and civil society) to chart a path back to constitutional rule. This council’s job is to help appoint a prime minister and cabinet and to organize general elections by the end of 2025 (the constitutional deadline). In mid-2024 Edgard Leblanc, a former senator, became its head, and in late 2024 he was succeeded by Leslie Voltaire amid corruption scandals.

Current governance remains fragile. As of 2025 no president has been elected, and the legislature has been unable to convene properly. A caretaker government (headed by acting Prime Minister Garry Conille, until he resigned in early 2025) attempts to manage daily affairs under the council’s guidance. Frequent street protests, gang blockades and violence have hampered government operations. International actors (the United Nations, the United States, Canada, CARICOM, the Organization of American States, and others) have been heavily involved, urging elections and negotiating with Haitian leaders, but with limited success. In October 2025, the U.N. Security Council authorized a large Kenyan-led police mission to help fight gangs (with powers to arrest criminals), reflecting international concern about Haiti’s security vacuum.

Haiti’s politics are also historically divided by class and color. The small professional and business class (often mixed-race or light-skinned families) traditionally wields much of the political power. Many Haitians resent this elite’s dominance. For decades, poverty and lack of opportunity have meant that large portions of the population — especially unemployed youth — have looked to armed groups and gangs to meet needs. Non-state armed gangs have proliferated especially since 2018, and by 2025 they control much of Port-au-Prince and other cities. The gangs operate like criminal networks, kidnapping, extorting businesses, and battling each other for turf.

According to United Nations reports in 2025, gangs control about 80–85% of the capital. The gang violence has displaced a record 1.3 million people (roughly one-eighth of Haiti’s population) from their homes — forcing families into improvised camps and shelters. These gangs are increasingly recruiting children. Gang rule has effectively filled the void left by the absence of normal state authority, making large parts of the country unsafe. Both Haitian officials and the UN warn that security and governance cannot return without tackling these gangs. The transitional council and international partners stress that no legitimate peace can come from deals with the gangs, but breaking their grip remains a daunting challenge.

Haiti’s legal system is based on a civil law model (influenced by the French Napoleonic code). The judiciary is weak and understaffed. Police forces (even after training by international missions) struggle to enforce order against armed groups. Despite the turmoil, Haiti remains a member of the UN, OAS, AU (as an observer), Caribbean and Francophonie organizations. It continues to hold some symbolic elections: in 2023 a partial Senate and local elections were held but boycotted by many parties, and their results have limited recognition.

History

Haiti’s history is dramatic. Pre-Columbian Hispaniola was inhabited by the Taino people, who had complex societies and called the island “Ayiti.” In 1492 Christopher Columbus landed on the island and claimed it for Spain. For the next 200 years the Spanish colony (Hispaniola) grew only slowly. In 1697 the western third of Hispaniola was ceded to France by the Treaty of Ryswick. That French colony, Saint-Domingue, became extremely wealthy in the 18th century due to large plantations of sugarcane, coffee, and indigo. This wealth was built on the forced labor of as many as half a million African slaves, who were treated brutally. The small white colonist population and a class of free mixed-race people (mulattoes) controlled society.

Influenced by the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century, the enslaved and free Black people of Saint-Domingue rebelled in 1791 against slavery and colonial rule. This Haitian Revolution was led by figures like Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe. After years of fighting — against French, Spanish, and British forces — the revolutionaries defeated the colonial powers. On January 1, 1804, they declared independence, naming the nation “Haiti.” Dessalines declared himself Emperor Jacques I of Haiti (1804–1806). Haiti thus became the first black republic in the Americas, the second nation in the Western Hemisphere to proclaim a republic (after the United States), and the first to abolish slavery. It also became the first nation born of a successful slave uprising. These facts made Haiti’s independence both historic and controversial. Many slaveholding countries (including the U.S. and European powers) refused to recognize Haiti, fearing it would inspire revolts elsewhere.

Haiti’s early independence years were unstable. Dessalines was assassinated in 1806, splitting Haiti into a northern kingdom (led by Henri Christophe) and a southern republic (led by Alexandre Pétion). Unification occurred under Jean-Pierre Boyer in 1822, when Haiti briefly ruled the Spanish-speaking east of Hispaniola (which roughly corresponds to today’s Dominican Republic). That union collapsed when the Dominican Republic declared independence in 1844. During much of the 19th century Haiti suffered internal coups and dictatorships. Additionally, in 1825 France — under threat of invasion — demanded that Haiti pay 150 million gold francs (later reduced to 90 million) as “independence debt” to compensate former slave owners. Haiti agreed under duress, but the enormous debt took generations to pay and crippled Haiti’s economy (the last payment was in 1947).

In the 20th century, political turmoil continued. After a brief democracy in 1911, the United States intervened in Haiti in 1915 following the assassination of President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam. U.S. marines occupied Haiti until 1934, installing infrastructure projects but also controlling finances and agitating Haitian nationalism. After the Marines left, Haitian democracy remained fragile. In 1950 Frédéric François “Papa Doc” Duvalier became president, later naming himself “President for Life” in 1964. He ruled ruthlessly until 1971, relying on a secret police (the Tonton Macoutes) to terrorize opponents. His son Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier succeeded him until being ousted by a popular uprising in 1986.

The post-Duvalier era saw multiple governments, many coups (military generals taking power briefly), and repeated interventions. Internationally-brokered elections in 1990 brought Aristide back, but with limited stability. Incontinence between democratic and authoritarian rule marked the rest of the century. In 2000 Aristide returned as president, but allegations of corruption led to a low-turnout election in which he claimed victory amid opposition boycott. By 2004 massive protests and an armed uprising forced him from office again. The then-U.S. Ambassador Philippe P. F. Emmanuel and others invoked the U.N. to send peacekeepers (MINUSTAH) to help stabilize the country after 2004 – but with limited success in curbing violence.

In January 2010, a devastating 7.0 earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince. It killed an estimated 160,000–300,000 people, injured countless more, and flattened much of the capital and nearby towns. The disaster collapsed schools, hospitals, and government buildings. International relief poured in (over $10 billion pledged), but rebuilding was slow and complicated by late aid disbursement and corruption issues. Following the quake, a cholera epidemic (linked to UN peacekeepers unintentionally contaminating water) killed nearly 10,000 Haitians by 2019 and sickened hundreds of thousands. These events caused a severe humanitarian crisis.

Despite this, Haiti held its first truly peaceful transfer of power in decades in 2011, when Martelly succeeded Préval (who had succeeded Aristide). Martelly’s term saw some economic initiatives but also controversy and unrest. Another earthquake (mag 7.2) hit Haiti in August 2021, again causing casualties and damage (though far less than 2010). In July 2021, President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated at his private residence. This plunged the country deeper into political chaos.

As of 2025, Haiti remains in a prolonged crisis. Political polarization, institutional breakdown, and gang violence dominate the landscape. While elections are scheduled for early 2026, many Haitians are skeptical they will happen on time or produce a stable government. Historically, Haiti’s powerful symbols of independence (the Citadelle fortress, the flag of blue and red, the 1804 slave revolt) coexist with the struggle, and Haitians pride themselves on resilience against adversity. Yet the legacy of colonial exploitation, foreign debt, dictatorship, and natural disasters has left deep scars.

Culture

Haiti’s culture is rich and vibrant. Haitian heritage is shaped by its African roots, French colonial legacy, and indigenous Taino past. This blend is evident in its language, religion, art, and everyday life.

Language and Literature: Haitian Creole is the language spoken by almost everyone. It originated on plantations as a common language among slaves who spoke different African tongues; it mixes French vocabulary (especially from 18th-century usage) with African grammatical patterns and some Taíno and Spanish words. Although French is an official language and taught in schools, only a minority truly speak it fluently. Many Haitians are proud of Creole as a symbol of national identity. Haiti has a strong literary tradition. It produced early thinkers like Anténor Firmin and poet Léon Laleau. Contemporary writers include Edwidge Danticat (novelist), Lyonel Trouillot, Kettly Mars, and René Depestre, who have gained international acclaim. Haitian literature uses both French and Creole. A famous concept in Haitian intellectual history is Indigenism, championed by Jean Price-Mars in the 1920s, emphasizing African heritage and Vodou as central to Haitian identity, rejecting colonial French mimicry.

Music and Dance: Music is integral to Haitian life. Traditional rhythms like compas (a modern form of merengue dance music), rara (street music with horns and drums played during Lent and Carnival), and mizik rasin (roots music combining Vodou chants with rock and reggae) are popular. Haitian Carnival (held before Lent, and also a major festival on Independence Day, January 1) features elaborate parades, colorful costumes, and Kompa biguine (another dance style). Vodou ceremonies also involve drumming, chanting, and dancing (often in night-time rituals), which have influenced Haiti’s musical culture. Notable Haitian musicians include Nemours Jean-Baptiste (a pioneer of compas) and modern stars like Wyclef Jean (of Haitian descent). The iconic Miriam Makeba (though South African) once said Haitians had one of the richest musical traditions.

Visual Arts and Crafts: Haiti is famous for its vibrant visual arts. Haitian art (often referred to simply as "art naïf" or "Haitian primitive art") became well-known in galleries especially after the 1940s. These works are done by self-taught artists, featuring bright colors and themes of Vodou spirituality, historical scenes, everyday rural life, religious festivals and Haitian flag motifs. Artists like Hector Hyppolite, Philomé Obin, and Préfète Duffaut are celebrated figures. Wood carving, metalwork (fork and fertilizer-sack art by Georges Liautaud), and bead work are also common crafts. Souvenir shops in Haiti often sell paintings of market scenes, drumming, and the Citadelle fortress.

Religion and Holidays: Religion is cultural. For many Haitians, Catholic rituals are intertwined with Vodou. Catholic saints are often identified with Vodou lwa (spirits). Festivals like All Saints’ Day (November 1) see pilgrimages to holy mountains. Independence Day (January 1) combines parades with Carnival. Other national holidays celebrate flag days and revolution anniversaries. Pentecostal and other Protestant churches have grown in recent decades and have influenced popular music (gospel, Christian rock).

Cuisine: Haitian food reflects African roots and French Caribbean staples. Griot (fried spiced pork) served with rice and beans (diri kole ak pwa) is a national dish often accompanied by pikliz (spicy pickled cabbage relish). Other favorites include pâté haïtien (savory hand pies), bean stews, plantains (fritay genre like banana fritters), and tomato-based stews (soup joumou made with beef and squash is eaten on Independence Day in symbolic blessing). Street foods like fried dough balls, fresh mango, and Haitian coffee are common.

Society and Traditions: Family and religion are central. Many Haitians have ties to rural villages even if they live in town. Informal social networks, lakou systems (extended-family courtyards), and communal labor schemes helped communities survive on few resources. Vodou, often misunderstood abroad, is a religion of healing and community, with houngans (priests) and mambos (priestesses) respected figures in many areas. After a 2003 law officially recognized Vodou, its practice has become somewhat more open, though stigma remains. In daily life, respect for elders, close family ties, and hospitality are valued. Haitian popular culture also includes painting the capital’s infamous Iron Market, rural market gatherings, and local healing rituals. Sports like soccer and basketball are popular among youth; the Haitian football team famously qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1974. Carnival costumes and masks often draw on mythical themes.

Haitian culture has influenced the wider world beyond its size. Haitian heritage left mark in the United States (the Haitian Revolution impacted American and French politics, and Haitian refugees contributed to New Orleans culture after the revolution). Recently Haitian diaspora communities (in Miami, Brooklyn, Montreal etc.) maintain Haitian language, radio stations, churches and cultural festivals, keeping the culture alive abroad. Haitian Creole is sometimes taught in cultural programs in the U.S. and France.

Environment and Natural Hazards

Haiti’s environment is fragile. Over centuries, human activity has transformed the landscape. Deforestation (for lumber and charcoal) and overuse of land for farming have made erosion and landslides routine problems. When heavy rains or hurricanes arrive, the loss of trees means water runs off the land rapidly. For example, in 2004 severe flooding killed thousands on the border and across Haiti. Even regular rainstorms can cause destructive soil loss on cleared slopes, blaming on decades of hillside farming without terraces. As a result, many lowlands fill with sediment and riverbeds rise.

Because Haiti is densely populated on a small island and has limited natural resources, environmental issues link tightly with human welfare. Only about one-third of Haitians have access to safe piped water. Poor sanitary conditions in many areas lead to waterborne diseases after floods. In rural areas, families often rely on rainwater storage or natural springs; springs sometimes dry up in droughts. Fuelwood scarcity forces Haitians to burn unseasoned wood or charcoal in open stoves, harming health with smoke inhalation. Renewable energy is rare; most electricity is from expensive fuel imports (though small hydroelectric plants exist). Under 5% of Haiti’s electricity generation capacity comes from renewables.

Climate change adds to Haiti’s risks. Warmer oceans can intensify hurricanes, raising storm surge and rainfall. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, where many people live. Some coastal wetlands and mangroves (which protect against storm damage) have declined.

Despite degradation, Haiti still has pockets of environmental importance. La Visite and Macaya national parks (in the southern mountains) protect some cloud forest and rare plants. Marine marine life (coral reefs, reef fish) exists around Haiti’s coasts, though reefs suffer from overfishing and bleaching. NGOs and international agencies (like Columbia University’s CIESIN and UNEP) have launched programs to replant trees (agroforestry efforts, community woodlots) and train farmers in sustainable techniques. For instance, the Haiti Regenerative Initiative aims to restore natural systems through low-cost methods like planting vetiver grass to prevent erosion and introducing more resilient crops.

Natural disasters: Haiti experiences frequent earthquakes due to the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault line running near Port-au-Prince. The 2010 quake, the 2021 quake (magnitude ~7.2), and numerous tremors illustrate this risk. Buildings in Haiti are often not earthquake-resistant, so even moderate quakes can collapse structures. Hurricanes strike almost every year; examples include Hurricane Sandy (2012) and Matthew (2016, Category 4), which caused massive flooding. Droughts occasionally hit the south. Because Haiti has limited resources for warning and response, each disaster can have catastrophic effects on agriculture, health, and infrastructure.

In summary, Haiti’s geography and climate endow it with scenic mountains and coasts, but also expose it to nature’s fury. The interplay of human pressure and natural forces means the environment is both a precious asset and a vulnerability. Efforts to improve sustainability (like creating marine sanctuaries, building better housing, or involving communities in reforestation) continue, but depend on greater stability and investment.