CARICOM Member since July 1, 2002 Government Website
Haiti flag
Also Known As: The Pearl of the Caribbean

Haiti

Official Name: Republic of Haiti
Population 10,085,216 (2010)
Date of Independence January 1, 1804
Union is our Strength

About Haiti

Haiti occupies the western portion of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. It shares the island with the Dominican Republic to the east. The country is largely mountainous, with fertile valleys and coastal plains. Haiti’s landscape includes tropical forests, rivers, and a long coastline with many bays and beaches.

About Haiti

Key facts

Date of Membership in CARICOM: 1 Jul 2002 Also Known as:The Pearl of the Caribbean Status of Independence:Independent 2001/12/13 
Area: 27,750 square kilometres (10,714 square miles) 
Capital City: Port-au-Prince 
Population: 10.32 million (2013) 
Currency: Gourde dollars 
Highest National Award: (National order of Honour and Merit of the Grand Cross and Golden Plaque)

Economy

GDP: 21,177Mn (2012) GDP Growth: 2.8% 2013 - 14 GNI: : 17.7 billion PPP dollars (2013) GNI PC: US4 1,730 GDP per Capita: EC$530 million (1996)

Key dates in history
1492    Arrival of Columbus on island called `Quisqueya’ by Tiano (Arawak) Indians; renames its `Isla Hispaniola’ 1697    Island divided, western one third originally called  AYITI (Land of high ground) by Arawaks and Caribs; ceded to France – called `Ste Domingue’ 1791    Slave revolt begins against France 1804    Independence achieved. Jean-Jacques Dessalines, first ruler; renames it Haiti, based on original name 1915- 34    American invasion and occupation 1957        Dr Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc) elected President 1986    Era of Dr. Francois Duvalier’s dictatorship ends 1990    First free presidential elections, Fr. Jean-Bertrand Aristide elected 1991    Aristide overthrown by army 1994    Aristide returned to power under US and CARICOM protection

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Key Dates in History

  1. 1804

    Haiti becomes first Black republic in the Caribbean.

  2. 1997

    Haiti admitted provisionally to CARICOM.

  3. 2002

    Haiti becomes full member of CARICOM.

  4. 2004

    CARICOM involved in diplomatic response to Haiti political crisis.

  5. 2010

    Regional response mobilised after Haiti earthquake.

  6. 2011

    CARICOM supports Haiti reconstruction initiatives.

  7. 2015

    Haiti advances integration within regional institutions.

  8. 2020

    Participates in CARICOM public health coordination.

  9. 2023

    CARICOM intensifies engagement on Haiti security and governance issues.

  10. 2024

    CARICOM facilitates transitional governance discussions for Haiti.

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