Haiti Country Report

Haiti is a highly unstable developing country in the Caribbean located on the western side of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. The country has a long history of dictatorships and coups d'état, and is ongoing a period of major political instability. Gang-perpetrated violence and civil unrest pose serious threats to stability, as do unaddressed wealth gaps.

Haiti's economy is highly underdeveloped and has been destroyed by graft, conflict, and natural disasters. The island has high levels of unemployment and, as Haiti is one of the most corrupt countries in the world, foreign investment opportunities remain very limited. Previous leaders have been accused of stealing millions from the public treasury, and lower-level officials - including police - are known to engage heavily in bribery as well as other crimes, such as drug trafficking.

Foreign travelers face pervasive security threats from violent crime, widespread civil unrest, and natural disasters in the form of hurricanes and earthquakes. Infrastructure has historically been weak throughout the country and was further compromised by devastating natural disasters.

Levels of criminal activity are highly elevated throughout Haiti, especially in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince. Gangs operate in several areas and are able to effectively control swaths of the country, exploiting the long-term power and security vacuum. Additionally, rival gangs in Haiti regularly engage in violent territorial disputes in and around Port-au-Prince, as well as along main highways, and around key infrastructure nationwide, such as Haiti’s main ports. Criminal groups have increasingly shown their ability to overwhelm security officials and generate major political instability.

Violent crime is endemic and mostly perpetrated by the country’s numerous and fragmented gangs, with kidnappings, murders, armed robberies, extortion, carjackings, and home break-ins being common. While criminals mostly target locals, these crimes have been increasingly affecting foreign nationals in recent years, with Haitian expatriates at higher risk. The threat to foreign nationals has been a growing concern for businesses operating in the country, with many deciding to limit or completely suspend, operations in Haiti due to insecurity. Periodic rounds of violent unrest can also present a significant security risk.

There are no major concerns over air travel.

Road travel is subject to major threats from vehicular crime and hazards caused by poor infrastructure, lack of organization and erratic local driving.

The Port international de Port-au-Prince is considered inefficient. Ferry accidents occur and are often caused by poor safety practices or extreme weather conditions.

In Haiti, about 40 percent of the population has consistent access to electricity. Haiti is facing two energy challenges: a broken electricity sector and dependency on charcoal.

The country is considered an attractive target for cyberattacks. Its defenses against such an attack are thought to be weak.

Haiti is affected by hurricanes and other tropical weather systems, particularly between June and November, which can cause flooding and landslides. The country lies in a region prone to earthquakes, with major quakes periodically occurring. Previous quakes have caused substantial damage and loss of life.

Serious health hazards including malaria, cholera and yellow fever require prophylaxis. Food and water are likely sources of harm. Medical care is extremely limited and generally considered substandard, even in Port-au-Prince. Evacuation may be required.

Despite taking tentative steps towards democracy in recent years, Haiti remains highly unstable. Without a functioning legislature, because the government failed to hold elections, a transitional council tasked with organizing elections was installed amid a growing security crisis.

Organizing elections and facilitating the country's return to democratic rule is currently one of the main political challenges in Haiti. The legitimacy and credibility of leaders of transitional governments have constantly been questioned by many civil society groups and political actors in Haiti. The Provisional Electoral Council, the country's body for organizing elections, was dissolved.

Gangs in the country have also solidified their position as de facto leaders in many poor areas with limited state presence, further complicating the path to safe elections. Violent civil unrest is common, and foreign interests may be exposed. Local police are under-trained and unable to deter crime. Corruption generates a high risk.