Haiti

Haiti has shared the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic since its division in 1843. It was the world's first black-led republic and the first Caribbean state to achieve independence. However Haiti remains the poorest country in the western hemisphere perpetuated by decades of the dictatorship, civil conflict and violence.

 

In 1994 economic sanctions and US-led military intervention forced a return to constitutional government after years of military de facto regime. UN peacekeeping forces remained in Haiti from 1995 until 2000. However Haiti is still plagued by violent confrontations between rival gangs and political groups and at the request of the Haitian interim government, a UN stabilisation force has remained in the country since 2004.

 

The economy has severely suffered from ongoing conflict and insecurity. Rampant inflation, a lack of foreign investment, and a severe trade deficit has resulted in widespread poverty. Great inequalities in the distribution of wealth further exacerbate economic problems. Haiti's development also continues to be hampered by natural disasters, which are increasing in frequency and severity in this area.