The economy in Haiti had been growing till 2008.  Furthermore, Haiti’s economy saw its worst period in 15 years in 2010. The earthquake in January 2010 resulted in a sudden decline of 5.1%. This has affected both private and public sectors simultaneously.

The country’s GDP at constant prices was estimated at HTG 13,307 million for 2009 as compared to HTG 14,015 billion in 2008.

(Source: Ministry of Statistics )

Gross National Income (GNI)

The GNI per capita at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) was USD 653.7 for 2008.

(Source: UN Data)

Corporate tax

In Haiti, corporate tax rate is levied at 22.8%.

(Source: doingbusiness.org)

Inflation rate

Inflation rate in Haiti, as of September 2010, is 4.28%.

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

In 2008, FDI inflow was projected at USD 415.36 million, whereas in 2007 it was USD 385.56 million.

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Banking sector assets

In September 2010, total assets of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (Central Bank) amounted to HTG 110,233.49 million.

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

In January 2011, the CPI was 177.2 points, increasing 3.7% over December 2010.

(Source: Ministry of statistics)

Base month: August 2004 = 100

Interest rates

In February 2011, the average interest rate on savings deposit and time deposit was 0.28%. Furthermore, during same period, the banks in Haiti charged an average interest rate of 20.50% on loans.

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Money supply

In September 2010, total money supply (M3) in Haiti was HTG 126,423.41 million.

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Government expenditure

In September 2010, total government expenditure amounted to HTG 3,458.6 million.

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti,)

Official exchange rate

In September 2010, exchange rate of Haitian Gourde (HTG) against United States Dollar (USD) was HTG 39.94.

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Government finances

Government revenue

In September 2010, Haiti recorded government revenue of HTG 2,964.73 million, decreasing 0.02% compared to August 2010.

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Fiscal balance

In September 2010, the government reported a fiscal deficit of HTG 493.87 million.

Tax revenue

The tax revenue of the country constituted 10.3% of the GDP.

(Source: heritage.org)

Current account balance (CAB)

During the third quarter of 2010, the current account balance of the country was projected at USD -79.48 million.

*projected

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Balance of payments

During the third quarter of 2010, the net trade balance of goods was USD -531.59 million, and the net balance on services was USD -316.09 million.

*projected

(Source: Central Bank of Haiti)

Labour force

In 2010, Haiti had labour force of 4,568,000 people. According to the estimates, approximately 42% of the labour force is female.

(Source: ilo.org)

*estimated

(Source: ilo.org)

Unemployment rate

The country has an estimated unemployment rate of about 60%.

(Source: globalsecurity.org)

Minimum wage

Haiti has a minimum daily wage of HTG 70 for workers across all sectors.

(Source: minimum-wage.org)

Level of unionisation

Unionisation rate in the country is about 5% of the total labour force. Furthermore, the government allows operation of trade unions only in the private sectors. There are nine labour federations in the country.

(Source: estandardsforum.org,)

The political system in Haiti is a Presidential-Style Republic, where the president is the head of state. Additonally, the prime minister is appointed by the president and is the head of the government. The parliament of the country consists of an executive power vested in the government and legislative power is exercised by the two chambers of the country’s National Assembly. The National Assembly is comprised of a 30 member senate, elected for six years.

(Source: dfat.gov.au)

The following are the major registered political parties in Haiti:

• Front for Hope (Lespwa)
• Haitian Social-Democratic Fusion Party
• Democratic Alliance Party (ALYANS)<