COUNTRIES, North America
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HRsolution » COUNTRIES » Haiti

  1. Population

    Haiti has a population of approximately 11.5 million (as of 2023). The majority of the population are descendants of African slaves, with smaller groups of European and mixed heritage.

  2. Capital

    Port-au-Prince is the capital of Haiti and its largest city. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, with around 1 million inhabitants.

  3. Economic Power

    Haiti is considered one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Its economy heavily relies on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of coffee, sugarcane, and mangoes. The per capita GDP is approximately 1,500 USD (2022). The country struggles with political instability, corruption, and natural disasters, which hinder economic growth. The informal economy and remittances from abroad play significant roles in Haiti’s economy.

  4. Culture

    Haitian culture is a blend of African, French, and Caribbean influences. Vodou (Voodoo) plays a significant role in religious and cultural life, alongside Roman Catholicism. Music (such as Kompa and Twoubadou), dance, and handicrafts are vital aspects of Haitian culture. Haiti’s history as the first independent Black-led nation in the world is a central source of national pride.

  5. Currency

    The currency of Haiti is the Haitian Gourde (HTG). In 2023, 1 US dollar is equivalent to about 135 Gourdes. The US dollar is also commonly used, especially in international trade.

  6. Health Insurance and Social Security System

    Haiti has a weakly developed health insurance and social security system. Only a small portion of the formal workforce has access to some type of social security. Public health programs exist but are severely underfunded and inefficient. Most people, especially in rural areas, do not have access to comprehensive healthcare and must rely on private services if they can afford them.

  7. Employer Costs

    Employers in Haiti are required to contribute to social security for formal employees, but these costs are relatively low compared to other countries. The main costs for employers are wages and possible allowances for transportation and meals.

  8. Salary and Bonuses

    The minimum wage in Haiti varies by sector. In industries like textile production, the minimum wage is about 500 Gourdes per day (2023). In other sectors, it may be higher or lower. There are no mandatory bonuses, but some companies offer a 13th-month salary or additional incentives.

  9. Payroll

    Payroll in Haiti includes deductions for minimal social security contributions and taxes. A large portion of the workforce operates in the informal sector and does not receive formal paychecks. Income tax in Haiti is progressive, with rates ranging from 10% to 30% depending on income.

  10. Public Holidays

    Haiti observes several public holidays, including:

  • New Year’s Day and Independence Day (January 1)
  • Carnival (variable, during Carnival season)
  • Good Friday and Easter Monday (variable)
  • Labor and Agriculture Day (May 1)
  • Flag and University Day (May 18)
  • All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2)
  • Christmas (December 25)
  • Battle of Vertières Day (November 18), commemorating a key victory in the Haitian Revolution.

  1. Working Hours

    The legal workweek in Haiti is 48 hours, typically spread over six 8-hour days. However, many workers, especially in agriculture and the informal sector, often work longer hours. Overtime must be paid with a 50% surcharge.

  2. Vacation

    Employees are entitled to at least 15 days of paid vacation after one year of continuous employment. This vacation entitlement can be extended through individual contracts, though it is often not respected in informal work settings.

  3. Sick Leave

    In cases of illness, only formally employed workers are eligible for sick pay, provided through the social security system if they are registered. However, these benefits are often insufficient, and bureaucratic hurdles make it difficult to access them. Informal workers, who make up the majority of the population, typically receive little to no support.

  4. Termination/Severance

    Workers dismissed without just cause are theoretically entitled to severance pay, typically equivalent to one month’s salary for each year of service. Legal notice periods are also established but vary depending on sector and contract type. In practice, these rules are frequently ignored, especially in the informal sector.

Haiti faces significant economic and social challenges. Despite these difficulties, the country’s rich and vibrant culture endures, and there are potential growth opportunities, particularly in agriculture and tourism.

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