Background

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Because of its location, Haiti is vulnerable to natural disasters.    In 2010, Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake.  Over 90,000 people lost their lives and 1.5 million people were displaced.  At the same time, they suffered a cholera outbreak.  Since 2010, about 10,000 people died from the disease.  

During the hurricane season nine years ago, Haiti was hit by 4 major hurricanes.  More than 800 people were killed.  The storms collectively devastated nearly three quarters of its agricultural land.  Haiti is also one of the most deforested countries in the world.  

In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew touched down in Haiti.  Many cities were devastated, homes were destroyed and 300 people lost their lives.  

An estimated 10.6 million people reside in Haiti making it the most populous country in the Caribbean Community.