Government of Haiti Keeps Country from Moving Ahead

Statistics about Haiti were last available in 2000, when Jean-Bertrand Aristide began his second-term presidency. And things have not changed much. Still considered the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, it has remained on the index of failed states.

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It experiences a tropical, and in some places, semi-arid climate. Agriculture, the most vital indicator of the economy, accounts for 32% domestic output, with a 70% poverty rate reliant on it. Natural disasters assault Haiti with regularity. In 2012, two hurricanes ravaged the island within months of each other. And deforestation has left only 4% of arable land for agriculture production.

Infant mortality is 10% and life expectancy 50 years of age. Roman Catholicism is practiced by 80% of the populace, but undocumented practitioners of Voodoo are said to make up 50%. The illiteracy rate is approximately 50%, and its education infrastructure is very underdeveloped.

Port-au-Prince is the capital, with nine departments comprising its administrative functions. Its democratic government consists of: head of state, upper and lower houses, a constitution, and Supreme Court. Like all governments, it is largely responsible for the economy, but has a miserable track record, due to frequent shake-ups and rampant corruption. Since the 2010 earthquake, it has done little for its people, and continues to be the main impediment towards moving Haiti's economy forward.

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