A Tumultuous Economic History

POVERTY IN HAITI: A DISHEARTENING ISSUE  Haiti is habitually classified as the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere, and with a per capita GDP that has either been declining or stagnant, it is no surprise. La Perle des Antilles, a region teeming with cultural diversity, is engulfed in great poverty that was generated by contributions from political corruption and unrest, natural disasters, and racism from other countries. Over the years, Haiti has endured a brutal dictatorship, a succession of military leaders, a skewed distribution of wealth, and much more. Also, Haiti had to pay a rather large indemnity to France after their revolution, the state was occupied by the U.S. for a long period of time, causing the country’s institutions to atrophy, and Haiti’s weak government has discouraged foreign investment. All of these factors have made the condition of Haiti’s economy extremely poor. The great poverty Haitians face affects them in many aspects of everyday life, including housing, nutrition, education, healthcare, infant mortality rates, as well as environment.

POVERTY IN HAITI: CONTINUED  Sadly, Haiti is lacking many essentials including adequate roads, electricity, and many other basic services. The people of Haiti are plagued with poor living conditions and lifestyles as a direct result of the country’s poor economy.  Websites Used:  perspective.html perspective.html   The Latin America Slideshow

POVERTY IN HAITI: WHAT IS BEING DONE?  There are a multitude of humanitarian organizations providing aid to Haiti, some of which include CARE, UNICEF, VFH, IDADEE, Direct Relief International, Project Haiti, Rebuilding Haiti, Save the Children, World Vision, and the Red Cross. Also, there are a number of countries around the world sending aid to Haiti (especially after the massive earthquake last year), but the U.S. remains the largest foreign source of relief aid to Haiti.  Websites:   

PRE-EARTHQUAKE

POST-EARTHQUAKE DEVASTATION

HOW YOU CAN HELP  Donate to any of the humanitarian organizations.  Spread the word! Educate others about the grim situation in Haiti.

THE END