Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty. Two-thirds of all Haitians depend on the agriculture sector, mainly small-scale subsistence farming, and remain vulnerable to damage from frequent natural disasters, exacerbated by the country's widespread deforestation. A macroeconomic program developed in 2005 with the help of the International Monetary Fund helped the economy grow 1.8% in 2006, the highest growth rate since 1999. Haiti suffers from higher inflation than similar low-income countries, a lack of investment, and a severe trade deficit. In 2005, Haiti paid its arrears to the World Bank, paving the way for reengagement with the Bank. The government relies on formal international economic assistance for fiscal sustainability. In 2006, Haiti held a successful donors conference in which the total aid pledged exceeded Haiti's request. Remittances are the primary source of foreign exchange, equaling nearly a quarter of GDP.

Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

• 80% live below the World Bank’s definition of poverty.
• Average yearly income is $240.
• 80% of the population’s average income is $100 a year.
• $3 to $4 a day is the pay for manual labor.
• 1% of the population would be considered "Middle Class" by the Industrialized Nation’s definition.

Haiti has limited manpower.

• 54% Unemployment rate.
• Average life span is under 50 years of age.
• 50% of children die by the age of 5.
• 45,000 children die from easily curable disease such as dehydration, diarrhea, and malnutrition.
• 50% of the population is under the age of 18 years old.
• A family would have to have 6 children in order to have 1 live.
• 80% of the population is illiterate.

Haiti has limited resources

• 1/3 of Haiti’s annual income comes through foreign aid.
• $300 million a year has been lost in tourist trade because of the AIDS fear and the political situation.
• In 1920. 60% of Haiti was covered by lush forest and today only 5% remains due to lack of energy and heating sources.