Population and demography
Territory
Total population
11.7M
2024
Density
422hab/km²
2023
Demographic growth
1.15%
2024
Urban population
6.48M
2024
Rural population
5.29M
2024
Population under 25
5.99M
2024
About
Haiti has a total area of 27,750 km² and a population of 11.77 million in 2024. Over the span of six decades, its population has nearly tripled, increasing from 3.8 million inhabitants in 1960 to 11.8 million in 2024. The population density stands at 422 inhabitants per km², making the country one of the most densely populated in the Caribbean.
According to World Bank data, the urban population accounts for 55 % of the total population, while the rural population makes up 45 %. In 2024, the urban population growth rate reached 2.23 %, compared to -0.14 % for rural areas. The population is predominantly young, with children under 14 reaching 3.6 M and those aged 15–24 reaching 2.2 M in 2023.
The working-age population (25–64 years) stood at 5.1 million, while people aged 65 and over represented 537,000. According to the United Nations World Population Prospects, the population is projected to reach 15.15 million by 2100, with a density of 549.7 inhabitants per km². These projections are based on the medium-variant scenario, which incorporates assumptions regarding fertility, mortality, and migration.
Population
Population by department
Population by department (2024)
| Rank | Department | Population | Year |
|---|
Total population
Haiti has around 11.77 million inhabitants, making it one of the most populous countries in the Caribbean.
11.77 M
Within roughly six decades, the population has tripled. Demographic projections anticipate continued growth, although at a more moderate pace.
Data from the World Bank and the United Nations.
Population evolution (2024)
Urban and rural population
The Haitian population is distributed between urban and rural areas, with a growing trend toward urbanization over the decades.
55%
45%
The rural population accounts for approximately 45% of the total in 2024 and plays a crucial role in the national economy, particularly in agricultural production. However, the lack of infrastructure and services in rural areas continues to fuel the exodus to cities.
Data from the World Bank.
Urban and rural population (2024)
Population in urban and rural areas
Population living in urban and rural areas (1710–2025)
Population of cities, towns and rural areas
Population of cities, towns and rural areas (2020)
Population by administrative territory
Population by commune (2024)
Population by commune (2024)
| Rank | Territory | Population |
|---|
Age & sex structure
Age pyramid
The Haitian population is very young, more than half of the population is under 25 years of age.
51%
The predominance of youth in the demographic structure represents both a potential for development and a major challenge in terms of education, professional training, and job creation for future generations.
Data from the Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics (IHSI).
Age pyramid (2023)
Population by age group
This indicator captures the size of each age group within the total population.
5.1 M
2.2 M
Since 1950, Haiti's population has been characterized by a high proportion of young people. In 2023, children under 14 reached 3.6 million and young people aged 15 to 24 reached 2.2 million.
Data from UN World Population Prospects and Our World in Data.
Population by age group (2023)
Female and male population
Female and male population (2024)
Population growth
Population growth rate
Haiti has maintained a relatively stable annual population growth since the January 12, 2010 earthquake.
1.15%
However, this growth is somewhat declining, as a result of both decreasing fertility and substantial outward migration flows.
Data from the World Bank World Development Indicators.
Population growth rate (2024)
Urban population growth
Annual urban population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear urban population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage.
2.23%
Urban population refers to people living in urban areas. It is calculated using World Bank total population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects. In 2024, Haiti recorded an urban population growth rate of 2.23%, reflecting a persistent and marked trend of rural-to-urban migration.
Data from the World Bank World Development Indicators.
Urban population growth (2024)
Rural population growth
Annual rural population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear rural population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage.
-0.14%
Rural population refers to people living in rural areas, it is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population. In 2024, Haiti recorded a rural population growth rate of -0.14%, indicating a gradual shift away from rural life.
Data from the World Bank World Development Indicators.
Rural population growth (2024)
Population growth rate with and without migration
Demographic growth rate: impact of migration (2023)
Population density
Population density
Population density measures the average number of inhabitants per square kilometer across the entire national territory.
422 inhab/km²
This average density hides substantial regional disparities. The West department, for instance, has over 800 inhabitants/km², while some rural areas remain thinly populated.
Data from the World Bank World Development Indicators.
Population density (2023)
Port-au-Prince density
Population density of Port-au-Prince (2020)
Density by administrative territory
Density by commune (2024)
Density by commune (2024)
| Rank | Territory | Density (people/km²) |
|---|
Population density
Population density (2020)
Source:
ai.meta.com
·
data.humdata.org
Population density projection
The density projection estimates the change in the number of inhabitants per square kilometer up to 2100.
549.7 hab/km²
These population density estimates are derived from multiple sources of population and land area data. They are obtained by dividing population estimates by land area estimates. All processing is done by Our World in Data.
Data from
HYDE (2023)
, Gapminder (2022)
, UN WPP (2024)
, UN FAO (2024)
and Our World in Data
.
Population density projection (1800–2100)
Population projection
Population projection
Population projections are statistical estimates of future population size and structure.
15.15 M
These are based on the UN's medium scenario, using key demographic assumptions such as fertility, mortality, and migration patterns. In 2024, Haiti's population was 11.77 million. By 2100, it is projected to reach 15.15 million.
Data from UN World Population Prospects and Our World in Data.
Observed and Projected Population (1950–2100)
Population projection by age group
Observed and Projected Population by Age Group (1950–2100)
Population projections in 2100 under different UN scenarios
Population projections in 2100 under different UN scenarios.
24.18 M
9.76 M
The constant fertility scenario assumes fertility rates remain fixed at 2024 levels, while mortality and international migration follow the medium scenario. The low scenario assumes low fertility, with mortality and international migration following the medium scenario.
Data from UN World Population Prospects and Our World in Data.