Research Guides: International News: Haiti

Researcher

Maddie Wilson

General Country Overview

Haiti gained its independence on January 1, 1804, from France following a successful slave revolt led by Toussaint Louverture. This revolution made Haiti the first post-colonial independent black republic and the first country to abolish slavery. The capital is Port-au-Prince, and the official languages are Haitian Creole and French. The population is approximately 12.5 million, and the currency is the Haitian gourde (HTG). Located in the Caribbean, Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.

News Sources

le nouvelliste
One of Haiti’s oldest newspapers and tends to be considered more on the moderate side of the political scale. Though, it has also been reported that they like to side with the Elite class and rarely give any negative views on political actors while still supporting reforms.
Ayibopost
Labeled as an independent media news platform that is dedicated to revealing information of public interest and to explain the Haitian reality. The site itself tends to be Reformist and is skeptical of foreign intervention while also being critical of the government. They are pro-democracy and support progressive views and ideals.

Political Climate and Media Biases

Haiti faces political instability and a rise in gang violence. Currently, Haiti is ranked #93 in the 2024 RSF Index, as journalists have no financial resources and a lack of government support. After President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in July 2021 and the fall of Ariel Henry’s government in March 2024, journalists have struggled and even faced threats from gangs.

Academic Sources

Encyclopedia Britannica
Gathers background information on Haiti
Freedom House
Shows the initial bases of freedom of the media in Haiti
Reporters Without Borders
Reasons behind the lack of media
Ayibopost
Background on Ayibopost and its history.