Haiti Rate of Natural Increase

Haiti’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth and death rates, reflecting population growth excluding migration—is relatively high compared to some of its Caribbean neighbors, though it has been gradually declining in recent years. As of the early 2020s, Haiti’s RNI stands at around 1.2% per year, driven by a birth rate that remains higher than the regional average and a death rate that, while elevated due to healthcare challenges, does not offset the high fertility. In contrast, the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has a lower RNI of approximately 0.9%, reflecting both a lower birth rate and improvements in health outcomes. Other nearby Caribbean nations, such as Cuba and Jamaica, exhibit even lower RNIs, often below 0.5%, due to lower fertility rates and aging populations. Thus, while Haiti’s population continues to grow at a moderate pace by global standards, its RNI is notably higher than most of its island neighbors, underscoring differences in demographic trends, economic development, and public health.

Data from US Census International Database