History of Haiti in Timeline

Haiti, officially the Republic of Haiti, is a Caribbean country located on the western side of the island of Hispaniola, sharing it with the Dominican Republic. It is situated east of Cuba and Jamaica, and south of the Bahamas. Haiti is the third-largest Caribbean country by area and the most populous, with an estimated 11.4 million residents. Its capital and largest city is Port-au-Prince.

1900: Debt Repayment Dominates Spending

By 1900, 80% of Haiti's government spending was dedicated to debt repayment.

1900: Haiti Participates in Olympic Games

Haiti has participated in the Olympic Games since the year 1900 and has won a number of medals.

1902: President Tirésias Simon Sam in office

President Tirésias Simon Sam was in office in 1902.

1908: Pierre Nord Alexis Forced from Power

In 1908, Pierre Nord Alexis was forced from power in Haiti.

1911: François C. Antoine Simon Forced from Power

In 1911, François C. Antoine Simon was forced from power in Haiti.

1912: Death of Cincinnatus Leconte

In 1912, Cincinnatus Leconte was killed in an explosion at the National Palace in Haiti.

1913: Michel Oreste Ousted in Coup

In 1913, Michel Oreste was ousted in a coup in Haiti.

December 1914: Americans Removed $500,000 from the Haitian National Bank

In December 1914, the Americans removed $500,000 from the Haitian National Bank for safekeeping in New York, giving the United States control of the bank.

1914: Oreste Zamor Ousted in Coup

In 1914, Oreste Zamor was ousted in a coup in Haiti.

July 1915: U.S. Marines Arrived in Haiti

In July 1915, U.S. Marines arrived in Haiti after President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam was killed and fearing a government led by Rosalvo Bobo. The Marines took control of the capital, banks, and customs house.

1915: U.S. forces occupied Haiti

In 1915, the United States began an occupation of Haiti that lasted until 1934.

1919: Capture and Execution of Charlemagne Péralte

In 1919, Charlemagne Péralte, who led armed opposition to the US presence in Haiti, was captured and executed, earning him the status of a national martyr.

1921: US Senate hearings on deaths during unrest

During US Senate hearings in 1921, the commandant of the Marine Corps reported conflicting death tolls of Haitians during the 20 months of active unrest.

1934: U.S. forces left

After U.S. forces left Haiti in 1934, Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo used anti-Haitian sentiment as a nationalist tool.

1934: End of U.S. Occupation

In 1934, the U.S. forces ended their occupation of Haiti.

1937: First Recorded Music in Haiti

Haiti had no recorded music until 1937 when Jazz Guignard was recorded non-commercially.

1937: Parsley Massacre

In 1937, Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo ordered his army to kill Haitians living on the Dominican side of the border in an event known as the Parsley Massacre.

December 1941: Haiti Declares War on Axis Powers

In December 1941, Haitian President Sténio Vincent, under US pressure, declared war on Japan, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania.

1941: U.S. Financial Advisor Handled the Budget

Until 1941, a U.S. financial advisor-general receiver handled Haiti's budget.

September 1945: Haiti Became a Founding Member of the United Nations

On 27 September 1945, Haiti became a founding member of the United Nations.

1946: Lescot Overthrown

In 1946, Lescot was overthrown by the military, with Dumarsais Estimé becoming president.

1947: Haiti Finishes Repaying Debt

Haiti did not finish repaying its debt to France until 1947.

1950: Estimé Overthrown

In 1950, Estimé was overthrown in a coup led by Paul Magloire, who replaced him.

1950: First Formal Census

In 1950, Haiti's first formal census gave a total population of 3.1 million.

1950: Haitian Footballer Scores Winning Goal

In the 1950 FIFA World Cup, Haitian footballer Joe Gaetjens, playing for the United States national team, scored the winning goal in the 1–0 upset of England.

1956: Political turmoil

In 1956, Haiti underwent severe political turmoil. Magloire was forced to resign.

September 1957: François Duvalier Elected President

In September 1957, François Duvalier was elected president of Haiti.

1957: Duvalier family dictatorial rule began

In 1957, the dictatorial rule of the Duvalier family began in Haiti.

1964: Duvalier proclaimed himself "President for Life"

In 1964, Duvalier proclaimed himself 'President for Life'; an uprising against his rule that year in Jérémie was violently suppressed.

1971: Duvalier's Theft from Treasury

Beginning in 1971, it is estimated that President "Baby Doc" Duvalier, his wife Michele, and their agents stole US$504 million from the Haitian treasury.

1971: Duvalier Dies

In 1971, François Duvalier died.

1971: Jean-Claude Duvalier Succeeds as President

In 1971, Jean-Claude Duvalier, 'Baby Doc', succeeded his father as president of Haiti.

1974: Haiti National Football Team Made World Cup

In 1974, the Haiti national football team became only the second Caribbean team to make the World Cup.

1975: First Novel in Haitian Creole

In 1975, Franketienne broke with the French tradition in fiction with the publication of "Dezafi", the first novel written entirely in Haitian Creole.

1982: World Heritage Site Inscription

In 1982, the Sans-Souci Palace and the Citadelle Laferrière were inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

1983: Pope John Paul II visits Haiti

In 1983, Pope John Paul II visited Haiti and publicly lambasted the president.

1985: Demonstrations Occurred

In 1985, demonstrations occurred in Gonaïves, Haiti and then spread across the country.

February 1986: Duvalier Left the Country

In February 1986, under pressure from the United States, Jean-Claude Duvalier left Haiti.

1986: End of Duvalier's Theft from Treasury

Ending in 1986, it is estimated that President "Baby Doc" Duvalier, his wife Michele, and their agents stole US$504 million from the Haitian treasury.

1986: End of Duvalier family dictatorial rule

In 1986, the dictatorial rule of the Duvalier family ended in Haiti.

November 1987: Elections Aborted

In November 1987, elections scheduled for Haiti were aborted after dozens of inhabitants were shot in the capital by soldiers and Tontons Macoutes.

1987: Constitution and Conscription

The 1987 constitution provides the basis for conscription in Haiti, though it has never been used.

June 1988: Haitian Coup d'état

In June 1988, the newly elected president, Leslie Manigat, was overthrown in the June 1988 Haitian coup d'état.

September 1988: St. Jean Bosco Massacre

In September 1988, the St. Jean Bosco massacre occurred, leading to another coup.

March 1990: Avril Transferred Power

In March 1990, General Prosper Avril transferred power to General Hérard Abraham.

1990: Start of Aid

Between 1990 and 2003, Haiti received more than US$4 billion in aid.

September 1991: Aristide Overthrown

In September 1991, Aristide was overthrown by the military in the 1991 Haitian coup d'état.

1991: Coup d'état

In 1991, a coup d'état occurred in Haiti, leading to a U.S.-led multinational force intervention in 1994.

1993: Net Enrollment Rate in Primary Education

In 1993, Haiti's net enrollment rate in primary education was 47%.

September 1994: US Troops Enter Haiti

In September 1994, the United States negotiated the departure of Haiti's military leaders and the peaceful entry of 20,000 US troops under Operation Uphold Democracy.

November 1994: Hurricane Gordon Hits Haiti

In November 1994, Hurricane Gordon brushed Haiti, resulting in heavy rain, flash flooding, and mudslides, causing an estimated 1,122 deaths.

1994: U.S.-led multinational force intervened

In 1994, following a coup d'état in 1991, a U.S.-led multinational force intervened in Haiti.

1995: René Préval Wins General Election

In 1995, René Préval won the general election in Haiti with 88% of the popular vote, though with low voter turnout.

1995: Armed Forces Disbanded

In 1995, the Armed Forces of Haiti were disbanded and security became solely the responsibility of the civilian National Police.

1995: National Police Established

In 1995, the National Police was established in Haiti to replace the military's former role in law enforcement. The police force was initially recruited from former military personnel and Haitian migrants to the United States.

1996: WTO Membership

Haiti became a member of the World Trade Organization in 1996.

1999: National Police Membership

In 1999, the National Police of Haiti had 6,000 members.

November 2000: Aristide Returns to Presidency

In November 2000, Aristide returned to the presidency of Haiti with 92% of the vote in an election boycotted by the opposition.

2000: Disputed Election

Following the disputed 2000 election and accusations about President Aristide's rule, U.S. aid to the Haitian government was cut off.

2001: US Aid Cutoff

In 2001, following the disputed 2000 election and accusations about President Aristide's rule, U.S. aid to the Haitian government was cut off.

2001: Protestant Population Estimate

In 2001, some sources suggested that the Protestant population in Haiti might have formed one-third of the population.

2002: Pyramid Schemes

In 2002, Haitians lost hundreds of millions in pyramid schemes, which the BBC described as the "only real economic initiative" of the Aristide years.

2003: End of Aid

Between 1990 and 2003, Haiti received more than US$4 billion in aid.

2003: Vodou Officially Recognized

In 2003, Vodou was officially recognized by the Haitian government.

September 2004: Severe Flooding

On 17 September 2004, soil erosion and deforestation caused periodic and severe flooding in Haiti.

2004: Aristide's Departure and Aid Restoration

After Aristide's departure in 2004, aid was restored to Haiti and the Brazilian army led a United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti peacekeeping operation.

2004: College Graduates Living Abroad

In 2004, 80% or more of college graduates from Haiti were living abroad.

2004: Tropical Storm Jeanne Hits Haiti

In 2004, Tropical Storm Jeanne skimmed the north coast of Haiti, causing flooding and mudslides that resulted in 3,006 deaths, mostly in Gonaïves.

2004: Second coup

In 2004, a second coup occurred in Haiti, followed by a United Nations intervention.

2004: Anti-Aristide Revolt and Exile

In 2004, an anti-Aristide revolt in northern Haiti led to Aristide's exile, with some alleging a US-backed coup.

2005: Economic Growth

After almost four years of recession, the Haitian economy grew by 1.5% in 2005.

2005: High Crime Rates

As of 2005, Haiti had one of the highest crime rates in the world due to a large quantity of firearms and paramilitary groups consisting of former soldiers, gangsters, and other criminal elements, following the fall of the military government in the early 1990s.

2006: Corruption Perceptions Index Report

According to a 2006 report by the Corruption Perceptions Index, there is a strong correlation between corruption and poverty in Haiti. The republic ranked first of all countries surveyed for levels of perceived domestic corruption.

2006: René Préval Re-elected President

In 2006, René Préval was re-elected as president of Haiti following elections with 55% voter turnout.

2006: Population Demographics

In 2006, half of Haiti's population was younger than age 20.

2006: Haitians in Canada

In 2006, there were 100,000 Haitians in Canada.

2007: Earthquake Hazard Study

A 2007 earthquake hazard study noted that the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone could be at the end of its seismic cycle.

2007: National Team won Caribbean Nations Cup

In 2007, the Haiti national football team won the Caribbean Nations Cup.

2007: Haitians in the Dominican Republic

In 2007, there were an estimated 800,000 Haitians in the Dominican Republic.

April 2008: Food Crisis and Political Unrest

In April 2008, Haiti experienced a food crisis and political unrest intensified by high food and fuel prices.

2008: Inhumane Prison Conditions

In 2008, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights considered the conditions in Port-au-Prince penitentiary inhumane.

September 2009: Debt Cancellation Qualification

In September 2009, Haiti met the conditions set out by the IMF and World Bank's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries program to qualify for cancellation of its external debt.

2009: Haitians in the Bahamas

In 2009, there were up to 80,000 Haitians in the Bahamas.

January 2010: Earthquake Highlights Healthcare Shortages

After the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, a chronic shortage of health care personnel and hospital resources became readily apparent.

January 2010: Earthquake Assistance Pledges

In January 2010, following the earthquake in Haiti, US President Barack Obama promised US$1.15 billion in assistance, and the European Union pledged more than €400 million (US$616 million).

January 2010: Postponement of General Elections

In January 2010, the general elections planned for Haiti were postponed due to the devastating earthquake.

January 2010: Haiti Earthquake

On 12 January 2010, Haiti was struck by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake, resulting in an estimated 160,000 to 300,000 deaths and up to 1.6 million homeless.

November 2010: General Elections Held

In November 2010, elections were held in Haiti for the senate, parliament, and the first round of the presidential elections.

2010: Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais Founded

After the 2010 earthquake, Partners In Health founded the Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais, the largest solar-powered hospital in the world.

2010: Earthquake Aftermath

After the earthquake of 2010, there was no evidence of surface rupture, and geologists' findings were based on seismological, geological and ground deformation data.

2010: Jacmel Damaged by Earthquake

In 2010, Jacmel, a colonial city that was tentatively accepted as a World Heritage Site, was extensively damaged by an earthquake.

2010: Government Decides to Stage Carnival Outside Port-au-Prince

In 2010, the Haitian government decided to stage the National Carnival in a different city outside Port-au-Prince every year.

2010: National Police Membership

In 2010, the National Police in Haiti numbered 7,000 members.

2010: Haitians in Metropolitan France

In 2010, there were 80,000 Haitians in Metropolitan France.

2010: Post-Earthquake reconstruction

The United Nations states that US$13.34 billion has been earmarked for post-earthquake reconstruction in Haiti through 2020, two years after the 2010 quake, less than half of that amount had actually been released.

2010: Economic Decline After Earthquake

The economy of Haiti declined dramatically after the 2010 earthquake and subsequent outbreak of cholera, with the country's nominal GDP falling by 8% (from US$12.15 billion to US$11.18 billion).

2010: Fast-tracking of Caracol Industrial Park

The plan for the Caracol Industrial Park pre-dated the 2010 earthquake but was fast-tracked as part of US foreign aid strategy to help Haiti recover.

2011: Net Enrollment Rate in Primary Education

By 2011, Haiti's net enrollment rate in primary education had risen to 88%, achieving equal participation of boys and girls in education.

2011: Trade Deficit

In 2011, Haiti had a trade deficit of US$3 billion, or 41% of GDP.

2011: Return of Duvalier and Aristide

In 2011, both former presidents Jean-Claude Duvalier and Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned to Haiti.

January 2012: Opening of Roi Henri Christophe Campus

On 12 January 2012, the $50 million Roi Henri Christophe Campus of a new university opened in Limonade (near Cap-Haïtien).

October 2012: Inauguration of Caracol Industrial Park

On 21 October 2012, Haitian President Michel Martelly, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Richard Branson, Ben Stiller and Sean Penn inaugurated the 240-hectare (600-acre) Caracol industrial park, the largest in the Caribbean.

2012: Childhood Vaccination Rates

As of 2012, 60% of children under the age of 10 in Haiti were vaccinated.

2012: Remittances as Foreign Exchange Source

As of 2012, remittances from Haitians living abroad are the primary source of foreign exchange, equaling one-fifth (20%) of GDP and more than five times the earnings from exports.

2012: Improvements to National Police Capability

By 2012, some improvements had been made to the National Police capability in Haiti, however, they were still under-equipped and understaffed, making it difficult to maintain security throughout the entire Haitian territory.

2012: USAID Job Creation Potential

In 2012, USAID believed the Caracol Industrial Park had the potential to create as many as 65,000 jobs once fully developed.

2012: Amendment to Constitution

The Constitution of Haiti was amended in 2012.

2013: Millennium Development Goals Report

According to the 2013 Millennium Development Goals Report, Haiti had steadily boosted net enrollment rate in primary education.

2013: Main Export Partner

According to the 2015 CIA World Factbook, Haiti's main export partner is the US 83.5% (est. 2013).

2013: Haiti's NRI Ranking

In 2013, Haiti ranked 141 in the World Economic Forum's Network Readiness Index (NRI), which is an indicator for determining the development level of a country's information and communication technologies.

2013: Call for Reparations

In 2013, the Haitian government called for European governments to pay reparations for slavery and establish an official commission for the settlement of past wrongdoings.

2013: Plans for international airport development introduced

In 2013, the prime minister introduced plans for the development of an international airport on Île-à-Vache.

2014: Limited Housing Construction

By 2014, South Korean clothing manufacturer Sae-A Trading Co. Ltd had only built 750 homes near Caracol, despite promising to build 5,000 houses.

2014: Haiti's NRI Ranking

In 2014, Haiti ranked number 143 out of 148 overall in the World Economic Forum's Network Readiness Index (NRI).

2014: Tourism Statistics

In 2014, Haiti received 1,250,000 tourists (mostly from cruise ships), and the tourism industry generated US$200 million.

2014: Duvalier Trial Shelved

In 2014, attempts to try Jean-Claude Duvalier for crimes committed during his rule were shelved following his death.

2014: Hotel Openings

Several hotels were opened in Haiti in 2014, including an upscale Best Western Premier, a five-star Royal Oasis hotel by Occidental Hotel and Resorts in Pétion-Ville, a four-star Marriott Hotel in the Turgeau area of Port-au-Prince and other new hotel developments in Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes, Cap-Haïtien and Jacmel.

2015: USAID Feasibility Study

A USAID feasibility study in 2015 found that "a new port was not viable for a variety of technical, environmental and economic reasons", that the US was short US$72m in funds to cover the majority of the projected costs, and that private companies USAID had wanted to attract "had no interest in supporting the construction of a new port in northern Haiti".

2015: CIA World Factbook on Import Partners

According to the 2015 CIA World Factbook, Haiti's main import partners are: Dominican Republic 35%, US 26.8%, Netherlands Antilles 8.7%, China 7%.

2015: US Government Allocation

As of 2015, the US government has allocated US$4 billion, US$3 billion has already been spent, and the rest is dedicated to longer-term projects in Haiti.

2015: HIV Infection Rate

In 2015, HIV infection was found in 1.71% of Haiti's population.

2015: Petrocaribe Agreement

In 2015, more than 90 percent of the Haitian government's budget came from an agreement with Petrocaribe, a Venezuela-led oil alliance.

2015: Haitian Ancestry in the United States

In 2015, there were an estimated 881,500 people of Haitian ancestry in the United States.

November 2016: Elections Held After Postponements

In November 2016, after numerous postponements partly due to Hurricane Matthew, elections were held in Haiti with a record low voter turnout.

2016: National Police Membership

In 2016, the National Police in Haiti numbered 9,000 members.

2016: UN Apologizes for Cholera Outbreak

In 2016, the United Nations apologized for the cholera outbreak in Haiti, but refused to acknowledge fault, thus avoiding financial responsibility.

2016: Jovenel Moïse Elected President

Jovenel Moïse was elected the 48th president of Haiti in 2016.

November 2017: Port-au-Prince Penitentiary Overcrowding

As of November 2017, the Port-au-Prince penitentiary was obliged to keep 4,359 detainees, a 363% occupancy level, despite having a capacity of 1,200 detainees.

2017: Energy Production

As of 2017, among all the countries in the Americas, Haiti produces the least energy. Less than a quarter of the country has electric coverage.

2017: Jovenel Moïse Sworn In

In 2017, Jovenel Moïse of the Haitian Tèt Kale Party was sworn in as president of Haiti.

2017: Armed Forces Reestablished

In 2017, The Armed Forces of Haiti were reestablished.

2017: Cholera Outbreak Aftermath

In 2017, it was reported that roughly 10,000 Haitians had died and nearly a million had been made ill from a cholera outbreak following the 2010 earthquake.

2017: Tuberculosis Incidence

Per a 2017 report, the incidence of tuberculosis in Haiti was the highest in the region, with an estimated 200 cases per 100,000 people.

July 2018: Fuel Price Protests Begin

In July 2018, protests began in Haiti in response to increased fuel prices, eventually evolving into demands for the resignation of President Moïse.

2018: Haiti's Population Estimated

In 2018, Haiti's population was estimated to be about 10,788,000.

2018: Electricity Project Announcement

In 2018, a 24-hour electricity project was announced in Haiti; for this purpose 236 MW needs to be installed in Port-au-Prince alone, with an additional 75 MW needed in all other regions.

2018: Religious Demographics

In 2018, the CIA World Factbook reported that 55% of Haitians were Catholics and 29% were Protestants.

2018: Trans-Hispaniola Railway Proposal

In 2018, the Regional Development Council of the Dominican Republic proposed a "trans-Hispaniola" railway between both countries.

2018: Life Expectancy at Birth

In 2018, the life expectancy at birth in Haiti was 63.66 years.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

Haiti had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 4.01/10, ranking it 137th globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Infant Mortality Rate

In 2019, the infant mortality rate in Haiti was 48.2 deaths per 1,000 live births.

2020: Haiti's economy in 2020

In 2020, Haiti's economy was estimated to be eight times smaller than the total debt owed to France over time.

2020: Start of the gang war

Since the start of the gang war in 2020 the PNH has seen increasingly high levels of desertion and casualties.

2020: Earmarked Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Funds

The United Nations states that US$13.34 billion has been earmarked for post-earthquake reconstruction in Haiti through 2020.

July 2021: Assassination of President Moïse

On 7 July 2021, President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in an attack on his private residence, and Martine Moïse was hospitalized. Ariel Henry was installed as acting prime minister on July 20.

September 2021: Escalation of Gang Violence

By September 2021, gang violence in Haiti had escalated to a long-lasting full-blown gang war and other violent crimes within the country.

2021: Poverty Levels

As of 2021, about 30% of the Haitian population lived in extreme poverty (making less than US$2.15 a day), and 87.6% made less than US$6.85.

2021: Assassination of Jovenel Moïse

In 2021, Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in Haiti amidst an ongoing gang conflict, worsening a political crisis.

March 2022: Political Instability

As of March 2022, Haiti had no president, no parliamentary quorum, and a dysfunctional high court due to a lack of judges.

2022: Adult Literacy Rate

According to UNESCO, Haiti's adult literacy rate was 61.7% in 2022.

2023: Escalating Gang Violence

According to the 2023 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report, due to escalating gang violence and the near-collapse of state institutions, the security situation has deteriorated sharply in Haiti. The official homicide rate for Haiti more than doubled in 2023 to approximately 40.9 per 100,000.

2023: Armed Forces Strength

As of 2023, the Armed Forces of Haiti had a strength of 2,000 service members, who were trained in nearby countries, and have had a small role during the gang war.

2023: Political Architecture

As of 2023, with the presidency vacant, and the National Assembly and judiciary no longer functioning, there have been no elected officials in Haiti.

2023: Gang Control and Violence

By late 2023, gangs controlled an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince, and during the year, they killed 4,789 people, kidnapped 2,490, and displaced 362,000.

2023: Women's Team Made the FIFA World Cup

In 2023, the Haiti women's football team made the FIFA World Cup.

March 2024: Henry prevented from returning and agrees to resign

In March 2024, Ariel Henry was prevented by gangs from returning to Haiti after visiting Kenya, and he agreed to resign once a transitional government was formed. Nearly half of Haiti's population faced acute food insecurity.

March 2024: Prison Break in Port-au-Prince

On 3 March 2024, armed gangs stormed the main prison in Port-au-Prince, resulting in around 3,700 inmates escaping and 12 people being killed.

April 2024: Transitional Presidential Council Takes Over

On 25 April 2024, the Transitional Presidential Council took over the governance of Haiti, with Michel Patrick Boisvert named acting prime minister.

May 2024: Airport Reopens After Violence Closure

In May 2024, the airport reopened following a three-month closure due to violence, and is expected to help alleviate shortages of medications and basic supplies.