Haiti Population Overview
Haiti, officially the Republic of Haiti and formerly known as Hayti, is a Caribbean nation located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago. The country occupies the western three-eighths of the island, which it shares with the Dominican Republic.
Haiti is the third-largest country by land area in the Caribbean and the most populous country in the region. According to the UN World Population Prospects, the population of Haiti in 2026 is estimated at 12,009,506, or approximately 12 million people.
Haiti Quick Facts & Demographics
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2026 est.) | 12,009,506 |
| Caribbean Rank (by population) | 1 |
| Sovereignty | Independent |
| Land Area | 27,560 sq. km (10,640 sq. mi) |
| Area Rank (Global) | 143 |
| Population Density | 414 people per sq. km |
| Capital City | Port-au-Prince |
Source: United Nations World Population Estimates
also read about: Haitian Population in United States
Religion in Haiti
Haiti is a predominantly Christian country, with around 85% of the population identifying as Christian. Roman Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination, followed by various Protestant and evangelical groups.
Catholics account for an estimated 55–57% of the population, reflecting Haiti’s historical ties to France and the Catholic Church. Protestantism has grown steadily in recent decades and is now followed by approximately 28.5–30% of Haitians. About 10% of the population is religiously unaffiliated, while the remaining 3% adhere to other religions.
Religion Percentage in Haiti
| # | Religion / Affiliation | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catholicism | 56.8% |
| 2 | Protestantism | 29.6% |
| 3 | Unaffiliated | 10.6% |
| 4 | Other Religions | 3.0% |
Haitian Vodou
The Afro-diasporic religion of Vodou is also practiced in Haiti. Haitian Vodou is a syncretic belief system that blends West African religious traditions, Roman Catholic elements, and indigenous Taíno influences.
According to the CIA World Factbook, about 2.1% of Haitians identify Vodou as their primary religion. However, the report notes that many Haitians practice elements of Vodou alongside another religion, most commonly Roman Catholicism.
Other Religions in Haiti
Haiti is also home to small religious minorities, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and followers of the Baháʼí Faith. These communities together account for a small share of the population but contribute to the country’s religious diversity.
also read about: Top Countries in Caribbean
Ethnicity and Race in Haiti
The vast majority of Haitians are descendants of formerly enslaved Africans, reflecting the country’s history as the site of the world’s first successful slave revolt. This African heritage remains the dominant foundation of Haiti’s population today.
Approximately 85% of Haiti’s population is Black or Black Creole. The remaining population consists mainly of Mulattoes (mixed African and European ancestry), along with smaller communities of Europeans, Arabs, and Asians, who are largely descendants of early settlers, traders, and later immigrants.
Haiti also has a small Hispanic population, primarily made up of Dominican and Cuban residents, largely due to geographic proximity and migration links within the Caribbean.
In terms of settlement patterns, around two-thirds of Haitians live in rural areas, while the remaining population resides in urban centers, including the capital Port-au-Prince.
also read about: race and ethnicity in United States
Largest Cities in Haiti by Population
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port-au-Prince | 1,234,742 |
| 2 | Cap-Haïtien | 534,815 |
| 3 | Carrefour | 442,156 |
| 4 | Delmas | 382,920 |
| 5 | Pétion-Ville | 283,052 |
| 6 | Port-de-Paix | 250,000 |
| 7 | Croix-des-Bouquets | 229,127 |
| 8 | Jacmel | 137,966 |
| 9 | Léogâne | 134,190 |
| 10 | Les Cayes | 125,799 |
Note: City population figures are estimates and may vary depending on administrative boundaries and metropolitan definitions.
also read about: Largest Cities in Central America
Haiti Population FAQs
What is the population of Haiti in 2026?
Haiti’s population in 2026 is about 12 million (12,009,506), according to UN World Population Prospects.
Is Haiti the most populous country in the Caribbean?
Yes. Haiti is the most populous country in the Caribbean, ranking first by population in the region.
What is the main religion in Haiti?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Haiti, followed by around 85% of the population.
What percentage of Haitians are Catholic?
About 56–57% of Haitians identify as Roman Catholic, making it the largest denomination.
Do Haitians practice Vodou?
Yes. Around 2% identify Vodou as their main religion, and many practice Vodou alongside Christianity.
What is the ethnic makeup of Haiti?
Approximately 85% of Haitians are Black or Black Creole, with minorities of Mulattoes, Europeans, Arabs, and Asians.
What is the largest city in Haiti?
Port-au-Prince is the largest city in Haiti, with a population of over 1.2 million.
Is Haiti mostly urban or rural?
Haiti is mostly rural, with about two-thirds of the population living in rural areas.
What languages are spoken in Haiti?
The official languages of Haiti are Haitian Creole and French, with Creole spoken nationwide.
How dense is Haiti’s population?
Haiti has a population density of about 414 people per square kilometer, among the highest in the Caribbean.
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