Challenges in Haiti Most of Haiti's estimated population of 7 million are extremely poor subsistence farmers, eking out a living on densely populated cultivable areas. The official language is Kreyòl with French as a secondary language. Nominally Catholic or Protestant, most Haitians respect the religious traditions of their African ancestors (Vodun). Adult literacy is extremely limited, and the per capita income of Haiti is the lowest in the Caribbean. Extractive industries, tourism, and commercial agriculture are uncommon, providing few employment opportunities throughout the island. Public services, including roads, markets, schools and health care, are rudimentary, and each competes for resources from a very limited tax base. Despite these constraints, the people of Haiti sustain a positive and creative spirit, proud and self-confident even in the face of substantial challenges.		Mother and malnourished child A Caribbean Island A Tumultuous History Challenges in Haiti Home