Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Plagued by political instability, victims of globalization, and rampant poverty and unemployment, outlook at birth for most Haitians is rather bleak. Life expectancy is about fifty years old for men and fifty three years old for women. Fifty percent of the Haitian population is under the age of 15, making child welfare, education, and heath key issues of import in the country.

Many people are unable to care for their children due to the poverty in the country, and place their children in orphanages. Other children live parentless on the streets. Average family income is estimated to be between $250US and $425US per year.

Currently, natural and political disasters have merged to create a very bleak outlook in Haiti. Security in the streets of most major cities is lacking and violence is beginning to rise. People are increasingly desperate for food and security. While the situation for the average Haitian improved somewhat in 2009, the earthquake of 2010 has added to the number of orphans needing education and a place to live.

Further information on Haiti can be found at: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ha.html