Haiti vs Cuba
Haiti has a population of 11.9M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Haiti is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba. Cuba covers 109,884 km², 4.0 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 13.1 years higher than Haiti's 64.9 years.
HaitiCuba| Population | +21.7%11.9M | -17.9%9.7M |
| Area | -74.7%27,750 km² | +296.0%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $25.2B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,142.623 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -16.8%64.9 yrs | +20.2%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +510.6%40.3 | -83.6%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +755.9%14.9% | -88.3%1.7% |
| Capital | Port-au-Prince | Havana |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | French, Haitian Creole | Spanish |
| Currencies | HTG (G) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Haiti is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba, with 11.9M residents compared to 9.7M. Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Haiti.
Economy Comparison
Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Haiti's GDP stands at $25.2B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Haiti is 64.9 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 13.1 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Haiti's infant mortality is 511% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cuba (109,884 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Haiti shares borders with 1 country, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Haiti spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Both Haiti and Cuba are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Caribbean and Caribbean.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Haiti and Cuba is in infant mortality: Haiti's 40.3 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Haiti and Cuba is in land area: Haiti's 27,750 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Haiti and Cuba is in population: Haiti's 11.9M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Haiti's lower-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Haiti is 4.8x more densely populated than Cuba (428 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 13.1 years longer than those of Haiti (78.1 vs 64.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Cuba's economy grew at -1.1% compared to Haiti's -4.2%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Haiti vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 40.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Haiti offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Haiti vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Haiti is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,142.623 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Haiti can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Haiti vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Haiti may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Haiti vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Haiti and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Haiti spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Haiti or Cuba by population?
Haiti is larger by population, with 11.9M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Haiti is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Haiti or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Haiti and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Haiti's 64.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.1 years. Haiti's life expectancy is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Haiti or Cuba?
Cuba is larger by land area, covering 109,884 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Cuba is 4.0 times larger than Haiti.
What languages are spoken in Haiti and Cuba?
Haiti recognizes the following languages: French, Haitian Creole. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Haiti or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Haiti's inflation rate is 26.9%.
Is Haiti or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 40.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Haiti offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ha...
Is Haiti or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Haiti is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,142.623 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Haiti can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specif...
Is Haiti or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Haiti may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Haiti or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Haiti and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Haiti spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...