Kenya vs Haiti
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Kenya is 4.5 times more populous than Haiti. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 4.8 times larger than Haiti's ($25.2B). Kenya covers 580,367 km², 20.9 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Haiti stands at 64.9 years, 1.3 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaHaiti| Population | +349.4%53.3M | -77.7%11.9M |
| Area | +1991.4%580,367 km² | -95.2%27,750 km² |
| GDP | +377.1%$120.3B | -79.0%$25.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -0.5%$2,132.435 | +0.5%$2,142.623 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.0%63.6 yrs | +2.0%64.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -13.9%34.7 | +16.1%40.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -63.5%5.4% | +174.3%14.9% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Port-au-Prince |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English, Swahili | French, Haitian Creole |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | HTG (G) |
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
Kenya is 4.5 times more populous than Haiti, with 53.3M residents compared to 11.9M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 4.8 times larger than Haiti's ($25.2B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Haiti are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 64.9 years in Haiti, a gap of 1.3 years. Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Haiti's infant mortality is 16% higher than Kenya's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 20.9 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Haiti borders 1 country. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Haiti's 1 timezone. Kenya lies in Africa, while Haiti is located in North America. Kenya is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Haiti belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Haiti is in land area: Kenya's 580,367 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Haiti is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Haiti's $25.2B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Haiti is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Haiti's 11.9M represents a 78% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Haiti's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Haiti has a GDP per capita of $2,142.623, which is 1.0x that of Kenya ($2,132.435). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Haiti is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Haiti is 4.7x more densely populated than Kenya (428 vs 92 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kenya's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Haiti live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Kenya (64.9 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Haiti's -4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Haiti for Families
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 Kenya's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs Haiti for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Kenya vs Haiti for Retirees
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Haiti Cost of Living
Haiti's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Kenya can approach or exceed average costs in Haiti's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Haiti for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. 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, Kenya or Haiti by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Kenya is 4.5 times more populous than Haiti.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Haiti?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Haiti's $25.2B. Kenya's economy is 4.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Haiti?
Haiti has a higher life expectancy at 64.9 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Haiti's is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Kenya or Haiti?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Kenya is 20.9 times larger than Haiti.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Haiti?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Haiti recognizes: French, Haitian Creole. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Haiti?
Kenya has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Haiti's 26.9%. Kenya's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Haiti's rate is severely elevated at 26.9%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Kenya or Haiti better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 ...
Is Kenya or Haiti cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value in spec...
Is Kenya or Haiti better for retirement?
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Kenya or Haiti more expensive to live in?
Haiti's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Kenya or Haiti better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...