Long-term impacts of tropical storms and earthquakes on human population growth in Haiti and Dominican Republic

Abstract

The two Caribbean states, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, have experienced similar natural forces since the 18th century, including hurricanes and earthquakes. Although, both countries seem to be two of the most prone of all Latin American and Caribbean countries to natural hazard events, historically, Haiti tends to be more vulnerable to natural forces. The purpose of this article is to understand to what extent geohazards shape demographic changes. Research findings of this study show that neither atmospheric nor seismic hazards that directly hit the territory of Haiti have significant impacts on population densities and growth rates. Quantitative evidence is provided, that between 1850 to 2009 urbanization processes have exposed more people to natural forces. Thus, Haiti is willing to take an increasing risk, because, finally, it matters where people settle.