Haiti is situated on the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic, located in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea. The country’s geography is primarily mountainous, with small coastal plains and central plateaus. The name "Haiti" itself is derived from the indigenous Taíno language, meaning "Land of High Mountains." The Massif de la Hotte and the Massif de la Selle are the dominant mountain ranges, with Pic la Selle reaching an elevation of 2,680 meters. This rugged terrain has historically dictated the settlement patterns and agricultural practices of the nation, as arable land is often found in steep-sided valleys or along the narrow fringes of the coast.

The Gulf of Gonâve is a large horseshoe-shaped body of water that defines the western coastline of Haiti. It contains the Île de la Gonâve, the largest of Haiti's satellite islands, which sits in the center of the gulf and creates two primary channels: the Saint-Marc Channel to the north and the Gonâve Channel to the south. The gulf is a critical maritime zone for domestic trade and artisanal fishing, providing a primary source of protein for coastal populations. The capital city, Port-au-Prince, is situated at the innermost point of the gulf, benefiting from the natural harbor provided by the surrounding mountainous peninsulas.

Port-au-Prince serves as the administrative, commercial, and political center of Haiti. Founded in 1749 under French colonial rule, the city was built on a grid system that has since expanded into a sprawling metropolitan area. It houses the primary government buildings, including the National Palace and the Parliament, as well as the country’s main international port and airport, Toussaint Louverture International. The city's economy is driven by light manufacturing, retail, and the service sector. Due to its location on a fault line and at the base of steep hills, the urban infrastructure faces significant challenges related to seismic activity and seasonal drainage.