Haiti

2010 January - Tens of thousands of people are feared dead in worst earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years

Haiti became the world's first black-led republic and the first independent Caribbean state when it threw off French colonial control and slavery in a series of wars in the early 19th century.

Politics: Democratic rule was restored in 2006, two years after a violent revolt ousted former leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide; bitter political divisions persist

Economy: The economy is in ruins and unemployment is chronic

International: The UN has deployed peacekeepers; international aid is seen as key to recovery

2009 October-November - Jean-Max Bellerive becomes prime minister after the Senate passes censure motion against his predecessor, Michelle Pierre-Louis.