The Haitian Gourde (HTG) serves as the official currency of Haiti, a Caribbean nation situated on the island of Hispaniola. It was introduced in 1813, replacing the livre at a conversion rate of 1 Gourde for every 8 livres. The Bank of the Republic of Haiti (Banque de la République d’Haïti) is tasked with the issuance and management of the Haitian Gourde.

The Haitian Gourde functions under a managed floating exchange rate system, where its value in relation to other currencies is influenced by market dynamics, including supply and demand. The Bank of the Republic of Haiti may step in to the foreign exchange market when necessary to ensure stability or to curb excessive fluctuations. This approach enables the Haitian Gourde to adapt to external shocks and shifts in global market conditions while maintaining a degree of stability.

The Haitian Gourde is divided into 100 smaller units known as centimes. Coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes, along with 1 and 5 Gourde coins. Banknotes can be found in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 Gourdes.

Haiti’s economy is largely centered around agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Agriculture, especially the cultivation of staple crops such as rice, corn, and beans, plays a vital role and provides jobs for a significant portion of the population. The manufacturing sector, primarily focused on textiles and clothing, is also essential to the economy.

However, Haiti grapples with numerous economic challenges, including high poverty and inequality rates, a substantial informal sector, and susceptibility to natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. The nation also faces issues related to corruption, weak governance, and limited access to fundamental services such as education and healthcare. The Haitian government is actively pursuing policies aimed at fostering economic growth, diversifying the economy, and tackling social issues.

In conclusion, the Haitian Gourde is Haiti's official currency, managed by the Bank of the Republic of Haiti. It operates under a managed floating exchange rate system, with its value shaped by market forces and possible interventions from the Bank. The currency is divided into centimes and is available in various banknote and coin denominations. While Haiti's economy is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and services, the country faces significant challenges, including high poverty and inequality, a large informal sector, and vulnerability to natural disasters and other pressing issues.