The country Haïti occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, along with the Dominican Republic. This former French colony is the third largest country in the Caribbean behind Cuba and the neighboring Dominican Republic.
Two-thirds of all Haïtians depend on the agriculture sector; mangoes and coffee are two of the country’s most important exports. When it gained independence as part of a successful slave rebellion in 1804, Haïti was the first black-led republic worldwide. Haïti is world famous for its distinguishing art, especially painting and sculpture. Unfortunately the country is currently in the process of recovering from the major earthquake that hit the country’s capital Port-au-Prince in January 2010, killing over 150,000 persons and destroying countless homes and businesses as well as the Presidential palace, Parliament and many other important structures.
| Capital | Port-au-Prince |
| Other towns | • Gonaives • Cap-Haitian • Les Cayes |
| Language(s) | French, Spanish, Creole and English (only in the capital) |
| Population | approximately 10 million habitants |
| Political Status | Parliamentary republic |
| Area | 27,750 km² (10,714 sq. miles) |
| Currency | Gourde (HTG) and US Dollars |
| Climate | Haiti’s year-round temperature is about 78,8°F (26°C) and it’s mostly sunny |
| Selected Main Attractions | Haïtian music, Fort Dauphin, Lake Etang Saumâtre, lake Miragone and the seaport Cap-Haïtien |
| Shopping | The stores near Baptist Mission in Fermathe sell exquisite native handicrafts. Petion Ville: high quality and wide range of local handicrafts and artifacts. Port-au-Prince: iron works, woodcarvings, wooden bowls, painted trays and plates, embroidered Haitian clothing, jewelry, and Haitian Naïve painting. |
| Electrical Current | 110 V, 60 Hz |
Last Updated on Thursday, 10 June 2010 15:49
