Haiti at a Glance
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Geography
The country of Haiti rests in the Caribbean Sea on the Westernmost part of the island of Hispaniola. It shares a boarder with the Dominican Republic and includes the smaller islands of Gonave, Tortue, Grande Caye, and Vache. Haiti's capital is named Port-au-Prince, a city that can be found on the Gulf of the Gonave island. The topography of Haiti is incredibly rugged, so much so that its name is derived from the word Ayti, meaning "mountainous land." Haiti's shore is surrounded by rocky cliffs and the sea around it is home to beautiful coral reefs.
The country of Haiti rests in the Caribbean Sea on the Westernmost part of the island of Hispaniola. It shares a boarder with the Dominican Republic and includes the smaller islands of Gonave, Tortue, Grande Caye, and Vache. Haiti's capital is named Port-au-Prince, a city that can be found on the Gulf of the Gonave island. The topography of Haiti is incredibly rugged, so much so that its name is derived from the word Ayti, meaning "mountainous land." Haiti's shore is surrounded by rocky cliffs and the sea around it is home to beautiful coral reefs.
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Population
As of 2018, the population of Haiti was approximately 11,068,000, making it the most populous country in the Caribbean. Haiti has a population density of 350 people per square kilometer, a ratio that ranks 32nd in the world. The majority of Haiti's population is of African origin, and a lesser but still significant portion are those of mixed African and European descent. Those who are a part of the mixed race portion of the population are referred to as mulattoes and make up the wealthier and elite class of Haiti.
As of 2018, the population of Haiti was approximately 11,068,000, making it the most populous country in the Caribbean. Haiti has a population density of 350 people per square kilometer, a ratio that ranks 32nd in the world. The majority of Haiti's population is of African origin, and a lesser but still significant portion are those of mixed African and European descent. Those who are a part of the mixed race portion of the population are referred to as mulattoes and make up the wealthier and elite class of Haiti.
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Religion
Due to the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom in Haiti, a great variety of religions are practiced throughout the country. The most predominant religion practiced in Haiti is Roman Catholicism. Many other Haitians practice either the Protestant or Christian religion. Also of note, the practice of Vodou, a religion whose gods are derived from West African religions, is practiced throughout Haiti.
Due to the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom in Haiti, a great variety of religions are practiced throughout the country. The most predominant religion practiced in Haiti is Roman Catholicism. Many other Haitians practice either the Protestant or Christian religion. Also of note, the practice of Vodou, a religion whose gods are derived from West African religions, is practiced throughout Haiti.
Politics and Education
Haiti's political system is in a state of transition and has been since it gained its independence from the French in 1804. Democracy is the ideal system that many in Haiti wish to adopt, but the unsteady political climate does not allow for it to flourish. The upperclass Mulatto citizens have a large amount of political sway in the country. Education in Haiti is compulsory for those ages 6 to 12. Unfortunately it lacks resources so only a small portion of Haitian children attend school. Those who are fortunate enough to receive schooling, spend their days in private facilities learning the French language. |
Languages
There are two official languages in Haiti: the Haitian Creole and French. Most of the Haitian population speaks the Haitian Creole, a language that blends the original Haitian language with the linguistic features of languages from European countries including France and England. French in Haiti is only spoken by about 10% of the population and is reserved for wealthier members of society in more formal settings. French is also the predominate language of the classroom. In recent years there has been an increase in the use of English in Haiti, as will be described in the timeline section of this website. |
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Time in Port-au-Prince, Haiti