Haiti

Caribbean

Haiti is a country in Caribbean, home to 11.8 million people, with an area of 27,750 km². Its capital is Port-au-Prince.

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

Haiti at a glance

Language

Haitian Creole and French are the official languages, with Haitian Creole being the most widely spoken

Currency

Haitian gourde (HTG)

Religion

Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Haiti, with significant Protestant and Vodouist minorities

National dish

Griot (a dish made with marinated and fried pork)

Climate

Haiti has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round. The country experiences a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April

Main industries

Agriculture (including coffee, mangoes, and sugarcane), textiles and clothing, and light manufacturing

GDP

$9.4 billion USD (nominal, 2021 estimate)

Development

Haiti is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 170 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Haiti

Some of the main tourist attractions in Haiti include:

• Citadelle Laferrière a historic fortress located in the northern part of the country, built in the early 19th century to defend against foreign invasion.
• Labadee a private beach resort located on the northern coast of Haiti, featuring stunning beaches, water sports, and other activities.
• Jacmel a picturesque coastal town located in the southeastern part of the country, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant art scene, and Carnival celebrations.
• Bassin Bleu a series of three natural pools located in the southwestern part of the country, surrounded by lush vegetation and featuring crystal-clear blue water.
• National Museum of Haiti a museum located in Port-au-Prince, featuring exhibits on the country's history, culture, and art.
• Iron Market a historic market located in the heart of Port-au-Prince, selling a variety of goods, including local handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
• Saut d'Eau a sacred waterfall located in the central part of the country, believed by many Haitians to have healing properties.
• Sans Souci Palace: a historic palace located in the northern part of the country, built in the early 19th century as the residence of King Henri Christophe.
• Musée Ogier Fombrun: a museum located in Jacmel, featuring exhibits on the country's indigenous culture, colonial history, and contemporary art.
• Parc National La Visite a national park located in the central part of the country, featuring hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Haiti has to offer. Despite its challenges, the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a unique and rewarding destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Haiti in pictures

Haiti on video

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Haiti compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Caribbean.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Haiti	11.8 million	27,750 km²	Port-au-Prince
Dominican Republic	11.4 million	48,671 km²	Santo Domingo
Cuba	10.9 million	109,884 km²	Havana
Jamaica	2.8 million	10,991 km²	Kingston

Ranked 80th of 195 countries by population and 143rd by area.

Questions about Haiti

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