Places / North & Central America
Haiti
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At a glance
- Region
- Caribbean
- Capital
- Port-au-Prince
- Population
- 11.9 million (2025)
- Area
- 27,750 km²
- Languages
- French, Haitian Creole
- Currency
- Haitian gourde (HTG)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +509
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Before you go
Overview
The Republic of Haiti is a country situated on the island of Hispaniola in the Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea.
The country recorded a population of 11.12 million in 2018 and covers an area of 27,750 km2.
Its capital city is Port-au-Prince. Its landmarks include the Musee du Pantheon National, Iron Market, Evolution tech and Fort Jacques.
The Citadel, near Cap-Haïtien, built in the early 19th century.
History
Haiti proclaimed its independent from France led by General Jean Jacques Dessalines in 1804 becoming the first black-led republic in the world.
But the US invaded in 1915 causing the black-mulatto conflict but withdrew in 1934.
Food & culture
The country’s culture is influenced by African, Taino and European cultures.
The crops grown in the country include cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, plantains, yams, bananas and rice.
The most popular dishes are rice and beans, chicken, Haitian porridge, spicy stewed conch, yellow pumpkin soup, pork dish and meat dish.
Wildlife
Common wildlife animals include pygmy, manatees, sperm whale, spinner dolphin, Pacific pilot whale, Fraser’s dolphin and grey dolphin.
Festivals & events
The most common events held in the country are Independence Day, New Year’s Day, Carnival, Ancestry Day, Dessalines Day, Jacmel Film festival and Carifesta.
Things to see
The Citadelle Laferriere is a fortress that existed since the 19th century built on Bonnet a l’Eveque mountaintop in Nord.
The Palace of Sans-Souci was the chief royal residential place of Henry I in Milot town.
The Musee du Pantheon National Haitien is a museum that preserves the independence heroes of Haiti and the country’s history and culture.
Other must-visit sites are Bassin Bleu, Iron Market and historical Citadelle Sans Souci.
Interesting facts
It was the first Caribbean country to receive independence in 1804.
It was the first republic in the world to be led by blacks and also the first to abolish slavery.
The official religion is Voodoo.
The largest solar-powered hospital in the world is in Haiti.
City guides
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Haiti
0 of 1 visited. See every site I've been to.
Plan your trip to Haiti
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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