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Location
Caribbean, island of Hispaniola.
Time
GMT - 5.
Area
27,750 sq km (10,714 sq miles).
Population
8.4 million (UN estimate 2006).
Population Density
302.7 per sq km.
Capital
Port-au-Prince. Population: 2 million.
Geography
Haiti is situated in the Caribbean and comprises the forested mountainous western end of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Its area includes the Île de la Gonâve, in the Gulf of the same name; among other islands is La Tortue off the north peninsula. Haiti’s coastline is dotted with magnificent beaches, between which stretches lush subtropical vegetation, even covering the slopes which lead down to the shore. Port-au-Prince is a magnificent natural harbour at the end of a deep horseshoe bay.
Government
Republic. Gained independence from France in 1804.
Head of State
President René Préval since 2006.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis since 2006.
Recent History
Despite the presence of the UN peacekeepers, the country has continued to be blighted by political and criminal violence and instability. Killings and kidnappings are now a daily occurrence in the capital. The most recent presidential and parliamentary elections took place in February 2006. The polls, originally set for November 2005, had been postponed four times because of security and organisational issues. The elections were the first since President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted from power nearly two years earlier.
For Haiti's poor, former President René Préval was seen to be the solution to the country's problems. Initially it appeared Préval had not won the 50% needed to be elected outright. Préval alleged massive electoral fraud and crowds of his supporters took to the streets in protest. However, following an agreement between the government and electoral officials, under which blank ballots were subtracted from the total number of votes counted, it was announced that Préval had gained 51.15%, thus eliminating the need for a second round run-off.
For Haiti's poor, former President René Préval was seen to be the solution to the country's problems. Initially it appeared Préval had not won the 50% needed to be elected outright. Préval alleged massive electoral fraud and crowds of his supporters took to the streets in protest. However, following an agreement between the government and electoral officials, under which blank ballots were subtracted from the total number of votes counted, it was announced that Préval had gained 51.15%, thus eliminating the need for a second round run-off.
Language
The official languages are French and Creole. English is spoken in tourist areas.
Religion
The official religions are Roman Catholicism (75%) and Voodooism (70%); most Haitians practise both. Voodooism is a polytheistic folk religion, manifested by a series of complex ritual drawings, songs and dances. It is an African religion, and not incompatible with a shared belief in Christianity. There are Protestant minorities.
Electricity
110 volts AC (220 volts is also sometimes available), 60Hz.
Social Conventions
Informal wear is acceptable, although beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Only the most elegant dining-rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner.