Haiti (pronounced /ˈheɪtiː/; French Ha?i
pronounced [aiti]; Haitian Creole: Ayiti), officially the
Republic of Haiti (R?ublique d'Ha?i ; Repiblik Ayiti), is
a Creole- and French-speaking Caribbean country. Along with
the Dominican Republic, it occupies the island of
Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago. Ayiti
(Land on high) was the indigenous Ta?o or Amerindian name
for the island. The country's highest point is Pic la Selle,
at 2,680 metres (8,793 ft). The total area of Haiti is
27,750 square kilometres (10,714 sq mi) and its capital is
Port-au-
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Visitor Attractions
In Haiti, including: Etang Saum tre,
Lake Mirago ne, Trou Ca man, Lake P
ligre, Citadelle Laferri re, Sans-souci
Palace, Pic Macaya National Park, La
Visite National Park, Labadee, Port-salut,
Fort Riviere, Fort-libert
Haiti's regional, historical, and ethnolinguistic position is
unique for several reasons. It was the first independent nation in
the Caribbean, the first post-colonial independent black-led nation
in the world, and the only nation whose independence was gained as
part of a successful slave rebellion. Haiti is the only
predominantly Francophone independent nation in the Caribbean, and
one of only two in North America (along with Canada) which designate
French as an official language; the other French-speaking North
American countries are all overseas d?artements or collectivit? of
France.
Haiti is divided into 10 departments. The departments are listed
below, with the departmental capital cities in parentheses.
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Artibonite (Gona?es)
Centre (Hinche)
Grand'Anse (J??ie)
Nippes (Mirago?e)
Nord (Cap-Ha?ien)
Nord-Est (Fort-Libert?
Nord-Ouest (Port-de-Paix)
Ouest (Port-au-Prince)
Sud-Est (Jacmel)
Sud (Les Cayes)
The departments are further divided into 41 arrondissements, and
133 communes which serve as second and third level administrative
divisions.
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Geography
Haiti is situated on the western part
of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Greater
Antilles. Haiti is the third largest country in the
Caribbean behind Cuba and the Dominican Republic (the latter
shares a 360 kilometre (224 mi) border with Haiti). Haiti at
its closest point is only about 45 nautical miles (50 mi; 80
km) away from Cuba and boasts the second longest coastline
(1,771 km/1,100 mi) of any country in the Antilles, Cuba
having the longest. Haiti's terrain consists mainly of
rugged mountains interspersed with small coastal plains and
river valleys.
The northern region consists of the Massif du Nord (Northern
Massif) and the Plaine du Nord (Northern Plain). The Massif
du Nord is an extension of the Cordillera Central in the
Dominican Republic. It begins at Haiti's eastern border,
north of the Guayamouc River, and extends to the northwest
through the northern peninsula. The lowlands of the Plaine
du Nord lie along the northern border with the Dominican
Republic, between the Massif du Nord and the North Atlantic
Ocean. The central region consists of two plains and two
sets of mountain ranges. The Plateau Central (Central
Plateau) extends along both sides of the Guayamouc River,
south of the Massif du Nord. It runs from the southeast to
the northwest. To the southwest of the Plateau Central are
the Montagnes Noires, whose most northwestern part merges
with the Massif du Nord.
Languages
One of Haiti's two official languages is French, which is
the principal written and administratively authorized
language. It is spoken by most educated Haitians and used in
the business sector. The second is the recently standardized
Haitian Creole, spoken by virtually the entire population of
Haiti. Nearly all Haitians speak the latter as a first
language, a French-based creole language that harbors
significant African influence, as well as influence from
Spanish, and Ta?o. Residents near the border with the
Dominican Republic have often learned enough Spanish for
conversational speaking. Due to its ties to the U.S.A ,
English has also became an important tool in the business
sector.
Culture
Haiti has a long and storied history and therefore
retains a very rich culture. Haitian culture is a mix of
primarily French, African elements, and native Ta?o. With
some lesser influence from the colonial Spanish as well as
minor influences from colonial Portuguese. The country's
customs essentially are a blend of cultural beliefs that
derived from the various ethnic groups that inhabited the
island of Hispaniola. In nearly all aspects of modern
Haitian society however, the European and African element
dominate. Haiti is world famous for its distinctive art,
notably painting and sculpture.
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Haiti is a beautiful Caribbean island that attracts a large
number of tourists from all across the globe every year. The
numerous Haiti tourist attractions are major crowd pullers and
consist of natural wonders, parks, lakes, monuments and historic
sites.
The biggest attraction of the country is the Labadie Island.
This island is known for its scenic beauty. One can take a cruise
around the island and check out its beaches and bays. Here you can
check out the reefs of the Bay of Acul. Besides this, one can
pay a visit to the Haitian town of Caracol also. You can also
check out the Amiga Island and marvel at the lush green
landscapes of this exotic island.
The Citadelle is a historic site of the country.
A major landmark, it gives one a clear picture of the
country's tumulus history. Travelers can also pay a visit to
the Musee de Guahaba. This is a specialty museum,
where one can take a look at the numerous art and artifacts
that are displayed.
The Citadelle is a historic site of the country. A major
landmark, it gives one a clear picture of the country's tumulus
history. Travelers can also pay a visit to the Musee de Guahaba.
This is a specialty museum, where one can take a look at the
numerous art and artifacts that are displayed.
Another popular Haiti tourist attraction is the Barbancourt Rum
Distillery. One can pay a visit to this brewery and see how rum
is made. One can also get to taste some of the finest quality rums
over here also. The Plaine du Cul de Sac is a famous landmark
and hence a popular tourist attraction of Haiti. This is actually a
large stretch of fertile land that is located near the country's
border with the Dominican Republic
Petionville is a popular neighborhood located in the
capital city of Port-au-Prince. This area is filled with large
number of shops and restaurants, which are worth visiting. One can
also find a large number of cultural institutions over here from
where one can get a complete idea of the rich cultural heritage of
the country.
Apart from these, the other tourist attractions of the country
include the Lake Saumatre, which is known for the flamingos,
water buffaloes and crocodiles that are found over here. Travelers
can also check out the Chaine de la Selle peak. This is the
highets point in the country and jhence worth paying a visit.
The Haiti Tourist attractions, though few in number, offers
extensive sightseeing options to the travelers and tourists coming
over here for a vacation.
Where to stay:
Hotel Montana is located a few minutes from Port au Prince
and Petionville. Most rooms have a view of the city, mountains, and
bay. Decorated in native Haitian deor. Hotel is on a hill with
beautiful gardens. It is a very private setting.
Moulin Sur Mer Beach Resort is an authentic sugar
plantation (1750) located on 5 beachfront acres. Approximately an
hour from the capital of Port-au-Prince, in the quiet town of
Montrouis, it's a true haven of intimacy and tranquility. The 68
spacious rooms are decorated with Haitian art and handicrafts and
the beachfront bar and restaurant offers some of Haiti's finest
cuisine.
El Rancho, Nestled in hills of Petion-Ville 1200 feet
above the city of Port-au- Prince, El Rancho is more like a palatial
private estate than a hotel. In fact it was the home of Albert
Silvera-the world-renowned collector of classic automobiles-who in
1950 decided to convert it into the most elegant resort in Haiti.
The Hotel Oloffson is an inn in central Port-au-Prince,
Haiti. The main structure of the hotel is a 19th century Gothic
gingerbread mansion set in a lush tropical garden. The mansion was
built as a residence for the powerful Sam family, including two
former presidents of Haiti. The hotel was the real-life inspiration
for the fictional Hotel Trianon in Graham Greene's famous 1966 novel
The Comedians.
Villa Creole Charming hotel located in the valley below
the village of Petionville. 1200 ft above sea level. 10 minutes from
Port au Prince and airport.
Le Plaza Hotel, Located in downtown Port-au-Prince near
the Presidential Palace, the museums and art galleries, Le Plaza is
the perfect choice for business people and tourists.
Voodoo History
Voodoo is a religion that originated in Africa and was brought to
Haiti by slaves, where it is still widely practiced by most
inhabitants. Most aspects of this religion are positive and it
affects all aspects of the people's lives, such as morality,
economics, safety, relationships and health.
There is a revered God, an assortment of spirits, and many rituals.
Worshippers communicate with their God through the "loa" or spirits.
This relationshiop is based on trust and mutual give and take. The
people conduct ceremonies to honor them and loas, in return, are
helpful in their lives.
The black magic aspects of this religion play a very minor role and
is not typical of voodoo. In the early to mid 1900's, there were
exaggerated claims about voodoo and movies portrayed followers as
ignorant people who were obsessed with evil. Werewolves, zombies,
the casting of spells and the use of voodoo dolls were
sensationalized as the common practices of these people. In
actuality the use of black magic is rare but this stereotype remains
with us even today.
The use of voodoo dolls is unheard of in Haiti and most places where
the religion is practiced. The only recorded serious use of the
dolls, among voodoo worshippers, was in the new Orleans area in the
early 1900's. Hexes were cast to bring either good or bad luck to
another person. The doll was used to symbolize that person. The
sticking of pins into the doll was to reinforce and direct the
spells that were cast.
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