Search: Look for:   Last 1 Month   Last 6 Months   All time
Haiti

Haiti: The Land of Mangroves

Columbus was the first explorer to come across this island in the year 1492. And then the indigenous people of Haiti, the Arawaks came under the control of Spanish colonizers. It then became a French colony in the year 1697. The French rulers used this region for the production of sugarcane and employed several slaves in the area. However, there was a mass insurrection by the native slaves and it was declared independent by Pierre-Dominique Toussaint l'Ouverture in 1801. Thereafter, the movement was suppressed by Napoléon Bonaparte, which again got started in the year 1804. Hence it became world’s first black nation to gain independence.

Haiti Fast Facts:

    · National Name: Republic of Haiti
    · National Capital: Port-au-Prince
    · Total Area: 27,750 sq km
    · Total Population: 8,924,553
    · Ethnic races: black 95%, mulatto and white 5%
    · Religions: Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%
    note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo
    · Currency: Gourde
    · GDP per capita (PPP): $1,400 (2008 est.)
    · Languages: French (official), Creole (official)
    · Life expectancy: 59 years (men), 63 years (women) (UN)
    · Literacy Rate: 52.9% (2003 est.)

Haiti Geography, Climate and Economy:
Haiti is almost the same size of Maryland, and is mostly mountainous covering about two third of the total area. While the rest of the parts comprise of great valleys, extensive plateaus, and small plains. It consists of Hispaniola Island in the western end.

The climate of Haiti is tropical and the temperature varies according to different altitudes. In the months of November to March the temperature ranges from 23-32 degree Celsius and it is the best time to visit Haiti. In the months of May to July there remains a rainy season. Some areas experience semiarid climate where mountains act as a barrier for the trade winds.

Haiti is the most economically backward country in the Western Hemisphere. Around 80% of its population lives below the poverty line and 54% in utter poverty. Agricultural sector, mainly small-scale subsistence farming, forms two third part of its economy. The Natural resources of Haiti consist of bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble and hydropower.

Culture and Cuisine of Haiti:
Africa has had a major influence on this island as 95% belong to African origin while other groups comprise of Mulattoes. In all, Haiti has a rich culture comprising of delectable cuisine, music, architecture, painting and sculpture. The people of Haiti comprise of Voodoos with their distinct music and dancing styles. Kompa music of Haiti is famous for its vibrant style and in terms of genre it bears similarity with the music of Cuba.

The Haitian cuisine has major French and African influences, which also includes their cooking techniques. Staples like maize or mayi, yam and cassava form an important part of this island’s cuisine having African origins. Besides this it also shares some Latin American cuisine features.

Tourist Attractions in Haiti:
Labadie Island is one of the most popular places in Haiti attracting tourists from worldwide. It is famous for its scenic sites and the picturesque beaches and bays. Besides this, the Bay of Acul is famous for its reefs. The Musee de Guahaba is a museum in Haiti, which comprises of a number of artifacts and artworks depicting Haiti’s cultural background and historical relics.

Some Other Tourist Sites are:

    · Amiga Island
    · Caracol
    · The Citadelle
    · Barbancourt Rum Distillery
    · Plaine du Cul de Sac
    · Cap-Haïtien
    · The Habitation De Mezy
    · Fort Liberté
    · Labadie or Coco Beach

View Haiti News


Excellent Hair Fall Treatment
Careers | Privacy Policy | Feedback | About Us | Contact Us | | Latest News
Copyright © 2015 NEWS TRACK India All rights reserved.