Haiti is a sovereign nation situated on one third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, sharing the landmass with the Dominican Republic. It is widely recognized as the first country in history to achieve independence through a successful slave rebellion in 1803.
The Spanish eradicated the entire indigenous population of the island - the Taíno - soon after Christopher Columbus and his crew established their initial settlement in the New World. However, upon encountering the more prosperous lands of the Aztec, Mayan, and Inca Empires, they promptly shifted their focus, allowing other foreign powers like France to exploit the situation.
Haiti came under the control of the French, and in the subsequent years, the incoming settlers turned it into a major sugar producer by bringing in numerous enslaved individuals from West Africa. These slaves, in due course, rose up against their French oppressors.
Upon Haiti gaining independence in 1803, a significant number of the enslaved individuals were originally from Africa, yet they swiftly transformed into Caribbean inhabitants.
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Population: 11 million (84th)
Languages: French and Haitian Creole are official languages. French is used by the administration and spoken by most well-educated Haitians. The Creole uses many French words but its grammar is purely West African.
Area: 27,800 km2 (143rd largest country)
A free visa on arrival is available at both the airport and land borders.
According to media reports, Haiti is currently experiencing a state of lawlessness, where gangs dominate and engage in activities such as kidnapping and territorial disputes, resulting in violence and loss of life.
To a certain degree, this statement holds true; however, these concerns are limited to specific regions within Port-au-Prince, possibly affecting around 50 to 60 percent of the city. On the other hand, the remaining parts of the country are secure for travel, including independent exploration.
The optimal period to explore the country is from October through March, as this is when the skies are typically clear and the climate is generally enjoyable. Additionally, February brings the excitement of Carnival festivities.
The rainy season typically falls between April and June, with the main hurricane season occurring from August to September.
The Haitian Gourde is the designated official currency of Haiti. The exchange rate is 1 USD to 150 HTG. In Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien, you can locate ATMs that accept foreign cards. Additionally, most hotels in Haiti allow card payments, while the remainder of the country operates primarily on a cash-based economy.
Budget: Haiti can be considered expensive for budget travelers, with prices starting at $80 a day, particularly when it comes to accommodation.
