Country Guide • Haiti
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. Haiti’s coastline is dotted with magnificent beaches, between which stretches lush subtropical vegetation, even covering the slopes which lead down to the shore. Haiti has the lowest standard of living in the Western Hemisphere.
| Official Name | Republic of Haiti |
|---|---|
| Area | 27,750km² (10,714mile²) |
| Population | 7,527,500 |
| Continent | Caribbean/North America |
| Population per mile² | 703 |
| Capital City | Port-au-Prince |
| Religions | 80% Roman Catholic, 16% Protestant and most of the population also believe in Voodoo |
| Language | Creole and French |
| Government | Republic |
| Currency | Gourde |
| GDP | $12 billion |
| GDP per Head | $1,700 |
| Natural Resources | Bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold and marble |
| Land Use | Arable Land 20% |
| Agriculture | Bananas, coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum and timber |
| Industry | Sugar refining, cement, clothing and textiles |
| Tourism | The British and Foreign Commonwealth office currently advise against all holiday and other non-essential travel to Haiti because of the general threat to personal security |
| Natural Hazards | Haiti lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and is subject to severe storms from June to October. There is occasional flooding and earthquakes and periodic droughts |
| Health Risks | Malaria, hepatitis A, tuberculosis, dengue fever, sunburn. Don't drink Haitian tap water, and be wary of food that might have been washed in tap water |
| Climate | Haiti has a tropical climate. Rainfall varies but average annual rainfall on the north coast and mountainous interior varying from 77 - 273 incheswhile the west side of the country receives only 20 inches. Average temperature ranges in Port-au-Prince are from 25°C in January to 29°C in July |
| Time | GMT/UTC-4 hours |
| National Days | January 1 Independence Day |
| Visas | All visitors require a valid passport; citizens of Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco, South Korea, Switzerland, UK and USA do not require visas. Others must have a three-month tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival with a completed application |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
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