Artibonite

Artibonite is a department of Haiti in the western-central part of the country. Its capital is Gonaïves. It is bordered by Nord and Centre to the north and east, and by Ouest to the southwest; it includes coastal and inland areas such as the port city of Saint-Marc in the north.

The region is dominated by the Artibonite River valley, through which the longest river in Haiti runs and provides irrigation for crops. The terrain ranges from coastal plains to upland areas in the interior.

Agriculture is the sector's backbone, with rice farming in the valley, along with maize, bananas, and coffee in higher elevations. Fishing and small-scale commerce occur along the coast and in towns such as Saint-Marc.

Gonaïves is historically significant as the site where Haiti's independence was proclaimed in 1804.

Artibonite is among the most populous departments and is subdivided into several arrondissements and communes, including Gonaïves, Saint-Marc, and Dessalines.

The department faces hazards from floods and tropical storms, and development efforts focus on improving irrigation, infrastructure, and resilience for farming communities.