Haití

Haiti, officially the Republic of Haiti, is a Caribbean country that occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. It is the third-largest country in the Caribbean by area and has the second-largest population. The capital and largest city is Port-au-Prince. Haiti is a republic, led by a president and a prime minister.

The history of Haiti is marked by its colonial past and its struggle for independence. It was a French colony known as Saint-Domingue, a major producer of sugar and coffee, heavily reliant on enslaved African labor. In 1791, a slave revolt began, leading to the Haitian Revolution. Haiti declared independence in 1804, becoming the first free black republic and the second independent nation in the Americas. Its early years were challenging, facing international isolation and internal instability.

The Haitian economy is primarily based on agriculture, with coffee, cocoa, and mangoes being important exports. However, the country faces significant economic challenges, including poverty and unemployment, exacerbated by natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Tourism, though a potential growth sector, has been hampered by political instability and infrastructure issues.

Haiti's culture is a rich blend of African, French, and indigenous Taíno influences. Vodou is a significant spiritual and cultural practice. The official languages are Haitian Creole and French. The country has a vibrant artistic scene, known for its distinctive painting, sculpture, and music. Haiti is a member of the United Nations and various regional organizations.