Hinché

Hinché, often spelled Hinche, is a city in the Centre Department of Haiti. It serves as the capital of the Centre Department and functions as a regional administrative, commercial, and cultural center for inland communities. Located in the central highlands, Hinche lies inland from the coast and is connected by road to Port-au-Prince and other major towns. The surrounding area is predominantly rural, with agriculture playing a key role in the local economy; crops such as coffee, maize, and rice have historically been important to the region.

The city provides essential services, including schooling, healthcare facilities, and markets that serve residents of Hinche and nearby communes. Population figures vary by source, but Hinche is broadly described as a mid-sized inland Haitian city with a mix of urban and rural dwellers. The climate is tropical, with a wet season and cooler temperatures relative to coastal areas due to elevation.

Hinché has a long local history reflective of Haiti's broader colonial and post-independence eras. In modern times, the town faces development challenges common to inland municipalities, including infrastructure needs, housing, and access to services, while also serving as a hub for regional trade and culture. Local events, markets, and religious and family-centered practices form part of the social fabric.