Geography
Haiti occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, in the heart of the Greater Antilles, between Cuba to the northwest, Jamaica to the southwest, and Puerto Rico to the east. The country covers 27,750 km².
The name "Haiti" comes from the Taíno word "Ayiti", meaning "land of high mountains." The country is indeed 80% mountainous, with only 20% of flat land.
- Capital : Port-au-Prince (1.1 million inhabitants)
- Major cities : Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes, Gonaïves
- Divisions : 10 departments, 136 communes
- Climate : Tropical (average 28°C)
Haiti in numbers
27 750
km²11,4 M
inhabitants1804
independence2
languages (Creole, French)A history of courage
Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the island was named "La Española." After centuries of Spanish then French colonization under the name Saint-Domingue, enslaved Africans rose up.
Led by Toussaint Louverture, the Haitian Revolution (1791–1803) resulted in independence on January 1, 1804. Haiti became the first independent Black republic in the world and the only French-speaking independent country in the Caribbean.
Since then, the country has endured many trials: foreign occupations, unstable political regimes, recurring natural disasters. The earthquake of January 12, 2010 (magnitude 7.3) killed 300,000 people and left 1.2 million homeless.
Despite these challenges, the Haitian people display extraordinary resilience. It is this strength that inspires us every day in our commitment to community schools.
Culture and traditions
A rich heritage, blending African, French, and Creole influences
Painting
Haitian painting is recognized worldwide for its naïve, popular, and colorful style. Themes include nature, vodou, and scenes of daily life. Wood carvings and ironwork are increasingly prized by collectors.
Music
Music occupies a central place in Haitian life. Diverse rhythms: Konpa, engaged music, Troubadour, zouk, and roots rhythms. It evolves with rumba, jazz, and rock. Wyclef Jean is the best-known ambassador to the world.
Cuisine
Haitian cuisine is rich and flavorful: griot (fried pork), rice and beans, fried plantains, lambi (conch). Tropical fruits abound: mangoes, papayas, coconut. Creole cuisine reflects the country's cultural blending.
Today's challenges
Education
School enrollment rates remain low, especially in rural areas. Many children lack access to school for financial reasons. Teachers in community schools are often unpaid by the state.
Poverty
80% of Haitians live below the poverty line, 54% in extreme poverty. Family agriculture (corn, cassava, beans, rice) can no longer feed families.
Insecurity
Political instability and insecurity complicate the delivery of aid and the functioning of schools. Despite this, local communities show remarkable determination.
Natural disasters
Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods — Haiti is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. Accelerating deforestation makes the risks worse. The 2010 earthquake remains the worst disaster in its history.
Haiti needs us
LET'S ACT TOGETHER — "UNITY IS STRENGTH" — Haiti's national motto