Haiti

Haiti has an area of 27,750 sq km and a population of 8,706,497 in 2007. Haiti has various offshore islands. The literacy rate of 52.9%. Haiti has a large number of natural harbours. Electricity is 110 volt AC, 60Hz.

Location

Haiti is situated on the western part of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Greater Antilles. Dominican Republic has 360 kmborder with Haiti. Haiti at its closest point is only about 80 km away from Cuba.

Geography

Haiti's terrain consists mainly of rugged mountains interspersed with small coastal plains and river valleys. Haiti's largest lake is Lac Azuei. Pic la Selle is the highest point in Haiti at 2,680 m. Haiti terrain consists of two large peninsulas, the southern peninsula is the longest of the two. The two peninsulas are separated by the Golfe de la Gonave. In the higher-lying mountainous regions pine forests are found, in the valleys there are cedars, mahogany (sadly very few are left) and oak trees. The country's flora includes orange and mango trees. All in all, there are 5,000 plant species in Haiti.

Capital

Port-au-Prince

Climate

November-March has day temperatures of 23-32 C and nights are in the 15-27 C. The rainy season is May-July, but even when it rains, it usually lasts for only an hour or two in the evening. Hurricane season is July-October.

Language

French and Haitian Creole (Official), Spanish, English

Monetary Unit

Gourde (HTG). US Dollars are accepted and exchanged everywhere.

Largest Cities

Gonaives, Hinche, Jeremie), Miragoane, Cap-Haitien, Fort-Liberte, Port-de-Paix, Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Les Cayes

Principal rivers

Artibonite (longest), Guayamouc, Riviere l'Artibonite

Places to Visit

Island of Tortuga, Ile a Vache is a lush island with many beautiful sights. Carnival is celebrated during January and February. Ornately decorated tap-taps in city, Ibo beach in Cacique Isle for swimming, snorkelling, spearfishing, sailing, boomba racing in dugout canoes and water-skiing

Airports

Cap Haitien Intl, Toussaint Louverture Intl, Cayes, Jacmel. Flights operates from Port-au-Prince to Hinche, Pignon and Dame Marie. Buses and taxis run on notoriously potholed city roads.