Haiti

Haiti (English pronounced /ˈheɪtiː/; French Haïti pronounced [aiti]; Haitian Creole: Ayiti), officially the Republic of Haiti (République d'Haïti ; Repiblik d Ayiti), is a French and Creole speaking Latin American country located on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic, in the Greater Antilles archipelago. Ayiti (Land of Mountains) was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island. The country's highest point is Pic la Selle, at 2,680 metres (8,793 ft). The total area of Haiti is 27,750 square kilometres (10,714 sq mi) and its capital is Port-au-Prince.

[edit] Derivation of the name of the country

The name Haiti comes from the Taino word for the entire island of Hispaniola, Ayiti, which means "Mountainous Land". The French staked their claim on the entire island based on the settlement of Tortuga and Gonave Islands by French pirates in the 15th and 16th centuries. The colony was officially incorporated by France in the early 1600s.

By 1697, with the signing of the Treaty of Ryswick with Spain, the French took the western third of the island, which they named Saint-Domingue (a gallicization of the Spanish name, Santo Domingo ("Saint Dominic"). During this French colonial period, the colony earned the name “La Perle des Antilles” ("The Pearl of the Antilles") due to its economic prosperity and importance. The Spanish kept control of Santo Domingo on the eastern two-thirds of the island.

With the declaration of Saint-Domingue's independence from France on January 1, 1804, following the Haitian Revolution, Revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines restored the original Taino name as a symbolic gesture of honor to the Taino people and as defiance against European rule.

[edit] History

Main article: History of Haiti

See also: Politics of Haiti, Elections in Haiti, National Assembly of Haiti, President of Haiti, 2004 Haitian rebellion, and United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti

Christopher Columbus reached the isle on December 5, 1492. He named the island Hispaniola (Spanish for "Spanish Island"). He landed on the north coast of what is now Haiti in Mole Saint Nicolas, where he soon established a settlement called La Navidad. A branch of the Arawaks, the Tainos, occupied the island before the arrival of the Spaniards. Their number at the end of the 15th century was estimated to be lower than 100,000. Following the destruction of La Navidad by the Amerindians, Columbus moved to the eastern side of the island and established La Isabela. The Spaniards exploited the island for its gold, which was mined largely by the local Amerindians directed by the Spanish occupiers. Those refusing to work in the mines were slaughtered or forced into slavery. The few who evaded capture fled to the mountains and established independent settlements.

The Europeans brought chronic infectious diseases with them. Combined with ill treatment, malnutrition and a drastic drop of the birthrate, these decimated the indigenous population. The Spanish governors began importing enslaved Africans for labor. In 1517, Carlos V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, authorized the draft of the slaves. Many enslaved Africans married Amerindians, forming a line of people known in Haiti as marabou.

The western part of Hispaniola soon was settled by French buccaneers. Among them, Bertrand d'Ogeron succeeded in growing tobacco, which prompted many of the numerous buccaneers and freebooters to turn into a sedentary population. It was a population that did not submit to Spanish royal authority until the year 1660 and caused a number of conflicts.

[edit] 17th c. settlement

Bertrand d'Orgeron attracted many colonists from Martinique and Guadeloupe, such as the Roy family (Jean Roy, 1625-1707), Hebert (Jean Hebert, 1624, with his family) and the Barre (Guillaume Barre, 1642, with his family), driven out by pressure on lands generated by extension of sugar plantations. From 1670 to 1690, a drop in the tobacco markets affected the island, significantly reducing the number of settlers. Freebooters grew stronger, plundering settlements, such as those of Vera Cruz in 1683 and Campêche in 1686. Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Marquis de Seignelay, elder son of Jean-Baptiste Colbert and Minister of the Navy, brought back some order. He ordered the establishment of indigo and sugar cane plantations. The first windmill for processing sugar was created in 1685.

France and Spain settled hostilities on the island by the Treaty of Ryswick of 1697, which divided Hispaniola between them. France received the western third and named it Saint-Domingue. Many French colonists came and worked on plantations. From 1713 to 1787, 30,000 colonists, among them Pierre Nezat, immigrated from Bordeaux, France to the western part of the island. By about 1790, Saint-Domingue had greatly overshadowed its eastern counterpart in terms of wealth and population. It quickly became the richest French colony in the New World due to the immense profits of the sugar, coffee and indigo industries. The labor of thousands of enslaved Africans made it possible. Their lives were ruled by the Code Noire (Black Code), prepared by Colbert and enacted by Louis XIV.

[edit] The French Revolution

The French Revolution generated social upheavals in Saint-Domingue and the French West Indies. Most important was the revolt of the slaves which led in 1793 to the abolition of slavery by commissioners Sonthonax and Polverel. This decision was endorsed and generalized to the whole of the French colonies by the Convention six months later. Toussaint Louverture was appointed Governor by France, after having restored peace in Saint-Domingue. He had driven out the Spaniards and English invaders who threatened the colony. He restored prosperity by daring measures, renewing trading ties with Great Britain and the United States.

[edit] Independence

When Toussaint Louverture created a separatist constitution, Napoleon Bonaparte sent an expedition of 30,000 men under the command of his brother-in-law the General Charles Leclerc to retake the island. Bonaparte was influenced by the Creole planters and traders. Leclerc was to oust Louverture and restore slavery. After some victories and the arrest and the deportation of Toussaint Louverture, the native leader Jean des Dessalines beat the French troops at the Battle of Vertières. They had been led by Donatien Marie Joseph de Rochambeau. At the end of the double battle for emancipation and independence, former slaves proclaimed the independence of Saint-Domingue on 1 January 1804, under the name of Haiti. Haiti was the first country in the western hemisphere to abolish slavery.

Jean-Jacques Dessalines was proclaimed governor for life by his troops. He exiled the remaining whites and ruled as a despot. He was assassinated on October 17, 1806. The country was divided then between a kingdom in the north directed by Henri Christophe and a republic in the south directed by Alexandre Pétion. Then president Jean Pierre Boyer reunified these two parts and conquered the east part of the island. In July 1825, the king of France Charles X sent a fleet of fourteen vessels and troops to reconquer the island. To maintain independence, President Boyer agreed to a treaty by which France recognized the independence of the country in exchange for an allowance of 150 million francs (the sum was reduced in 1838 to 90 million francs).

A long succession of coups followed the departure of Jean-Pierre Boyer. His authority did not cease being disputed by factions of the army, the mulatto and black elites, and the commercial class, now made up of numerous immigrants: Germans, Americans, French and English.

[edit] Twentieth century

The United States occupied the island from 1915 to 1934. From 1957 to 1986, the Duvalier family reigned as dictators. They created the private army and terrorist death squads known as Tonton Macoute. Many Haitians fled into exile in the United States and Quebec.

The former priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide won the elections of December 1990. His mandate began on February 7, 1991. A coup d'état carried out by Raoul Cédras and supported by the business middle-class deposed him in September. In 1994, sparked by the Raboteau Massacre, Aristide returned to power with the backing of the United States' Clinton administration. Aristide left the presidency in 1995 and was re-elected in 2000. After several months of popular demonstrations and pressures exerted by the international community, especially by France, the USA and Canada, Aristide went into exile. He was escorted from the country by US soldiers on February 29, 2004. Armed forces consisting of opponents and former soldiers who controlled the north of the country had threatened to attack the capital Port-au-Prince.

Boniface Alexandre, president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, assumed interim authority. In February 2006, following elections marked by uncertainties and thanks to the support of popular demonstrations, René Préval, close to Aristide and former president of the Republic of Haiti between 1995 and 2000, was elected.

Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince

The government of Haiti is a presidential republic, pluriform multiparty system whereby the President of Haiti is head of state directly elected by popular elections. The Prime Minister acts as head of government and is appointed by the President from the majority party in the National Assembly. Executive power is exercised by the President and Prime Minister who together constitute the government.

Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of the National Assembly of Haiti. The government is organized unitarily, thus the central government delegates powers to the departments without a constitutional need for consent. The current structure of Haiti's political system was set forth in the Constitution of March 29, 1987. The current president is René Préval.

The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (also known as MINUSTAH) has been in the country since 2004.

Haitian politics have been contentious. Most Haitians are aware of Haiti's history as the only country in the Western Hemisphere to undergo a successful slave revolution. France and the United States, have repeatedly interfered in Haitian politics since the country's founding, and this consciousness also permeates Haitian politics. On the other hand, the long history of oppression by dictators, including François Duvalier is also an influence.

[edit] Departments, arrondissements, and communes

Main article: Departments of Haiti

Further information: Arrondissements and communes of Haiti

Haiti is divided into 9 departments. The departments are listed below, with the departmental capital cities in parentheses.

Departments of Haiti

Nord (Cap-Haïtien)
Nord-Est (Fort-Liberté)
Nord-Ouest (Port-de-Paix)
Ouest (Port-au-Prince) *national capital*
Sud-Est (Jacmel)
Sud (Les Cayes)

The departments are further divided into 41 arrondissements, and 133 communes which serve as second and third level administrative divisions.

[edit] Geography

Map of Haiti

Main article: Geography of Haiti

Haiti is situated on the western part of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Greater Antilles. Haiti is the third largest country in the Caribbean behind Cuba and the Dominican Republic (the latter shares a 360 kilometre (224 mile) border with Haiti). Haiti at its closest point is only 80 kilometres (43 nmi) away from Cuba. Haiti's terrain consists mainly of rugged mountains interspersed with small coastal plains and river valleys.

The northern region consists of the Massif du Nord (Northern Massif) and the Plaine du Nord (Northern Plain). The Massif du Nord is an extension of the Cordillera Central in the Dominican Republic. It begins at Haiti's eastern border, north of the Guayamouc River, and extends to the northwest through the northern peninsula. The lowlands of the Plaine du Nord lie along the northern border with the Dominican Republic, between the Massif du Nord and the North Atlantic Ocean. The central region consists of two plains and two sets of mountain ranges. The Plateau Central (Central Plateau) extends along both sides of the Guayamouc River, south of the Massif du Nord. It runs from the southeast to the northwest. To the southwest of the Plateau Central are the Montagnes Noires, whose most northwestern part merges with the Massif du Nord.

Mangrove forest in Haiti

The southern region consists of the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac (the southeast) and the mountainous southern peninsula (also known as the Tiburon Peninsula). The Plaine du Cul-de-Sac is a natural depression which harbors the country's saline lakes, such as Trou Caïman and Haiti's largest lake Lac Azuei. The Chaîne de la Selle mountain range, an extension of the southern mountain chain of the Dominican Republic (the Sierra de Baoruco), extends from the Massif de la Selle in the east to the Massif de la Hotte in the west. This mountain range harbors Pic la Selle, the highest point in Haiti at 2,680 metres (8,793 ft).

The country's most important valley in terms of crops is the Plaine de l'Artibonite, which is oriented south of the Montagnes Noires. This region supports the country's (also Hispaniola's) longest river, the Riviere l'Artibonite which begins in the western region of the Dominican Republic and continues most of its length through central Haiti and onward where it empties into the Golfe de la Gonâve. The eastern and central region of the island is a large elevated plateau. Haiti also includes several offshore islands. The historically famous island of Tortuga (Île de la Tortue) is located off the coast of northern Haiti. The arrondissement of La Gonâve is located on the island of the same name, in the Golfe de la Gonâve. Gonave Island is moderately populated by rural villagers. Île à Vache (Island of Cows) is located off the tip of southwestern Haiti. It is a lush island with many beautiful sights. Also part of Haiti are the Cayemites and Ile de Anacaona.

[edit] Ecology

In 1925, Haiti was lush, with 60% of its original forest covering the lands and mountainous regions. Since then, the population has cut down all but an estimated 2% of its original forest cover, and in the process has destroyed fertile farmland soils, contributing to desertification.^[2] Erosion has been severe in the mountainous areas. Most Haitian logging is done to produce charcoal, the country's chief source of fuel. The plight of Haiti's forests has attracted international attention, and has led to numerous reforestation efforts, but these have met with little success to date. Despite the large environmental crises, Haiti retains a very high amount of biodiversity in proportion to its small size. The country is home to more than 6,000 plants, of which 35% are endemic; and 220 species of birds, of which 21 species are endemic. The country's high biodiversity is due to its mountainous topography and fluctuating elevations in which each elevation harbors different microclimates and its own specific native fauna and flora. The country's varied scenery include lush green cloud forests (in some of the mountain ranges and the protected areas), high mountain peaks, arid desert, mangrove forest, and palm tree-lined beaches.^[3]

2004 Haiti flood

[edit] Environmental issues

In addition to soil erosion, deforestation has caused periodic flooding, as seen on 17 September, 2004. Tropical storm Jeanne skimmed the north coast of Haiti, leaving 3,006 people dead in flooding and mudslides, mostly in the city of Gonaïves.^[4] Earlier that year in May, floods killed over 3,000 people on Haiti's southern border with the Dominican Republic. ^[5]

The country is working to implement a biofuel solution to its energy problems.^[6]

[edit] Economy

Main article: Economy of Haiti

Haiti has remained the least-developed country in the Americas. Comparative social and economic indicators show Haiti falling behind other low-income developing countries (particularly in the hemisphere) since the 1980s. Haiti now ranks 146th of 177 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index (2006). About 80% of the population were estimated to be living in poverty in 2003.^[1] Haiti is the only country in the Americas on the United Nations list of Least Developed Countries. Economic growth was negative in 2001 and 2002, and flat in 2003.

Bas-Ravine, in the northern part of Cap-Haitien.

About 66% of all Haitians work in the agricultural sector, which consists mainly of small-scale subsistence farming^[1], but this activity makes up only 30% of the GDP. The country has experienced little formal job creation over the past decade, although the informal economy is growing. Mangoes and coffee are two of Haiti's most important exports.^[1] It has consistently ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world on the Corruption Perceptions Index.

Foreign aid makes up approximately 30%-40% of the national government's budget. The largest donor is the United States followed by Canada, and the European Union also contribute. Venezuela and Cuba also make various contributions to Haiti's economy, especially after alliances were renewed in 2006-7.

U.S. aid to the Haitian government was completely cut off in 2001-2004 after the 2000 election was disputed and President Aristide was accused of various misdeeds. After Aristide's departure in 2004, aid was restored, and the Brazilian army led the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti peacekeeping operation.

[edit] Education

Of Haiti's 8.7 million inhabitants, just below half are illiterate. The literacy rate of 52.9% is the lowest in the region. Haiti counts 15,200 primary schools, of which 90% are non-public and managed by the communities, religious organizations or NGOs.^[7] The enrollment rate for primary school is 67%, of which less than 30% reach 6th grade. Secondary schools enroll 20% of eligible-age children.

The educational system of Haiti is based on the French system. Higher education is provided by universities and other public and private institutions. It is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education.^[8]

A list of universities in Haiti includes:

Université Caraïbe (CUC)
Université Chrétienne du Nord d'Haïti (UCNH)
Université d'État d'Haïti (UEH)
Université Lumière / MEBSH
Université Notre Dame d'Haïti (UNDH)
Université Quisqueya (UNIQ)
Université Roi Henri Christophe
Université Publique de l'Artibonite aux Gonaïves (UPAG)
Université Publique du Nord au Cap-Haïtien (UPNCH)
Université Publique du Sud au Cayes (UPSAC)

[edit] Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Haiti

Although Haiti averages approximately 250 people per square kilometer (650 per sq. mi.), its population is concentrated most heavily in urban areas, coastal plains, and valleys. About 95% of Haitians are of predominantly African descent. The influential remainder of the population vary in ethnic groups from mulattoes, and Arabs (primarily Syrian and Lebanese people) to Europeans. White-descended Haitians are chiefly of French, Spanish, German, Polish, or Italian heritage. There is a very small percentage within the minority who are of Asian descent.

[edit] Haitian diaspora

As with many other poor Caribbean nations, there is a large diaspora, which includes many, often illegal, immigrants in nearby countries. Millions of Haitians live abroad, chiefly in the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Cuba, Canada, France, Belgium, and the United States.

[edit] In the United States

There is a significant Haitian presence in South Florida, specifically the Miami enclave of Little Haiti. New York City also has a thriving émigré community with the second largest population of Haitians of any state in the United States. A lesser yet considerable number reside in Boston, Massachusetts.

[edit] Languages

Please help improve this article or section by expanding it.
Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (November 2007)

The official languages of Haiti are French and Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen)^[1] Virtually all Haitians speak the latter natively, a French-based creole language that harbors significant African influence, along with influence from Spanish, and Taíno to a lesser extent. French, however, is the principal written and administrative language, spoken by many educated Haitians.

Spanish is spoken near the border with the Dominican Republic. English is also a very popular language, due to its position as an international language and Haiti's close ties with the United States.

[edit] Culture

Main article: Culture of Haiti

"Tap tap" bus in Port-Salut.

Haiti has a long and storied history and therefore retains a very rich culture. Haitian culture is a mix of primarily French and African elements, with some lesser influence from the colonial Spanish as well as minor influences from the native Taíno. The country's customs essentially are a blend of cultural beliefs that derived from the many ethnic groups that inhabited the island of Hispaniola. In nearly all aspects of modern Haitian society however, the European and African element dominate.

Haiti is famous for its distinctive art, notably painting and sculpture.

[edit] Religion

Roman Catholicism is the official state religion in which the majority, approximately 80-85%, of the population professes. An estimated 15-20% of the population follows the teachings of various Protestant churches. The New World syncretistic Afro-diasporic religion of Vodou is also practiced by a considerable number of the population, mostly in rural areas. The religion is very similar to other regional variations such as Brazilian Candomblé, Cuban Santería, and Espiritismo of Puerto Rico. Some practitioners of vodou practice their faith with elements of Catholicism. Most strict Catholics however dismiss vodou practice as false.

[edit] Carnival

Haitian revelers atop a carnival float in Port-au-Prince. (2007)

Haiti has a vibrant and large carnival season; referred to as Mardi Gras or Carnaval in French and Kanaval in Haitian Creole. It is held every year on the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The Jacmel Carnival is well known for its culturally appealing displays of costumes and masks. While it is a rather large carnival, it is dwarfed by the much larger Carnival of Port-au-Prince; the national parade which draws thousands of people annually. Vivid floats that are sponsored by the country's popular brand name products host some of the country's most well known musicians. Carnival season is a joyous event which is attended by both locals as well as those from abroad, which include the diaspora and foreigners. During this time, the country is engulfed by music and raucous celebration, a scene which is in dramatic contrast to the temporarily-forgotten troubles that plague the country.

[edit] Music

Main article: Music of Haiti

This section does not cite any references or sources. (February 2008)
Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Haiti's most well-known music style is compas, a vibrant music and dance genre similar to that of their Cuban neighbors but with a reminiscence of jazz. Compas often employs African drumming, modern guitars/synthesized sounds, saxophones, and lyrics sung in Haitian Creole. Merengue of the Dominican Republic is also popular in Haiti. The origins of merengue are unclear and the origins vary depending on who tells the story. Many Haitians believe it is an offshoot variant of Haitian Méringue, a similar-sounding style. Nonetheless, Haitians enjoy both sounds.

Rasin and kadans are two other popular genres in the country. Other popular genres in Haiti include Salsa music, soca and zouk, a derivation of compas, originating from the French Antilles.

[edit] Cuisine

Haitian cuisine.

Haitian Cuisine is influenced by the methods and foods of French cuisine as well as by staples originating from Africa and the local environment (the cuisine of the native Taino), such as cassava (kasav), yam, and maize (mayi). Haitian food, though with unique characteristics, shares much with other cuisines of the Caribbean. Haitian food tends to be mildly spicy. The cuisine features several varieties of rice and beans, the de facto national dish.

[edit] See also

Haiti Portal

[edit] References

[edit] Notes

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e CIA - The World Factbook -- Haiti. United States (2008-03-20). Retrieved on 2007-12-20.
^ Forestry. Retrieved on 2006-09-18.
^ Can Haiti dream of ecotourism ? - Paul Parisky, Kiskeya Alternativa's publications
^ Photo Gallery: Jeanne hits Haiti. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved on 2006-09-18.
^ Deforestation Exacerbates Haiti Floods
^ Analysis: Haiti seeks a biofuel solution. United Press Internation. Retrieved on 2007-07-02.
^ "Education: Overview", United States Agency for International Development. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
^ "Education in Haiti; Primary Education". Retrieved on 2007-11-15.

[edit] Resources

Paul Butel. Histoire des Antilles Françaises XVIIe - XXe siècle, Perrin 2002 ISBN 978-2-2620154-0-6
Noam Chomsky. U.S. & Haiti. Z magazine, April 2004 Accessed 2008-05-07.
Wade Davis The Serpent and The Rainbow. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1985
Michael Deibert. Notes from the Last Testament: The Struggle for Haiti. Seven Stories Press, New York, 2005. ISBN-10: 1583226974.
Jared Diamond. 2005. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. New York: Viking. ISBN 0-670-03337-5.
Paul Farmer. Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003, 2005 edition. ISBN 978-0-520-24326-2.
Paul Farmer. The uses of Haiti. Monroe, Maine: Common Courage Press 2003. ISBN 1-56751-242-9
Carolyn E. Fick. The Making of Haiti: The Saint Domingue Revolution from Below. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press. first ed edition (February 1, 1990). ISBN-10: 0870496670, ISBN-13: 978-0870496677
Alroy Fonseca. Aristide's Second Fall, April 2006
Robert Debs Heinl and Nancy Gordon Heinl. Written in Blood: The Story of the Haitian People 1492-1995. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1996. ISBN 0761831770
C. L. R. James. The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L’Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution. Vintage, 1938. ISBN 0-679-72467-2.
J. Christopher Kovats-Bernat. Sleeping Rough in Port-au-Prince: An Ethnography of Violence and Street Children in Haiti. University Press of Florida, 2006. ISBN 0-8130-3009-9
Mark Kurlansky. A Continent of Islands: Searching for the Caribbean Destiny. Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1992. ISBN 0-201-52396-5.
Elizabeth McAlister. Rara! Vodou, Power, and Performance in Haiti and its Diaspora. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2002. ISBN 0-520-22823-5.
Melinda Miles and Eugenia Charles, eds. Let Haiti Live: Unjust U.S. Policies Toward Its Oldest Neighbor. 2004.
Jack Claude Nezat. The Nezat And Allied Families 1630-2007 Lulu 2007 ISBN 978-2-9528339-2-9, ISBN 978-0-6151-5001-7
Randall Robinson. An Unbroken Agony: Haiti, from Revolution to the Kidnapping of a President. New York: Perseus Books Group, 2007. ISBN 0465070507.
Martin Ros. Night of Fire - The Black Napoleon and the Battle for Haiti. New York: DaCapo Press, 1993. ISBN 0-9627613-8-9

[edit] External links

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v • d • e Departments of Haiti

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