Haiti

Haiti is a country forming the western part of the second largest island in the Greater Antilles, Hispaniola. With an area of more than 27 000 km², Haiti is the third largest country in the Caribbean, after Cuba and the Dominican Republic, the latter of which it shares with the island of Hispaniola. The land border is about 360 km long, yet with the characteristic horseshoe shape of the country, Haiti’s coastline is disproportionately long: over 1 700 km, and the country also includes several offshore islands. Haiti’s terrain consists mostly of mountains, river valleys and small coastal plains. It is the most mountainous nation in the Caribbean.

Haiti has a tropical climate, although some variations are present depending on the altitude. Average monthly temperatures range from 23 °C in January to almost 27 °C in August. Average monthly rainfall ranges from almost 40 mm in January to peaks of over 200 mm in May and October, which are the two rainy seasons. Haiti’s topography, however, decisively determines the rainfall, with central mountainous regions receiving more rainfall than lowlands, averaging 1 200 mm and 550 mm, respectively -—
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—-. Haiti is often hit by hurricanes and tropical storms which cause massive flooding and deadly landslides.

Agriculture plays an important role in the Haitian economy: it accounts for almost 29 per cent of employment in the country; roughly 42 per cent for men -—
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—-. According to FAO -—
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—-, almost 40 per cent of the territory is classified as arable land. The share of agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing in total value added has been relatively stable in the last two decades, at about 20 per cent; stability has also been observed in industry (roughly one third) and services, which generate just below half of Haiti’s total value added -—
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—-. Over 85 per cent of women and 47 per cent of men in Haiti are employed in services -—
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Tourism has been gaining importance in the economy of Haiti. The number of inbound tourists has been steadily rising, reaching over 1.3 million in 2018 and 0.9 million in 2019, yet inbound tourism expenditure as a per cent of GPD has remained steady at about 6 per cent -—
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—-. Haiti’s main trade partner is the United States of America, dominating both imports and exports with 62 and 77 per cent shares in Haiti’s trade, respectively -—
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Haiti’s cultural identity is influenced by both traditional French and African customs, mixing in also elements from Spanish and indigenous cultures. This rich and unique culture is depicted in Haiti’s paintings and sculptures, music and dance, and literature. Haiti’s culture is also prominently spread outside the country through notable artists, such as Frankétienne, one of Haiti's greatest authors, and Wyclef Jean, a hip-hop artist. Football is the most popular sport in Haiti.

Haitians enjoy a mainly Creole cuisine that is a blend of the different culinary styles contributed by the many cultures inhabiting the country. The cuisine is characterized by simple and tasty dishes with bold and spicy flavors. The staples of the diet include beans, corn, potatoes, rice and plantains. The climate supports the cultivation of many tropical fruits. Riz National is a common dish consisting of rice with red kidney beans topped with tomatoes, onions and red snapper. It is often served with a soup with potatoes, tomatoes, meats and spices. Tchaka is a hearty stew consisting of squash, meat and beans.