Valentina Arango Giraldo

LOCATION: The Republic of Haiti is located in the Caribbean basin (which, geographically, is part of North America), in the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The Caribbean basin is near to Central America (East side). 

Haití

POPULATION: Haiti's population was estimated at 6,867,995 in July 2000, showing a growth rate of 1.39 percent and a total rise of 36 percent since the last official census of 1982, when the population stood at 5,053,792. The country's demographic statistics reveal the effect of extreme poverty and an HIV/AIDS epidemic.

LANGUAGES: One of Haiti's two official languages is French, which is the principal written and administratively authorized language. It is spoken by all educated Haitians, is spoken in schools, and is used in the business sector. It is also used in ceremonial events such as weddings, graduations and church masses. The second is the recently standardized Haitian Creole, which is spoken by virtually the entire population of Haiti.

RELIGION: Around 80% of Haitians profess to be Catholics. Protestants make up about 16% of the population. Some Haitians combine their Catholicism with elements of Voodoo

CURRENCY MONEY: The currency used in Haiti is called as the Gourde. This currency is denoted with the currency sign G.

Cultural Activities

Experience VoodooIn the 16th century, Africans arriving in Haiti

as slaves brought with them perhaps the only possession Europeans couldn’t take away: their spiritual beliefs. Thus, Haitian Voodoo was born, a religion that calls God "the Great Master" and includes in its ceremonies prayers, dances and songs.

Visit Freedom TributeIn 1791, a successful 12-year battle to

abolish slavery in Haiti began. The successful end of slavery gave birth to the nation of Haiti, the first independent black country in the New World. Today, you can visit a monument in the capital city of Port-au-Prince's Place du Champs de Mars that marks the significance of these events.

Enjoy Food and Art In the late 19th century, a deal fell

through in Egypt that resulted in the construction of the Haiti Iron Market in 1889. Minarets -- tall iron towers associated with Arabian architecture -- had been built in France for a Cairo train station. When Egyptian officials reneged on the contract, Haiti’s president bought the structures for Port-au-Prince.

Explore the Musée du Panthéon National In the Place du Champs de Mars in Port-au-Prince, visit

the partially underground Musée du Panthéon National. The bodies of slave heroes who fought for freedom are buried in the museum. The collection also houses historical pieces such as indigenous pottery made by the Taíno people; an anchor from the Santa Maria, a ship in Christopher Columbus’s flotilla; and a copy of the book of rules called “Code Noir” -- Black Code -- that mandated how plantations should be managed. The museum also showcases modern pieces by Haitian artists.

SPORTS: 

In the early 20th century, it was reported that cockfighting was the most popular sport, though its popularity has since faded.

Football is the most popular sport in Haiti, though basketball is growing in popularity. Hundreds of small football clubs compete at the local level.

ECONOMY: Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. It is a free market economy that enjoys the advantages of low labor costs and tariff-free access to the US for many of its exports. Poverty, corruption, and poor access to education for much of the population are among Haiti's most serious disadvantages

activities of economy: IndustriesAgriculture, forestry, and fishing Mining and minerals

◦ Gold Industry and manufacturingEnergyServices Banking and finance Tourism

ENTERTAINMENT.

SYLVIO CATOR STADIUM Port Au Prince.

Soccer matches are regularly played at Sylvio Cator Stadium. It hosts international matches as well as being the home ground for Port-au-Prince’s two main clubs, Racing Club Hätien and Violette Athletic. The atmosphere can be frenzied, with lots of music, drumming and Prestige beer.

XTREME. Port Au Prince

Home most Saturdays to the fantastic Orchestre Super Choucoune, a big-band orchestra whose blend of compas, merengue, Cuban son and troubadour styles is tailor-made to get you dancing.

REX THEATER.

Shows a mix of Hollywood and Haitian Creole movies costing US$2 a seat.

WE ARE THE WORLD FOR HAITÍ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if85w3kVcjo