Haiti
Republic of Haiti République d’Haïti / Repiblik d Ayiti Caribbean Island AREA 11K mi²; 28K km² ARABLE 37% POP 11.9M (1,982/mi²; 425/km²) GOV’T Semi-presidential republic CAPITAL Port-au-Prince (3.1M metro) GDP/CAPITA $2,800 UNEMPLOYMENT 15% IN POVERTY 60% % WEALTH HELD BY TOP 10% 65% LIFE EXP 66 years MEDIAN AGE 25 yrs INFANT MORT 35/1K live births LITERACY 68% INTERNET USERS 39% LANGUAGES French and Creole are both official RELIGIONS Catholic 55%, Protestant 29%, Vodou 2%, other 5%, none 10% HEALTH 3.5% of GDP EDUCATION 1% of GDP MILITARY NA GDP BY SECTOR Agriculture 16%, industry 34%, services 49% PCVs 1982–1987, 1990–1991, 1996–2005 CURRENT: 0, TTD: 503 |  Haiti La Brise (The Breeze) is one of many water taxis ferrying people and commodities from beautiful Île-à-Vache (Cow Island) to Les Cayes, a seaport on Haiti’s southwestern peninsula. Known for pristine beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, this small island is home to fishing communities and small resorts. Unfortunately, Île-à-Vache—along with the rest of Haiti—has seen major upheaval as conditions countrywide have deteriorated due to political instability and gang violence. A 2025 United Nation resolution, “Gang Suppression Mission,” and the efforts of non-profit organizations bring some hope for a return to peace and well-being in Haiti, but the path is not an easy one. |
Adult Books
Claire of the Sea Light
By Edwidge Danticat
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Vintage, 2014 (Reprint)
Language: English
Print length: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 0307472272
ISBN-13: 978-0307472274
Goodreads Ratings: 3.7/5 | Amazon Ratings: 4/5
Summary:
A little girl runs away to avoid being given over to a wealthy family, and as the people in her coastal village search for her, they recall their own interwoven backstories. Danticat’s prose has the shimmering simplicity of a folk tale and a matter-of-fact acceptance of life’s cruelties, yet with tremendous warmth for characters striving for human connection in a hard world.
Kids' Books
Freedom Soup
Tami Charles, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara
Publisher: Somerville, MA: Candlewick, 2021
Format: 32 pgs, col. illus.
ISBN-13: 978-1536221930 (PB)
Age Range: 5–9 yrs.
Summary:
Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make Haiti’s traditional freedom soup, which they eat to celebrate the new year. Belle also learns more about Haiti’s history and her own family’s history. An author’s note gives more information about the Haitian Revolution; a recipe for the soup is also included.
Films
Film: Freda
Director: Gessica Généus
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Release Date: 2021
Language: Haitian Creole
Run Time: 1:33
Synopsis: Freda lives with her family in a popular neighborhood in Haiti. They survive with their little street food shop. Freda emerges from a difficult childhood to have hope for her country, but her idealism is challenged by worsening conditions and the prospect of escaping to the Dominican Republic.
Reviews: This is Généus’ debut feature. Upcoming On Screen calls Freda “a staggeringly powerful piece of cinema. Unforgettable.”
Available: Apple TV+
Music
Michaël Brun: How About This
