Haiti (French and Haitian Creole)
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Local language: Haitian Creole
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Haiti won independence from France in 1804 after the only successful slave revolution in history, becoming the first Black republic. It shares Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.
Culture
Haitian painting, iron sculpture, kompa music and rara bands are celebrated worldwide. Vodou is an important part of the country's spiritual heritage.
Languages & Creoles
Haitian Creole (Kreyòl) and French are both official. Almost everyone speaks Kreyòl.
Currency
The Haitian gourde (HTG).
Popular Attractions
The Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace near Cap-Haïtien form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Labadee, Île-à-Vache and Jacmel's carnival are also known.
Food
Griot (fried pork) with pikliz and diri ak djon djon (black mushroom rice) are favourites. Soup joumou is eaten every January 1 to mark independence.
Places to Visit
Cap-Haïtien, the Citadelle, Jacmel, Île-à-Vache and Port-au-Prince. Check current travel advisories before planning a trip.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres