Haiti

1492 (Monday, December 5) – Christopher Columbus arrives on the island of Hispaniola, which he names La Española

1697 (Tuesday, December 19) – The Treaty of Ryswick formally divides Hispaniola into French (Haiti) and Spanish (Dominican Republic) colonies

1791 (Thursday, August 21) – Slave rebellion begins in the northern part of the colony, leading to the Haitian Revolution

1804 (Monday, January 1) – Haiti declares independence, becoming the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the first post-colonial republic to abolish slavery

1825 (Monday, April 17) – Haiti is forced to pay France reparations for the loss of its colony, a financial burden that hampers its development for decades

1843 (Monday, March 4) – Revolution leads to the overthrow of the ruling monarchy and the establishment of the Haitian Republic

1915 (Wednesday, July 28) – U.S. occupation begins, lasting until 1934

1957 (Friday, November 22) – François Duvalier (Papa Doc) becomes president and establishes a brutal dictatorship

1971 (Monday, April 21) – Jean-Claude Duvalier (Baby Doc) assumes power after the death of his father, continuing the dictatorship

1986 (Monday, February 7) – Baby Doc Duvalier is overthrown after a popular uprising

1991 (Monday, September 30) – Military coup ousts elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, triggering political instability

2004 (Wednesday, February 29) – Aristide is forced into exile following a rebellion and U.S. intervention

2010 (Tuesday, January 12) – Magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes Haiti, devastating Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, killing over 230,000 people

2016 (Saturday, October 8) – Hurricane Matthew causes widespread destruction, particularly in the southwestern part of the country, killing at least 500 people and displacing over 175,000

2018 (Friday, July 6) – Protests and civil unrest erupt in response to economic challenges and government reforms

2021 (Thursday, July 7) – President Jovenel Moïse is assassinated in an attack on his residence

2022 (Monday, August 15) – Heavy rains cause widespread flooding and landslides in the capital region

2023 (Thursday, February 9) – Gang violence escalates in Port-au-Prince, leading to increased instability and a humanitarian crisis

2023 (Tuesday, December 12) – Tropical Storm impacts Haiti’s southern coast, causing significant damage to infrastructure

Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Location: Located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea, bordered by the Dominican Republic to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west.
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Language: Haitian Creole, French (official)
Currency: Haitian gourde (HTG)
Population: ~11.5 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Haiti Standard Time (HST, UTC -5)

Borders: Dominican Republic
Landscape: Mountainous, with coastal plains
Major Rivers: Artibonite River, Rivière Grise, Rivière Blanche
Major Mountains: Pic la Selle (highest peak), Pic Macaya, Chaine de la Selle
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lago de Enriquillo (shared with the Dominican Republic)
Volcanoes: La Soufrière (active, shared with the Dominican Republic)
Highest Point: Pic la Selle – 2,680 m (8,793 ft)
Lowest Point: Lake Enriquillo – 43 m (141 ft) below sea level
Climate: Tropical climate with a wet season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. The country is susceptible to hurricanes, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November).
Geological Features: Haiti is located on the boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, making it seismically active. The mountainous interior is prone to landslides during heavy rains.

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Black Haitian (~95%), Mulatto (~5%)
Religion: Christianity (~80% Protestant, ~20% Roman Catholic), Vodou (spiritual belief system)
Urban Population: ~60% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Haiti’s population is primarily of African descent, with a rich cultural and historical connection to the African diaspora. Vodou is practiced alongside Christianity, often with syncretic beliefs.

Famous For: Vodou culture, music (kompa and rara), art, history of revolution
Cuisine: Griot (fried pork), Joumou soup, Patties, Rice and beans, Haitian fried plantains
Arts: Haitian painting, Haitian Vodou flags, Haitian music (kompa, rara), sculpture
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball
Music: Kompa, Rara, Twoubadou, Raggae
Dance: Haitian cultural dances linked to Vodou rituals and festivals

Economy Type: Low-income economy with a reliance on agriculture
GDP: Approx. $22 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (coffee, sugar, mangoes, rice), textiles, remittances, mining
Key Exports: Coffee, apparel, mangoes, textiles, essential oils
Unemployment Rate: ~14% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Haiti’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with coffee and sugar being key exports. The industrial sector is focused on textiles, and remittances from the Haitian diaspora are a crucial part of the economy.

Government Type: Semi-presidential republic
Head of State: President Ariel Henry (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Ariel Henry (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly
Constitution: Constitution of 1987 (in effect with modifications)

Port-au-Prince: The capital, known for its historic architecture, markets, and cultural life
Jacmel: Known for its colonial architecture, beaches, and vibrant art scene
Citadelle Laferrière: A historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountains
Labadee: A popular private beach destination for tourists, with clear waters and scenic landscapes
Kenscoff: A cool highland town popular for eco-tourism and hiking
Saut-d’Eau Waterfall: A sacred site for Vodou practitioners and a popular natural attraction
Île-à-Vache: A tropical island known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere