Haiti

Haiti

AREA	27,750 sq km (10,714 sq miles).
POPULATION	7,492,000 (1997).
POPULATION DENSITY	270.0 per sq km.
CAPITAL	Port-au-Prince.
CAPITAL POPULATION	846,247 (1995).
GEOGRAPHY	Haiti is situated in the Caribbean and comprises the forested mountainous western end of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Its area includes the Île de la Gonâve, in the Gulf of the same name; among other islands is La Tortue off the north peninsula. Haiti's coastline is dotted with magnificent beaches, between which stretches lush subtropical vegetation, even covering the slopes which lead down to the shore. Port-au-Prince is a magnificent natural harbour at the end of a deep horseshoe bay.
GOVERNMENT	Republic. Gained independence from France in 1804. Head of State: President René Préval since 1996. Head of Government: Prime Minister Jacques Eduard Aléxis since 1999.
LANGUAGE	The official languages are French and Creole. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
RELIGION	The official religion is Roman Catholic (75%) with Protestant minorities. Voodooism (an African religion) is still found in Haiti, despite the largely Christian population. Voodooism is a folk religion, manifested by a series of complex ritual drawings, songs and dances.
STANDARD TIME	GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from first Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
ELECTRICITY	110 volts AC, 60Hz.

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