Facts and figures about Haïti
You want to go on a vacation to beautiful Haiti! Haïti is located on the island of Hispaniola. Haïti is the most populous country in the Caribbean. It has a population of 11,439,000 (2018 est.). Afro-Haitians form the largest ethnic group (95%). Some 5% is Mixed and European-Haitian. The largest religion is Christianity (87%). Besides no religion 11% and 2% folk religions. The capital is Port-au-Prince. It has a population of 987,000 (2015 est.). Haitian cuisine is very similar to creole cuisine. It is famous for its soup joumou. A mildly spicy soup. Haiti has a poor image overseas. But is has white sand beaches, a year-round warm climate and mountainous scenery. Several hotels were opened and the government is promoting the tourist sector. The Haitian Carnival is very popular.
When you go on a vacation to beautiful Haïti, this is important to know:
- The official languages are French and Haitian Creole
- The time zone is UTC-5 and UTC-4 in Summer
- The official currency is the Haitian gourde (HTG)
- Calling code is +509
- Driving side is right
- The main airport is Toussaint Louverture International Airport near Port-au-Prince. Another major airport is Cap-Haïtien International Airport. It is located near Cap-Haïtien.
When To go on a Vacation To Beautiful Haïti
The best time to visit Haïti is between November and March. This is the dry season. It is pleasantly warm (high 70s °F / about 25 °C). The rainy season is from April to June. And the hurricane season from August to October. It has slightly lighter rains. The sea in Haïti is warm all year round. The temperature ranges from 79 °F (26 °C) to 84 °F (29 °C).
Haitian Cities
The major cities are:
- Port-au-Prince, the capital. Popular sites are the National Palace and the Hotel Oloffson. The Cathédrale de Port-au-Prince attracts foreign visitors as well
- Cap-Haïtien with beautiful beaches and French historic monuments
- Les Cayes, one of Haïti’s major ports
- Jacmel. Go back in time to urban architecture and impressive mansions of 100-plus years ago. And carnival in January and February.
Haitian Attractions
Haïti has a lot of attractions! The most popular are:
- Labadee, a cruise destination. Cruise passengers can snorkel in the ocean, ride waterslides and go ziplining. Or just relax on the white sand and shop form local merchants
- The mountains of Kenscoff. A beautiful nature reserve
- Sans Souci. Impressive ruins of a palace that was home to Haiti’s first king, Henri Christophe.
- Citadelle Laferrière. A fort near the town of Milot. It is a well preserved beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy your vacation in Haïti!