Largest Cities in Haiti

Facts about Haiti

Official languages: Haitian, French
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Area: 27,750 km²
Population: 9.6 million residents
Population density: 347.71 residents per km²
Currency: HTG
Internet TLD:. ht
ISO codes: HT, HTI, 332
The phone code for Haiti is +509

Flag of Haiti

The flag of Haiti, which was adopted in 1958, is composed of two horizontal stripes of blue and red. The national emblem is placed between the stripes, which consists of a white rectangle with the national coat of arms with a palm tree, cannons and a cap worn by freed slaves, thus symbolizing freedom. The coat of arms also bears the inscription “L’Union Fait La Force”, translated as “There is strength in unity”, on a white ribbon. Originally the flag carried the colors of the French tricolor, but the white was removed during the anti-French rebellion of 1804. The rebellion was led by the leader Toussaint L’Ouvertur, and Haiti became the first black independent territory. Together with the Dominican Republic, Haiti is located on the island of Hispaniola and is currently one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere due to numerous natural disasters.

Haiti occupies the western part of the Caribbean island of Hispanola.  In the decades that followed Christopher Columbus’ discovery of Hispaniola Island in 1492, the island’s indigenous people, the Arawaks, were almost completely exterminated. Finally, in the late 17th century, the island was repopulated by African slaves who were employed on the sugar plantations. the western third of the island, which was then called Saint-Domingue, to France. This area became the richest colony of the French colonial empire during the 18th century. As early as 1804, Haiti was the first Caribbean state to achieve independence. The first independent republic of blacks and mulattos suffered from tyrants and kleptocrats for most of its history. Haiti has become the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Haiti is counted among the Failed States.

Biggest Cities of Haiti by Population

Port-au-Prince is the largest city in Haiti and is the country’s capital. It is located on the Gulf of Gonâve and has a population of over 3 million people. The city is home to some of the most important government buildings, cultural institutions, and tourist attractions in Haiti. The architecture of the city reflects its colonial past, with buildings featuring Spanish, French, and Haitian styles. Its bustling streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and street vendors selling everything from fresh fruits to handmade crafts. The waterfront is also a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning views across the Caribbean Sea.

Cap-Haïtien is Haiti’s second largest city and is located in the north of the country. It has a population of around 300,000 people and was once an important port during colonial times. Today it remains an important cultural center for northern Haiti with many historical sites such as Fort Picolet which was built by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and still stands today as a reminder of Haitian history. Its vibrant markets are full of local produce and handmade goods with visitors able to sample traditional Haitian cuisine such as griot (fried pork), tassot (fried goat), mayi moulin (cornmeal porridge) or accra (salted cod fish fritters). Cap-Haïtien also offers beautiful beaches where visitors can relax and soak up some sun or take part in water sports activities such as scuba diving or kite surfing.

Haiti: Port-au-Prince

The capital of Haiti is Port-au-Prince. With just under a million inhabitants, it is also the largest city in the country. It is located on the Gulf of Gonâve. It was founded in 1749. Large parts of the city were destroyed in the 2010 earthquake . Many residents lived in slums even before the earthquake, after which their numbers increased. These slums pull up the mountains around the city.

Countries neighboring Haiti

• Dominican Republic