Haiti explained to kids

Haiti is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. Haiti is east of Cuba and south of the Bahamas. Haiti occupies the western third of the island, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. The capital of Haiti is Port-au-Prince. Haiti's land area is 27,750 square kilometers (10,714 square miles). Haiti has a population of about 10.7 million people. The official languages of Haiti are French and Haitian Creole. The currency of Haiti is the Haitian Gourde. Haiti's economy is primarily agricultural. The main crops grown in Haiti are coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, rice, and corn. Haiti also produces mangoes, bananas, and citrus fruits. Manufacturing and tourism are also important to the Haitian economy. Haiti's history is marked by violence, political instability, and natural disasters. Haiti was formerly a colony of France. In 1804, Haiti became the first black republic in the world after defeating the French in a bloody revolt. Haiti has suffered through many dictatorships and coups since becoming independent. In 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, causing widespread damage and killing over 200,000 people. Haiti is a poor country. Over 60% of the population lives in poverty. Haiti has the lowest life expectancy in the Western Hemisphere and the second-highest infant mortality rate. Haiti is also one of the world's most unequal countries, with a very large gap between rich and poor. Despite its challenges, Haiti is a beautiful country with a rich culture. Haiti is known for its art, music, and cuisine. Voodoo is an important part of Haitian culture. Haiti is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. Haiti is east of Cuba and south of the Bahamas. Haiti occupies the western third of the island, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. The capital of Haiti is Port-au-Prince. Haiti's land area is 27,750 square kilometers (10,714 square miles). Haiti has a population of about 10.7 million people. The official languages of Haiti are French and Haitian Creole. The currency of Haiti is the Haitian Gourde. Haiti's economy is primarily agricultural. The main crops grown in Haiti are coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, rice, and corn. Haiti also produces mangoes, bananas, and citrus fruits. Manufacturing and tourism are also important to the Haitian economy. Haiti's history is marked by violence, political instability, and natural disasters. Haiti was formerly a colony of France. In 1804, Haiti became the first black republic in the world after defeating the French in a bloody revolt. Haiti has suffered through many dictatorships and coups since becoming independent. In 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, causing widespread damage and killing over 200,000 people. Haiti is a poor country. Over 60% of the population lives in poverty. Haiti has the lowest life expectancy in the Western Hemisphere and the second-highest infant mortality rate. Haiti is also one of the world's most unequal countries, with a very large gap between rich and poor. Despite its challenges, Haiti is a beautiful country with a rich culture. Haiti is known for its art, music, and cuisine. Voodoo is an important part of Haitian culture.