Haïti Haiti: Its Geographical Position
Haiti’s geographic coordinates are approximately between 18° and 20° north latitude and 71° and 74° west longitude, placing the country south of the Tropic of Cancer. It is surrounded by several Caribbean nations: Cuba is to the northwest, Jamaica to the southwest, and the Bahamas to the north.
Haïti An Island Shared with the Dominican Republic
Haïti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. The land border between Haïti and the Dominican Republic is approximately 376 kilometers long and separates two nations with distinct languages, cultures, and political systems. Haiti, whose official language is Haitian Creole and French, has a primarily French colonial history, while the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic has a history influenced by Spain.
Haïti The Relief and Coastline
Haiti’s relief is mostly mountainous, with ranges such as the Selle Range and the Matheux Range. This topography makes some regions difficult to access and limits agricultural areas to certain valleys and plains, such as the Artibonite Plain. Haiti’s coastline stretches for approximately 1,500 kilometers, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, which provides the country with many beaches and coastal sites. These coastal areas have strong tourism potential.
Haïti The Capital: Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, is located on the west coast, facing the bay of the same name. The city is the country’s main economic, cultural and political center, and is home to approximately a quarter of the Haitian population. This is where Toussaint Louverture International Airport is located, the main gateway for travelers and goods entering the country.
Haïti Haïti and its Tropical Climate
Haïti enjoys a tropical climate, due to its proximity to the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. This means warm temperatures all year round, with two main seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season, which runs from May to November, is also hurricane season, making Haïti a region frequently exposed to tropical storms and cyclones. These climatic events regularly affect the daily life and economy of the country.
Haïti A Strategic Location in the Caribbean
Situated between the Americas and the Caribbean, Haïti has historically been a strategic point for maritime trade and colonial expansion. This country has a rich and complex history, marked by its struggle for independence in 1804, becoming the first black independent state and the first Caribbean country to free itself from colonial rule.
In summary, Haïti is located in the western part of the island of Hispaniola, in the heart of the Caribbean, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Its unique geographical position, shared with the Dominican Republic and close to several other island nations, makes it a country of great geographical, cultural and historical diversity. Haïti maintains a strong identity and a vital role in the region.