Haiti sits on the western portion of the island of Hispaniola west of the Dominican Republic and south of Cuba. Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas and has experienced years of war and revolt, as well as frequent tropical storms. An earthquake in 2010 killed thousands of people and destroyed the presidential palace.
Christopher Columbus first claimed Haiti for Spain. The Spaniards killed most of the native people living in Haiti and brought slaves from Africa to work on large sugar plantations. France gained control of the country in the 1600s. The slaves revolted and won their independence in 1804. Since then, the country has endured dictators and wars.
Haiti is a mountainous country with low-lying coastal areas. Most people are poor farmers.
Fun Facts about Haiti for Kids
- 8,288,000 people live in Haiti.
- Haiti has a land mass of 10,714 square miles.
- The official languages are French and Creole.
- Most people are Roman Catholic, Protestant or belong to a Voodoo faith.
- People in Haiti can expect to live 51 years.
- 53 percent of adults can read.
Haiti Vocabulary
- Revolt: when a group of people rise up against the ruling party
- Plantation: large farm
- Dictator: a ruler who takes absolute control of a country and does not allow the people to have a voice or choice
All About Haiti Video for Kids
This is the best video we found for kids to learn all about Haiti:
This is an eye-opening video documentary about the tragic childhood of kids in Haiti.
Haiti Q&A
Question: Do Haitian children go to school?
Answer: There are very few public schools in Haiti. Most schools are private and parents must pay for them. The schools may not have running water or toilets. They may not have enough books or even qualified teachers. Many children never learn to read.
Map of Haiti
Here’s a map of the country of Haiti and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around Haiti! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of Haiti, as though you are actually there!
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