Introduction | Geography | History | Economy | People

Haiti is the Caribbean’s most mountainous country.
The terrain consists mainly of rugged mountains with small coastal plain and river valleys. The east and central part is a large elevated plateau. The word Haiti means “high ground” in the language of the Arawak peoples, the region’s first inhabitants. It is mostly uninhabitable because of the rough terrain. There are few paved highways, and is mostly accessible by air and off-road vehicles.

It is generally semi-arid inland, and more humid on the coast, the temperature ranging from 65-95°F. Temperatures vary more over the course of a day than from season to season. The rainy season varies: along the northern coast, it runs from October to May, while the southern claw can expect rain from May to October.

In 1925, Haiti was a lush tropical paradise, with 60% of its original forest covering the lands and mountainous regions. Since then the people have cut down all but 2% of its forest cover, and in the process has destroyed fertile farmland soils while contributing to desertification. As erosion strips away the exposed soil, Haitians continue to cut trees to make charcoal for fuel. Loose soil washed into the ocean has also adversely affected the fish population and the fishing industry. (For a multi-media explanation, watch the Sun-Sentinel special report: "Haiti, the Eroding Nation.")

In addition to soil erosion, the deforestation has also caused periodic flood, as seen in September 2004. Tropical storm Jeanne skimmed the north coast of Haiti leaving 3000 people dead in flooding and mudslides, mostly in the city of Gonaives. (Go to video about the Gonaives orphans.)

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For this section about Haitian Life, facts and maps are from:
National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers, 1998 National Geographic Society
National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our World, 1993 National Geographic Society
Kingfisher Circling the Globe,
A Young People's Guide to Countries & Cultures of the World