CAPITAL PORT-AU-PRINCE - POPULATION 8.7 MILLION - AREA 27,750 SQ KM - OFFICIAL LANGUAGES FRENCH, CREOLE
Visiting poor old Haiti is, at present, a sadly risky business for travelers. Though a UN stabilization force is in place in this historically war-torn country to try to aid its long-term security, kidnappings of foreigners aren't at all unknown and street gang violence remains rife. Add to this endemic poverty and environmental degradation resulting in just 2% of its original forest cover still remaining, and a far from pretty picture emerges. That said, however, Haiti retains a good few charms, including an incredibly friendly population, a swath of beautiful cloud forest, and a joyful and riotous Easter-time Mardi Gras, when the country's woes are forgotten and partying becomes the only order of the day. |
