Facts About Haiti

• Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, plagued for decades with          widespread unemployment, high illiteracy, and little food, water, or medical care.
• Languages: French (official), Creole (most widely spoken)
• Haiti is the oldest black republic in the world
• Population: approximately 8.3 million, almost entirely of African origin
• Over 7% infant mortality rate
• About half of adults cannot read or write-Illiteracy rate: 48% (Few children are able to attend school)
• Employment rate: 50%
• Religion: Catholic 85%, Voodoo 90%
• Current government: Elected president
• Over 8 million live in an area the size of Maryland
• Average life expectancy is 52 years
• 80% of the people live in abject poverty
• 90% of the people do not have clean drinking water
• Haiti is 700 miles from the coast of Florida with a population of over 8 million people. It is one of the most densely populated regions in the western world, thus creating a very needed mission field. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus on December 6,1492 while he was on his voyage to the New World.
• Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the same island. Haiti occupies one third of the Western part of the island and the Dominican Republic is on the eastern portion of the island.
• Port au Prince is Haiti’s capital and largest city.
• Haiti’s climate is generally hot and humid. Average high temperature is around 85 degrees and nighttime lows can reach 65 degrees.