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Haiti
Background
The native Arawak Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by Columbus in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola, and in 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island - Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'OUVERTURE and after a prolonged struggle, became the first black republic to declare its independence in 1804. Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Demographic/Vital Statistics:
Official Name: Republic of Haiti
Capital: Port-au-Prince
System of Government: Multiparty Republic
Area: 10,714 Sq Mi - approximately the size of Maryland
Estimated 2004 Population: 8.5 million
Religions: Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3% (1982). Over 50% of the population practices Voodoo "
Economic: Poorest country in the Western Hemisphere
Density: 242 persons per sq km (626 persons per sq mi) (1991).
Life Expectancy at Birth: 48 years male, 51 years female (2002).
Birth Rate: 31.0 per 1,000 (2002).
Infant Mortality Rate: 93.35 per 1,000 live births (2002).
People living with HIV/AIDS: 280,000 (2003) "
Education: definition: age 15 and over can read and write.
Total population: 45% . Male: 48% .Female: 42.2% (1995 est.)
Languages: French (official), Creole (official) "
Population below poverty line: 80%
source: CIA Fact Book
Maison de Lumiere is a ministry of Child Hope International, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization,
childhopeinternational.org
