The Republic of Haiti is a country in the Caribbean on the island of Hispaniola. Dominican Republic shares border with it. Haiti includes number of small islands with it like La Gonâve, La Tortue (Tortuga), Les Cayemites, Île de Anacaona, and La Grande Caye. The uninhabited island of Navasse is claimed by both Haiti and the United States.
European navigator Christopher Columbus reached Haiti on December 5, 1492. He named the island in the honor of his Spanish sponsors.

Haiti declared its independence from France on January 1, 1984. In the early 21st century Haiti has undergone a series of political changes including forced ousting of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide on February 29, 2004. René Préval took office of president on February 7 2006.

Haiti’s landscape consists of Rocky Mountains, river valleys and small coastal plains. The eastern and central land of Haiti is a large elevated plateau. Haiti has several islands, the famous one is Tortuga located off the coast of northern Haiti. The arrondissement of La Gonâve is located on the island of the same name, in the Gulf of Gonave. The island is moderately populated by rural villagers.

Approximately 95% Haitian population belongs to African descent. The others are white of Mulatto descent with some of Levantine, Spanish or mestizo heritage. A small percentage of Japanese and Chinese also lives here. The official languages in Haiti are French and Haitian Creole. Nearly all Haitians speak Creole based primarily on French and African languages, with some English, Taíno, Portuguese and Spanish influences. The major religion in Haiti is Roman Catholicism. Haiti is also famous for its distinctive art, notably painting and sculpture.

Haiti is a presidential republic. The president of Haiti is head of the state and of a pluriform multiparty system. The prime minister of Haiti is Head of the government. The constitution of Haiti bestows executive power on government. Legislative power is vested on both the government and the two chambers of National Assembly of Haiti.

Haiti is not a fully developed country. The United Nations Human Development Index ranked Haiti 154th of the 177 countries. Approximately 80 % Haitian population lives in poverty. Though Haiti’s economic conditions are improving under its republican status. More than 70% population depends on agriculture for living, these people mainly work in fields. Some 40 percent of Haiti is cultivated.

Few jobs have also been created in past years in sectors other than agriculture. Handicrafts industry is another source of earning. Tourism activities benefits Haiti at large. In the year 2005, more than hundred thousand tourist visited vibrant and colorful beaches of Haiti. Haiti has benefited significantly from Venezuela and Cuba. After a visit by Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez in March 2007, Venezuela and Cuba announced that they have created a $1 Billion fund to develop energy, health, and infrastructure in Haiti.