Article Outline
Haiti, independent republic occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic, and bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by the Dominican Republic, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the Windward Passage, which separates it from Cuba. Its area is 27,750 sq km (10,714 sq mi). Port-au-Prince is Haiti’s capital and largest city.
Haiti consists of two peninsulas, which are separated by the Golfe de la Gonâve. Among the offshore islands, Gonâve is the largest. About two thirds of the country is mountainous. Interspersed among the mountains are valleys, most of which are small. De La Selle Peak, the highest peak, rises to an altitude of 2,674 m (8,793 ft) above sea level. The coasts are elevated, for the most part, and greatly indented, forming many natural harbours. The numerous rivers—most of which are short, swift, and unnavigable—have their sources in the mountains. The largest river, the Artibonite, is navigable for part of its length. The country also has several large lakes.
Haiti has a tropical climate. The temperature along the coasts averages 26.7° C (80° F), with little variation from winter to summer. The mountains are considerably cooler. Rainy seasons occur from April to June and October to November. The average annual rainfall at Port-au-Prince is 1,346 mm (53 in), but is only 508 mm (20 in) in the north-west. Hurricanes occasionally hit the island of Hispaniola, and can cause great damage. For example, a severe hurricane in October 1963, followed by a landslide in November, caused about 5,500 deaths and much destruction of property.
The country has a limited supply of natural resources. About one third of the land is arable. Most mineral deposits (of bauxite, gold, silver, copper, nickel, and sulphur) either have not been fully exploited or are no longer commercially viable.
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