Haiti

As in many countries, it is extremely helpful when traveling in Haiti to have a local contact, through a church, a hotel, or just through making friends with someone. Experiences like dining locally, riding on a tap-tap, or strolling through one of the insanely crowded outdoor market are great fun and very worth doing, but much safer and easier if you have a trusted Haitian to go along as a guide and interpreter.

Climate

Tropical; semiarid where mountains in the east cut off trade winds. Lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October. Experiences occasional flooding and earthquakes and periodic droughts.

Terrain

Mostly mountainous (but don't expect to see any snow), with a wide, flat central plain the north. The highest point is Chaine de la Selle at 2,777m.

History

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 500,000 slaves revolted under Toussaint Louverture 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 since then, and it is now one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Over three decades of dictatorship followed by military rule ended in 1990 when Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president. Most of his term was usurped by a military takeover, but he was able to return to office in 1994 and oversee the installation of a close associate to the presidency in 1996. Aristide won a second term as president in 2000, and took office early in 2001. However, a political crisis stemming from fraudulent legislative elections in 2000 has not yet been resolved.

Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you are comfortable traveling to Haiti knowing that you could be caught up in politically motivated violence or targeted by criminals. Ask yourself if travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Haiti, foreigners are reminded of the potential for spontaneous demonstrations and violent confrontations between armed groups. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant at all times due to the absence of an effective police force in much of Haiti; the potential for looting; the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police; and the possibility of random violent crime, including kidnapping, car-jacking, and assault in some areas. Acts of politically motivated violence occur frequently and civil disorder is a problem in some areas such as Cité Soleil in Port au Prince. Local authorities, including the police, often have limited capacity to control the situation or provide assistance. While the US State Department [1] has lifted the departure from Haiti of all U.S. Embassy non-emergency employees and all family members of American embassy personnel, all American citizens who travel to or remain in Haiti are advised to remain extremely vigilant at all times.

WARNING: People with pre-existing medical conditions should make sure to bring their medication as well as being in a good physical condition to travel in Haiti and other developing countries. If you have a serious medical condition that requires top-level care it may be inadvisable to go to Haiti. Tap water should be avoided as much as possible. Stick to the bottled variety. Health care, though often not of the standards one would be accustomed to in more developed countries, is available in all large towns and cities; many smaller towns and villages also have health clinics. However facilities, technology and a good variety medicines can be in meager supply. The biggest concern in Haiti for travellers is malaria, and dehydration. One should make an appointment with a travel clinic for anti-malarial prophylaxis. Hydration requirements can be fulfilled by preparing one of the many water purifying systems as if one were going camping or by buying bottled water once in Haiti which is widely available and inexpensive by western standards. Washing oneself with water from places such as creek or lake is not recommended due to risk of water-borne disease. Depending on your itinerary, you may have to walk a lot so comfortable footwear is crucial for avoiding blisters. Hiking boots are recommended as well as comfortable sandals.