Haiti is a Caribbean nation that is divided into ten departments, each with its own unique culture and history. These departments are:
- Artibonite
- The Artibonite department is located in the north-central region of Haiti and is the largest department in the country. It is bordered by the departments of Centre, Nord, Ouest, and Nord-Est. It also has a coastline with the Atlantic Ocean. The department has a population of 1,444,841 people, making it the most populous department in Haiti. It is home to several towns and cities, including Gonaïves, Saint-Marc, Desdunes, and Verrettes. The department is known for its rich agricultural heritage and produces a variety of crops such as rice, beans, cassava, and plantains. Its economy also relies heavily on fishing, as it is located on the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its agricultural and fishing industries, Artibonite is also home to several natural parks and reserves. The department is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore its beaches, mountains, and nature reserves.
- Centre
- Centre is one of the ten departments of Haiti, located in the center of the country along the border with the Dominican Republic. It has an area of 3,675 km² and is known by its Haitian Creole name of “Sant”. Centre is a beautiful and vibrant area, full of culture and history. From lush mountains and valleys to beaches and historical sites, Centre has something for everyone to enjoy. From exploring the local markets to hiking in the mountains, Centre offers a wide range of activities to experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure, Centre is the perfect destination for you.
- Grand’Anse
- The Grand’Anse Department, located in Haiti, is one of the most beautiful and diverse regions of the country. It is known for its lush landscape, including mountains, valleys, rivers, and forests. The region is home to several species of flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Hispaniolan solenodon. Grand’Anse also has numerous cultural attractions, including historical fortifications and ruins, as well as traditional festivals and celebrations. The region is also renowned for its vibrant art and music scenes, with many talented local artists and musicians. With its stunning landscapes, fascinating wildlife, rich culture and history, and vibrant art and music scenes, the Grand’Anse Department is a must-see destination for travelers looking to experience the very best of Haiti.
- Nippes
- Nippes is one of the ten departments of Haiti, and is the most recently created department, having been split from Grand’Anse in 2003. It is one of Haiti’s poorest departments, with 64% of the population living in the bottom two quintiles of socio-economic well-being. Despite this, UNICEF Haiti is supporting the Government and humanitarian partners to provide relief in the worst-hit departments of Grand’Anse, Nippes and Sud. The Haitian Red Cross and IFRC have also provided support in the departments of West, South, Artibonite, and Nippes. The primary Haitian office for the organization is based in Nippes. This month, they provided their very first beans since the disaster in the 11 communes of Nippes department. Kaleos, a partner in the field, also supports activities in Nippes.
- Nord
- Nord is one of the ten departments of Haiti, located in the northern part of the country. It covers an area of 2114.91 km² and is home to 340 schools which are part of Haiti’s early grade literacy program. There are also a sufficient number of community health workers in Nord, according to four different scenarios. In addition, ten health facilities in the department meet set criteria and are included in the study. Nord is known for its cruise experiences around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and trans-Atlantic. All these make Nord a great place to experience and explore Haiti.
- Nord-Est
- Nord-Est, also known as Nòdès in Haitian Creole, is one of the ten departments of Haiti. It is located in the northern part of the country and has an area of 1,623 km², making it the smallest department. It has a literacy rate of 52.9%, with an estimated 15 and older population who can read and write. People in Nord-Est have access to basic health services, though many still seek care from traditional healers. The Ministry of Health works to provide healthcare in Nord-Est and the other departments. The department is also a major area for malaria prevention. Fritz Jean, a Haitian economist, politician and writer, is from Nord-Est and has served as the Minister of Industry and Professions.
- Nord-Ouest
- Nord-Ouest is a department in Haiti, located in the north-western region of the country. It has a population of around 197,000 people and is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and vibrant culture. It is home to many traditional villages and several natural attractions such as the Citadelle Laferrière and the Bassins Bleu. The department is also the birthplace of several Haitian musical genres, such as compas and rasin. Nord-Ouest is a great place to experience the unique culture of Haiti, with plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy.
- Ouest
- Ouest department is one of the ten departments of Haiti located in the Centre-Sud region, linking the Great-North and the Tiburon Peninsula. Its capital, Port-au-Prince, is also the country’s capital. The department is mainly populated and is subject to flooding due to its location on the Cul de Sac Plain. According to 2003 estimates, 52% of people aged 15 and older can read and write, making it one of the most literate departments in Haiti. FIDA/pcH has been working in the community of Fon Batis in Ouest department for more than two decades, partnering with 8 local organizations to help reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
- Sud
- Sud is one of the ten departments of Haiti located in southern Haiti. It has an area of 2,653.60 square kilometres (1,024.56 sq mi) and a population of 632,601. Its capital is Saint-Louis-du-Sud, which is located about 125 km west of the capital Port-au-Prince. This department was formed from parts of Jaragua, one of the original five kingdoms that formed the Taíno. The Hand-in-Hand Initiative supports investments in five du Sud-Est and the 2010 earthquake devastated Haiti, ACE responded by helping to rebuild across five departments. Literacy and basic training of young adults in the Sud-Est department of Haiti – LIFE HAITI is helping to improve the lives of many people in the area. CHWs (community health workers) have also been deployed for decades, contributing to the health care needs in the departments of Sud-Est, Ouest and Nord. Logistics constraints make it difficult to access the worst affected areas of Haiti, including the Grand’Anse and Sud departments.
- Sud-Est
- Sud-Est is one of the ten departments of Haiti, located in the southern part of the country. It has an area of 2,034 km² and a population of 632,601. The capital is Jacmel, which has a population of 50,734. Marigot is another important commune in the Sud-Est department, and is supported by the Hand-in-Hand Initiative to make investments. The Haitian Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development also supports this department in particular, along with the departments of Sud, Sud-Est, Grande Anse, and Nippes. Haiti Mobile Money – Business and Merchant Survey Results show that Nippes and Sud-Est have the most merchants surveyed. Despite the differences from one scenario to another, Sud-Est remains an important department in Haiti.
Each of Haiti’s departments has its own unique culture and history, and together they form a rich and diverse nation. From the beautiful beaches of the Grand’Anse department to the mountainous landscapes of the Nord department, Haiti has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in exploring the country’s history, culture, or natural beauty, Haiti’s departments offer a wealth of opportunities for discovery and adventure.