Haiti is a poverty-stricken land of urban overpopulation, denuded hillsides and a people suffering the wounds of civil strife and oppression. It is also a vibrant country of colorful art, fantastic music, cloud forests and an intensely spiritual people whose humor and passion are legendary.

The modern world's first black-led republic, it boasts a unique culture and an incredible artistic tradition. The language, dance and music of the Haitian people reflect a syncopation between the spiritual and material worlds that shouldn't be missed.

Vodou, long misunderstood, is a richly textured religion smuggled from Africa and hidden among the Catholic rituals of European missionaries. Haiti's colonial architecture, all gingerbread and plazas, is alive with the music of Africa. Its surprisingly fine cuisine, of Caribbean ingredients prepared according to classical French methods, attracts gourmets from the other side of the island. And, though human need has torn down much of Haiti's forests and jungles, there is still unspoiled nature that ecotourism can preserve. Haiti is not yet set up for the Club Med crowd, but the open-minded adventurer will find a country whose contradictions will linger in mind, heart and spirit.

Warning

US and French peacekeepers are in Haiti and while the situation is calming down it is still not a safe place to visit. Recent floods in the northeast have added to the insecurity in Haiti

Full country name: Republic of Haiti
Area: 27,750 sq km
Population: 7 million
People: 95% African descent, 5% mulatto and European descent
Language: French
Religion: 80% Catholic, 16% Protestant (an estimated 50% of Haitians also practice Vodou)
Government: republic
Head of State: President Alexandre Boniface
Head of Government: Prime Minister Gerard Latortue

GDP: US$8.9 billion
GDP per capita: US$1,300
Annual Growth: 3%
Inflation: 8%
Major Industries: Sugar refining, cement, textiles, tourism
Major Trading Partners: USA, EU