GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Haiti.
Capital
Port-au-Prince.
Geography
As a country located in North America according to softwareleverage, Haiti is located in the mountainous western part of Hispaniola Island, the second largest Antilles island. The eastern part of the island is occupied by the Dominican Republic. The national territory of Haiti includes the Île de la Gonâve in the gulf of the same name and the island of La Tortue north of the main island. The coast offers bays and beaches alternating with subtropical vegetation. The natural harbor of Port-au-Prince lies on a deep, horseshoe-shaped bay.
Government
Presidential republic since 1987. Constitution of 1987. Two-chamber parliament: House of Representatives with 82 members, Senate with 27 members. Independent since 1804 (former French colony).
Head of state
Jovenel Moïse, since February 2017.
Electricity
110 V, 60 Hz.
Time zone
Eastern Standard Time: CET -6 (CET -5 from March 12 to November 5, 2017)
LANGUAGE
Overview
French and Creole (mixture of French, English, Spanish and West African languages) are official languages. They are spoken by around 85% of the population. English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Haiti duty-free in hand luggage (people over 18 years of age):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1 kg of tobacco;
1 l of spirits;
an adequate amount of perfume and eau de toilette for personal use;
new goods for personal use up to a total value of 2500 Gde per year.
Gifts are subject to duty.
Prohibited imports
Firearms (excluding sport rifles with an import license), coffee, matches, methyl alcohol, pork, meat products from Brazil and the Dominican Republic.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Interpreting services can usually be arranged. Business travelers are usually invited to dinner by the local business partner and should issue a counter invitation. Value is placed on punctuality. Business trips are best placed in the months of November to March.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Economy
Commercial Department of the Permanent Mission of Haiti
64 Rue de Monthoux, CH-1201 Geneva
Tel: (022) 732 76 28.
Chambre Haïtienne de Commerce et d’Industrie (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Cité de l’Exposition, Boulevard Harry Truman, Boîte Postale 982, Port-au-Prince
Tel: 222 86 61.
Chambre Franco-Haïtienne de Commerce et d’Industrie
Holiday Inn Plaza, Suite 327, Port-au-Prince
Tel: 223 84 04, 223 84 24.
Business contacts
Commercial Department of the Permanent Mission of Haiti
64 Rue de Monthoux, CH-1201 Geneva
Tel: (022) 732 76 28.
Chambre Haïtienne de Commerce et d’Industrie (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Cité de l’Exposition, Boulevard Harry Truman, Boîte Postale 982, Port-au-Prince
Tel: 222 86 61.
Chambre Franco-Haïtienne de Commerce et d’Industrie
Holiday Inn Plaza, Suite 327, Port-au-Prince
Tel: 223 84 04, 223 84 24.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service.
Cellphone
GSM network was recently introduced, network operator is Haïtel (Internet: www.haitelonline.com). Cell phones can be rented on site.
Internet
There are internet cafes in larger cities. Internet providers are Compa (Internet: www.compa.net), InterMediaExPress (Internet: www.intermediahaiti.com/ixp) and Netcom.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes up to a week. The main post office in Port-au-Prince, Cité de l’Exposition, is on Place d’Italie. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat 8.30 a.m.-12 p.m. Letters delivered after 9 a.m. will only be forwarded on the following working day.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
On the Marché de Fer there are local goods of different quality, e.g. B. carvings, printed fabrics, leather articles, paintings (especially the famous naive painting), straw hats, collars and jewelry made from fruit pits, cigars and food. Port-au-Prince has a good selection of shops and boutiques with a wide range of local and imported items. Action is common. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
The offer is diverse and ranges from casinos to African drum music to Western music and dance. In the evening there are events in at least one of the large hotels, the main attractions being folklore groups and performances of voodoo dances and chants. On Saturday nights the folk dance Bamboche is performed on the open-air stages.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic (80%) and Protestants (16%), in April 2003 the voodoo cult was also recognized as an official religion in Haiti. About 70% of the population are considered to be voodoo followers. Although Voodoo is often equated with “black magic”, especially in the Western understanding of religion, it is a polytheistic religion with dance rituals and chants.
Social rules of conduct
Casual clothing is accepted, swimwear belongs on the beach or swimming pool. Evening wear is only expected in very elegant restaurants. Because of the risk of robbery, valuables should not be displayed, especially after dark. Photography: The negative attitude of many Haitians, however, should definitely be respected. Tip: Hotels and restaurants charge 10%. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical with periodic rainfall all year round; Much cooler at high altitudes, very humid on the coasts.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +509 Area (km2) 27750 Population 9996731 Population density (per km2) 360 Population in 2014 Member of the EU No main emergency number 118
