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Houses are built with whatever is available

Cement buildings are common in Port-au-Prince

Lakou form of housing is main form of housing in rural areas

Consists of a compound built around a courtyard where the family lives (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
The architecture of Haiti represents its culture because it shows many different morals of the country's citizens. In Urban areas, houses are made of whatever is available, showing Haitians' willingness to make a good situation out of a bad one, and that they can turn nothing into something. In rural areas, the traditional lakou style is prevalent (CultureGrams). The lakou style shows the respect Haitians have for tradition. In conclusion, the architecture of Haiti represents its culture because it shows many different morals of the country's citizens.
Image URL: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/cms/binary/5073389.jpg?size=640x420

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Climate

Warm climate, with mild humidity

Average temperature in mountainous regions is 61 degrees Fahrenheit

Average temperature in the capital, Port-au-Prince is 81 degrees Fahrenheit

Spring and Autumn are Rainy, Summer and Winter are dry

Hurricane season is June through November

Geography

Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic

The area of Haiti is 10,714 square miles

Haiti has a very mountainous terrain

There are some valleys, including where Port-au-Prince is located

Tallest mountain is Pic la Selle, at 8,793 feet above sea level (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
The climate and geography of Haiti influences the way Haitians live in a large way. The climate of Haiti affects what people wear, from sandals to t-shirts and shorts. The geography of Haiti affects where Haitians live. Many people live in valleys because they are warmer and have more fertile land, rather than the rocky, mountainous regions that cover the majority of Haiti. In conclusion, the climate and geography affects where people live and what they wear.
Image URL: http://www.wildernessphotographs.com/images/xl/Paine-de-la-Selle.jpg

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The official currency is the Gourde

1 Gourde = $0.02 U.S. Dollars (2011)

$1 U.S. Dollar = 41 Gourdes (2011)

Comes in values of 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 gourdes

Famous People and Places in Haiti's history are featured on their currency (Yomtov)

Critical Thinking
Haiti's currency is reflective of Haiti's culture because it has many famous people on the currency. Most of the famous people on their currency are fighting for their country, showing Haitians' willingness to defend their country and the pride that they have for their country. In conclusion, Haiti's currency is reflective of their culture because it has many famous people on their currency and they show pride and willingness to fight for their country.
Image URL: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/250G.png

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Still trying to recover from Natural Disasters
Haiti has been rocked by Natural Disasters, starting with the Earthquake in 2010, followed by multiple, strong aftershocks, and followed up in the coming years by hurricanes. Haiti has not had a chance to rebuild in the aftermath of these natural disasters. Haiti has low building codes, and many houses are structurally deficient, easily destroyed in natural disasters. Also, because of the bad economy and the fact that Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world makes rebuilding houses a strain on most peoples' budgets. Simply, some people just can't afford to rebuild their houses. Haiti is still trying to recover and hopefully they can finally recover and move past these atrocities.
High Unemployment Rate
Haiti has one of the world's highest unemployment rates, at 40.6% (CIA World Factbook), and with a poor economy, that rate is not likely to drop anytime soon. It affects people because there are a large minority of the population that does not have a steady source of income. Also, with Haiti having been ravaged by natural disasters, this also affects the unemployment rate. Haiti's unemployment rate is affecting the country because many people don't have a source of income and hopefully the unemployment rate will drop.

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Population: 10,485,800

Median Age: 23 Years

Life Expectancy: 63 Years (CultureGrams)

Literacy Rate: 60.7%

Population Growth Rate: 1.71%

Ethnicity: 95% Black, 5% White and Mulatto (CIA World Factbook)

Critical Thinking
The demographics of Haiti listed above show many things about the country. The median age of 23 years shows that the quality of life in Haiti is low. The Life Expectancy shows that the low quality of life affects how long people live. The Literacy Rate shows that many people cannot afford schooling. In conclusion, demographics show a lot of facts about a country, like Haiti, if you look deeply at them.

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Men

Urban Haitians prefer Western-Style Clothing

Rural Haitians often wear t-shirts with shorts or pants

Sandals are very popular

Wear Gold Jewelry as a status symbol

Young people follow latest fashion styles

Women

Urban Haitians often wear pants or colorful skirt

Urban Haitians will wear a headscarf that matches their outfit

Sandals are very popular

Young people follow latest fashion styles

Rural Haitians wear dresses and headscarves

Most Haitian Women enjoy Jewelry (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
The people of Haiti dress in a specific way that shows social class and what kind of job you have, while not being too hot for the climate. Most rich, upper-class citizens often wear western-style clothing as a symbol of wealth, as well as showing that they or their parents are established businessmen/women. Having jewelry is another sign of social class because most women can't afford jewelry, because the majority of the country is poor. Lower-Class farmers wear t-shirts and dresses because it helps them to stay cool while in the fields. Sandals are an example of how the climate affects dress. Haiti is very hot for most of the year, so socks and shoes make their feet hot, so many people choose sandals because they keep their feet cooler. In conclusion, the climate of Haiti has a large impact on clothing choices, and people also choose clothing to show status and wealth.
Image URL: https://amato-unphase1.wikispaces.com/file/view/hAndresfam%5B1%5D.jpg/186563771/389x307/hAndresfam%5B1%5D.jpg

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GDP: $19.36 Billion

GDP Per Capita: $1,800

GDP Real Growth Rate: 1.5%

Coffee, Mangoes, Cocoa, Sugarcane, and Rice are some agricultural products grown in Haiti

Textiles, Sugar Refining, Flour Milling, and Cement are some industries in Haiti

Labor Force: 4,594,000 People

Unemployment Rate: 40.6% (CIA World Factbook)

Critical Thinking

Haiti has a very poor economy, one of the worst in the world. Its GDP is 148th in the world out of 230 countries (CIA World Factbook). Haiti's economy is also not showing any signs of growth, with the 155th best economic growth rate in the world. The Unemployment rate is sky high at 40.6%, 198th in the world out of 230 countries (CIA World Factbook). These statistics show how poor Haiti's economy is. Of course, natural disasters and a lack of stable government have not helped Haiti's economy. In conclusion, Haiti has a very poor economy that is one of the worst in the world.

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Required for students ages 6 to 12

Many Haitians still don't attend school

Most who go attend Private or Catholic Schools

Curriculum is based on French Model

Students are taught in French (Britannica)

Critical Thinking
Education in Haiti affects the people of Haiti because the lack of access to an education hurts the country. Most kids go to private schools, which usually costs more than most lower and middle-class citizens can't afford. Because of this, most rural families can't read or write, with the exception of a select few. Without being able to read, those Haitians have a tougher life. This also helps separate the upper-class elite from the poor lower-class. Even for those who attend school, the quality is lower than most countries. Because of this, students leave  Haiti for college whenever possible, often ending up in the U.S. In conclusion, education in Haiti affects the people of Haiti because the lack of access to an education hurts the country.
Image URL: https://sjueducation.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/teacher.jpg

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Urban Families

Typically have 2-3 children

Children are often sent to the countryside during the summer

Children have less chores

Father is head of household and responsible for earning money

Mother is responsible for household chores and raising kids

May hire someone to cook and do other chores

Rural Families

Typically have 5 or more children

Children are often sent to the city for school

Children often have more chores

Men work in the field

Women sell produce in the market and care for the household and children

Women manage the household's money

Everyone

Elders are highly respected, and everyone cares for them

Children are expected to do well in school and finish their chores

Educated children are expected to improve the social and financial status of his/her family

Adults children live with their family until they are married

Married couples usually live near family

Men often have children with more than one women

Domestic violence against women is common (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
Family life in Haiti is very different than it is in the U.S. Men and women are not equal in the household, and men are the dominant ones. Because of this, domestic violence against women is high, and unfortunately for women, the laws of Haiti don't help them at all. I think that is unfair to women and that they deserve more equal treatment. Family norms in Haiti are shaped by social class. Upper-Class citizens often do less work around the house, and only the male works.
Image URL: https://photos.travelblog.org/Photos/74019/470932/f/4706971-Happy_Haitian_Family-0.jpg

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Colors are Red and Blue

Coat of arms consists of 6 draped flags in front of a palm tree, with cannons in front of the flags (World Atlas)

Critical Thinking
Haiti chose their flag to represent them because it shows respect to Haiti's past, while maintaining that they are independent. The colors of red and blue pay homage to France, the country that colonized Haiti (World Atlas), while the coat of arms shows that they are willing to stand up to other countries. In conclusion, the flag of Haiti respects the past while maintaining that they are independent.
Image URL: http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/flags_database/Flag_of_Haiti.png

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Basic Information

Haitians eat three meals a day when possible

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, like the U.S.

Families try to gather for the main meal, Lunch

Sunday dinner is always a family meal and is rarely skipped

Only the upper class goes to traditional restaurants on a regular basis

There are small eateries for people who cannot make it home for a meal

A typical meal includes meat, salad, and a vegetable

Rice and Beans are staple foods and are eaten often

Spicy foods are very popular (CultureGrams)

Popular Foods

Griots

Boeuf À L'Haitienne

Soup Joumou (Whats4Eats)

Critical Thinking
Haitian food is a direct reflection of their vibrant culture. Haitians are a very energetic people. The food of Haiti reflects that because it is full of many vibrant flavors and spices. Most popular U.S. foods, like Mac & Cheese, Burgers, and Hot Dogs, have very few spices and flavors and are kinda bland when compared to Haitian food. Haitian food features a boatload of spices, causing many different flavors to appear at once in their food. In conclusion, Haitian food is a direct reflection of their vibrant culture because of the many spices and flavors in their food.
Image URL: http://www.whats4eats.com/files/meats-haitian-griots-psu.edu-4986-4x3.jpg

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Haitians use their hands a lot when talking

A common attention getter is "Psst"

Clicking the tongue is a sign of protest or disgust and is impolite

It is not necessary to call ahead that you are coming over to someone's house

Guests are welcome until around 8 P.M.

Guests are always get the first serving of a meal (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
The gestures and manners of Haitians are reflective of the culture because their vibrant, friendly culture is reflected in their vivid hand gestures while speaking. Haiti is a very friendly culture and you are expected to personally greet everyone, which shows how friendly the people are. They use many hand gestures and like to touch people to make sure they maintain their attention and their point gets through. In conclusion, the gestures and manners of Haitians are reflective of the culture because their vibrant, friendly culture is reflected in their vivid hand motions and individual greetings.
Image URL: http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20101014&t=2&i=225414644&w=780&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=2010-10-14T055052Z_01_AJOE69D0G8T00_RTROPTP_0_OZATP-SENEGAL-HAITI-20101014

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Positive: Many Haitians immigrate to the U.S.
Many Haitians have immigrated to the U.S. over the years. The lower-class Haitians often fill less desirable jobs in the U.S., like fast-food and janitorial work. The upper-class Haitians contribute as doctors, lawyers, artists, and musicians. They contribute to the economy of the U.S. and dutifully pay taxes that support the U.S. That is a positive global contribution that Haitians are responsible.
Negative: Haiti relies on a lot of international aid
Haiti has been rocked by a couple of major natural disasters in recent years, and even before they were the poorest country in the western hemisphere. International aid has come in from many countries all across the world to help Haiti, at the cost of other nations, which could be used to help people in their own country who are poor and homeless. That is a negative contribution that Haiti is responsible for.

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President

Current President: Jovenel Moise (CIA World Factbook)

Head of State

Elected by Popular Vote for a 5 Year Term

Cannot Serve Consecutive Terms

Prime Minister

Current Prime Minister: Dr. Jack Guy Lafontant

Head of Government

Appointed by President

National Assembly

Two Houses

Upper House: Senate

Lower House: Chamber of Deputies

Senate

30 Members

Elected by a Majoritarian System for a 6 Year Term

Chamber of Deputies

118 Members

Elected by a Majoritarian System for a 4 Year Term

Corruption is Major Problem (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
The Government of Haiti is unstable because the country has faced many problems. Corruption, Natural Disasters, and the fact that the country is one of the poorest in the world contributes to the instability of the government. The U.S. and United Nations has intervened many times in Haiti, which results in unrest and sometimes results in a new government. The government and who is control has changed so often that it is hard for Haitians to keep faith in the government. Military regimes, dictators, and democratic leaders have all lead Haiti. Haiti has had more than 5 changes of governments since the 20th century, which is a lot of different governments for such a short time. Also, corruption is common and widespread, which is not good for a country looking to become more stable. In conclusion, the Government of Haiti is unstable because the country has faced many problems.
Image URL: https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/851945318623170560/QGHVUG86.jpg

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Timeline

After being colonized by Spain in 1492, Natives were enslaved

Haitian Slave Revolt began in 1791, and Slaves were granted freedom in 1793

Gained independence from France in 1803

Declared its independence on January 1st, 1804

Dominican Republic Declared independence from Haiti in 1844

U.S. Occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934

Doctor François Duvalier won the election in 1957, despite charges of fraud

Son Jean-Claude Duvalier took power after his father's death in 1971

In 1990, Jean-Bertrand Aristide became first democratically elected President

Democratically Elected government came into power in             2006 (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
The history of Haiti has shaped it's citizens because the instability of the government has shaped how Haiti is today. Haiti's economy has suffered from the beginning, because they had to make a payment, $150 million francs, to France to pay back the slaveholders that were in Haiti before they gained independence. That payment severely damaged Haiti's fragile economy (CultureGrams). The economy has never recovered from that. The instability of the government, and the lack of attempts to help the economy has left Haiti in a precarious position economically. In conclusion, the history of Haiti has shaped it's citizens because the instability of the government has shaped how Haiti is today.
Image URL: http://www.haitian-truth.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Jean-Bertrand-Aristide.jpg

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Telephones

41,000 total subscriptions

Less than 1 in 100 people have one

Cell Phones

7,412,000 cell phones

73 out of 100 people have one

Radio

Over 250 public and private radio stations

Television

130 Television stations

Internet Access

1,233,000 people have internet

Only 12.2% of the population (CIA World Factbook)

Critical Thinking
The statistics above shows that there is a gap between the upper and lower classes of Haiti. Counting both landlines and cellphones, not even 75% of the country has a phone. Only 12% of people have access to the internet and a little under 400 T.V. and Radio stations combined (CIA World Factbook). This shows that there are a large number of Haitians who don't have a phone or internet access, so they will have only one way of getting a warning for a storm or getting other key information, which is by talking to others. This lack of technology influences culture because it causes people to live in more traditional ways if technology is not available. For example, finding ways to entertain is harder without technology, as well as learning about topics. In conclusion, the statistics on the Information Technology of Haiti shows that there is a gap between the upper and lower classes of Haiti and that it influences how people live.

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Official Languages

French

Kreyòl (Haitian Creole)

Kreyòl

Language of Daily Conversation

Kreyòl is a combination of French, Taíno, English, Spanish, and African Language

French

Language of Government, Business, and Some Schools

French is a sign of social class (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
The Language of Haiti reflects France's lasting legacy of colonization. French is still the primary language of the upper class in Haiti, used in key areas like business and government. The other language, Kreyòl is a reflection of Haiti's indigenous past, and is spoken in everyday conversation (CultureGrams). I can see the concept of globalization in the language because knowing french allows Haitians to communicate with people from other countries, because they share a similar language. In conclusion, the language of Haiti reflects France's lasting legacy of colonization.

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Roman Catholicism is the main religion of Haiti

Protestantism is the second most popular religion

55% of all Haitians are Catholic

29% of Haitians are Protestant

Marriages and funerals are Catholic traditions that are                  common (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
Religion influences the culture of Haiti because it affects people's daily lives. Religion influences how people live, with most people reserving Sunday as a day of rest and prayer because of religion. It also affects people's decisions because religion shapes people's personal beliefs. In conclusion, religion influences the culture of Haiti because it affects people's daily lives and affects people's decision making.
Image URL: http://s3.amazonaws.com/libapps/accounts/67802/images/catholic2.jpg

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Holidays

Independence Day is January 1st

New Years' Day is also January 1st

Fèt Gede is November 2nd

Cultural Celebrations

Kanaval is the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday (CultureGrams)

Critical Thinking
The main holidays/traditional celebrations in Haiti are Independence Day (Jan 1st), New Year's Day (Jan 1st), Kanaval (Sun., Mon., Tue., before Ash Wed.), and Fèt Gede (Nov 2nd). Independence Day is celebrated to mark the birth of Haiti, New Years' Day is celebrated to mark the start of the new year, Kanaval is celebrated as a festive time of dancing and parades, and Fèt Gede is celebrated to honor the dead (CultureGrams). These traditional holidays reflect the culture because Independence Day shows pride for their country, Haiti; New Years' Day shows happiness for the start of a new year, Kanaval shows excitement for the coming of Jesus and pride for traditional Haitian culture, and Fèt Gede shows the importance of the dead to Haitians. In conclusion, holidays and traditional celebrations have a large impact on the culture of Haiti.
Image URL: http://tslethnographyproject.weebly.com/uploads/5/0/8/7/50871667/968636_orig.jpg

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"Haiti." CultureGrams Online Edition, ProQuest, 2017,    https://online.culturegrams.com/world/world_country.php?cid=69&cn=Haiti.

"Haiti." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 9 Aug. 2016. school.eb.com/levels/high/article/Haiti/117382. Accessed 24 May. 2017.

“Haiti.” World Atlas - Maps, Geography, Travel, World Atlas, 7 Apr. 2017, www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/caribb/haiti/htflags.htm. Accessed 24 May 2017.

“Recipes from Haiti.” Whats4eats, Whats4eats, 2017, www.whats4eats.com/cuisine/haiti. Accessed 24 May 2017.

“The World Factbook: HAITI.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 1 May 2017, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ha.html. Accessed 24 May 2017.

Yomtov, Nel. Haiti. New York, NY, Children's Press, 2012.