Geography

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Popular Foods

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

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

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

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

Cell Phones

Radio

Television

Internet Access

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.

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.

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.
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Cultural Celebrations

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

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