PEOPLE
Although Haiti averages about 302 people per square kilometer. Its population is concentrated most heavily in urban areas, coastal plains, and valleys. About 95% of Haitians are of African descent. The rest of the population is mostly of mixed Caucasian-African ancestry. A few are of European or Levantine heritage. Sixty percent of the population lives in rural areas.
French
is one of two official languages, but it is spoken by only about
10% of the people. All Haitians speak Creole, the country's other
official language. English is increasingly used as a second language
among the young and in the business sector.
The dominant
religion is Roman Catholicism. Increasing numbers of Haitians
have converted to Protestantism through the work of missionaries
active throughout the country. Much of the population also practices
voudou (voodoo), recognized by the government as a religion in
April 2003. Haitians tend to see no conflict in these African-rooted
beliefs coexisting with Christian faith.
Although
public education is free, the cost is still quite high for Haitian
families who must pay for uniforms, textbooks, supplies, and other
inputs. Due to weak state provision of education services, private
and parochial schools account for approximately 90% of primary
schools, and only 65% of primary school-aged children are actually
enrolled. At the secondary level, the figure drops to around 20%.
Less than 35% of those who enter will complete primary school.
Though Haitians place a high value on education, few can afford
to send their children to secondary school and primary school
enrollment is dropping due to economic factors. Remittances sent
by Haitians living abroad are important in paying educational
costs.
Large-scale
emigration, principally to the U.S.--but also to Canada, the Dominican
Republic, The Bahamas and other Caribbean neighbors, and France--has
created what Haitians refer to as the Tenth Department or the
Diaspora. About one of every eight Haitians lives abroad.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Haitian(s).
Population (2006 census): 8.5 million.
Annual population growth rate: 1975-2001, 1.9%; 2.5% per year.
Ethnic groups: African descent 95%, African and European descent 5%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16%, voudou (voodoo) practices pervasive.
Languages: French (official), Creole (official).
Education: Years compulsory--6. Adult literacy (2006 census)--56%.
Health: Child mortality--1 out of 8 children die before they reach the age of five. Life expectancy--56 years (women), 52 years (men).
