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People of Haiti
About 95 percent of the people of Haiti are of African
origin. The remaining 5 percent is made up of mulatto and other races. As education is not easily accessible to the people, the rate of literacy is low, only 45 percent. Majority of the people are Roman Catholics.
Arts, Culture and Music of Haiti
Haitian culture fuses African, French, and West Indian elements. Formerly a social divider, the Creole language is now being used in attempts to define a national culture.
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The language is used in literature, drama, music, dance, and some governmental functions and the country has to its credit several outstanding libraries. Haitian works of art are enjoying increasing worldwide recognition.
Flag of Haiti
The flag of Haiti contains two equal horizontal bands of blue, at the top; and red with a centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength).
Please click here to view the Flag of Haiti
Economy of Haiti
Haiti has a third world economy where nearly 70% of the populace depends mainly on agriculture, which employs 68 percent of the labor force. Manufacturing, services, and tourism are the next largest employers. About 50 percent of the labor force is unemployed. Estimates show that unemployment combined with underemployment affect about 85 percent of the labor force. In 2001 Haiti's per capita gross domestic product was very less, leading it to rank among the poorest countries. To add to its economic woes, political conflicts have further led to suspension of international aids.
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