- In 1789, slavery was abolished. Former slave, Toussaint Louverture crowned himself King Henri Christophe I.
- In 1802, Napoleon sent troops to retake the island. Captured by the French, Louverture was taken to France for trial.
- In 1803, Louverture died of exposure and TB.
- In 1804, the first Caribbean country to gain their freedom.
- In 1914, British, German, and U.S. entered forces, the U.S. Marines stationed until 1934.
- In 1957, Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc) was elected president. Upon his death his son, Jean Claude (Baby Doc) was the predecenter.
- In 1886, Jean Claude (Baby Doc) was driven out of the country. Seeking refuge in France.
- During 1980, Jean Aristide, President was thrown out of power by the military.
- Late 1994, the U.S. forced the military to give up power and stayed to help the country establish order.
- Voodoo is a highly developed ritual estimating nearly half the population practice: elements of magic, dance, music and drumming. Open ceremony consisting of three drums: boula, mamman and segon.
- The flavor to Grand Marnier and Cointreau liquors is sun drying orange peels.
- Rhum Barbancourt Distilleries use sugarcane juice instead of molasses.
- Birthplace to Wyclef Jean, the leader of the U.S. music group, Fugees.
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One of the highest unemployment rates in the Western Hemisphere (around 70%), its people are known for their work ethic and were instrumental in the building of the Panama Canal.
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Labadee, is Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines private beach on the northeast coast.
- Political upheavals and natural disasters have kept them off of Tourism mainstream.
- Tropical storms with floods and mudslides have killed many locals.
- Literacy levels are low, around 50%.
- The best beaches are on the South Coast along the Southern Peninsula and North Coast. Otherwise, dark volcanic sand.
- Celebrations & Events: Carnival, Haitian Independence Day (January) and Saint Day Observances.
- To inspire you, read: Lydia Bailey (1947), The Comedians (1966)
- Movies that may inspire you: The Comedians (1967).
- Prone to beggars, frequent delays, poor roads and power outages.
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Doux doux (pronounced doo-doo) means Sweetheart in Creole.
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Don't expect world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, as the country's reefs have been devastated by overfishing.
- Coolest Season: December
- Humid & Hottest: August
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Peak Season: November - March
- Shoulder Season: April - June
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.