HAITI, a republic on the island of Haiti, W. I.; bounded by the Dominican Republic, Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean Sea; area 11,072 square miles; Pop. about 2,500,000; Port-au-Prince, capital (1919) 101,272; other important towns are: Cape Haitien (19,000), Cayes (12, 000), Gonalves (30,000), Port de Paix (10,000).
Topography.—The country is moun tainous, being traversed by a volcanic range, which sends out lateral spurs, ter minating in headlands on the coast. Cibao, the loftiest peak, reaches an alti tude of 7,000 feet. The rivers are small and few in number and unnavigable. The lakes are quite numerous, and the salt lake of Henriquillo, near the S. shore, is remarkable for showing, by its tides, subterranean connection with the Caribbean Sea.
Climate and Productions.—The climate is semi-tropical, but tempered by the sea breezes, and this, with its well-watered soil, makes Haiti the most fertile of the West Indies. The industries of Haiti are mainly agricultural, coffee being the principal product. Cocoa, cotton, sugar, and tobacco are grown, and considerable rum, and other spirits distilled. The mineral resources are undeveloped, but are known to be of considerable impor tance. Copper, iron, nickel, gypsum, lime stone, and porphyry are found in the N.
Commerce.—Imports in 1918 were valued at $10,500,000; exports $11,000, 000. The exports consist principally of coffee, cocoa, logwood, cotton, hides, skins, corn, mahogany, and honey. The import trade is carried on principally with the United States, Great Britain, France, and Spain. In 1917 the external debt of Haiti was 120,912,060 francs, the inter nal debt 3,368,705 francs.
Government.—The government is that of a republic. The constitution dating from June 14, 1867, was revised in 1918.
The legislative authority rests in a Na tional Assembly, divided into two cham bers, the Senate and the House of Rep resentatives. The deputies are elected for 2 years, 1 for every 60,000 popula tion. The Senate consists of 15 members elected by popular vote for a term of six years. The executive power is vested in the president, elected by the National Assembly for a term of four years. The administration is carried on under the president by 5 secretaries. President in 1919 (elected in 1915), M. Philippe S. Dartiguenave.
Religion and Education.—The author ized religion is nominally Roman Catho lic. Instruction in elementary grades is free, and supported by the government to the extent of $1,000,000 annually. Edu cation was made compulsory in 1910. In 191_8 there were 886 schools with about 66,500 students.
History.—Haiti was a French colony previous to 1804 when it was proclaimed independent. Several insurrections have taken place, and attempts have been made to annex it to the United States. The inhabitants are mostly negroes or mulat toes, speaking either French or a dialect known as Creole French. An armed con stabulary was established in 1910 con sisting of 110 officers and 26,888 men. In 1912 the United States Government used its influence to prevent a war be tween Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In 1914 owing to insurrections and threatened international complications the United States landed marines, occu pied the fort, took charge of the customs and practically assumed a protectorate over Haiti. In July, 1918, the republic declared war against the Central Powers.