Bienvenue! Welcome to the world’s first free Black republic—Haiti, a nation occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. There are around 12 million people living here, and the capital is Port-au-Prince, a bustling city set against a backdrop of steep mountains and the blue Gulf of Gonâve. The official languages are Haitian Creole and French.

Haiti covers about 27,750 square kilometers (10,714 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of Maryland in the U.S., or about the same size as Albania in Europe. It is the most mountainous nation in the Caribbean, which is reflected in its name—Ayiti—the indigenous Taíno word for “Land of High Mountains.”

The most popular sport is Football, followed by Basketball. Their national animal is the Hispaniolan Trogon, a colorful bird with a red belly and green back that is endemic to the island.

The flag features two horizontal stripes of blue and red with the national coat of arms on a white square in the center, where the blue and red were taken from the French flag and the coat of arms displays a palm tree topped by a liberty cap and surrounded by weapons, symbolizing the fight for freedom.

The food is bold, spicy, and deeply flavorful. You must try Griot, which is succulent chunks of fried pork marinated in citrus and chili, usually served with Pikliz (a spicy, pickled vegetable slaw) and Banan Pese (fried plantains). On New Year’s Day, everyone eats Soup Joumou, a pumpkin soup that was once a delicacy reserved only for white masters but became a symbol of independence and equality after the Haitian Revolution.

Haiti is home to the Citadelle Laferrière, a massive mountaintop fortress that is the largest in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in the early 1800s to defend the newly independent nation. Haiti is also world-renowned for its Art, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate patterns that you can see in the street murals and galleries of Jacmel. The country has a deep spiritual heritage, including the practice of Vodou, which is a recognized religion that played a significant role in the country’s history. Despite facing many natural and economic challenges, the Haitian people are famous for their “Kouraj” (courage) and their incredible resilience.

From the turquoise waters of Labadee to the historic ruins of the Sans-Souci Palace, Haiti is a land of revolutionary pride and artistic soul. Mèsi! That means “Thank you!”