Haiti, located on the western part of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, has a population of about 11.5 million people. Its people are called Haitians. Haiti was the first independent Black republic in the world, gaining freedom from French colonial rule in 1804 after a successful slave revolt. The country has a rich culture rooted in African, French, and Indigenous Taíno heritage. Haitian Creole and French are the official languages. Most Haitians are Christian—mainly Catholic and Protestant—with many also practicing Vodou, a spiritual tradition deeply tied to African roots. Haitian culture values resilience, family, and community, with vibrant music, art, and storytelling playing key roles.