The territory of Haiti, as if by specially unknown forces, was created for relaxation. The Dominican Republic, which occupies a large part, is a paradise on earth, a secluded corner of the planet, where rest can not fail to please, no matter how whimsical a tourist may be. Landscapes of incredible beauty, the warm water of the Caribbean Sea and the slightly cool Atlantic Ocean, delicious local cuisine, tranquility and pacification - this is what Haiti is!
Where is Haiti located? Geographical position
It is the second largest among the Greater Antilles. It is located in the West Indies, washed on the one hand by the Caribbean Sea, and on the other - by the Atlantic Ocean. If you look at the world map, you will see that the island is located between Cuba (on the western side, they are separated by the Strait of Wind) and Puerto Rico (from the east, they are separated by the Mona Strait).
The area is 76,480 square kilometers, and the population for 2009 was 20,123,000.
Description of Haiti
In early December 1492, the indefatigable mariner and discoverer Christopher Columbus discovered the uncharted territory of the island of Haiti. Then he said that "this is the most beautiful land that human eyes have seen." After this, the arrangement begins in full swing: at first the land was given the Spanish name La Espanion, and then the inhabitants of civilized Europe gradually began to contribute to Indian culture. The island began to bring good income to the country, life was boiling here, it would seem, carefree, with barbecue and canoe, tobacco and a hammock. So other states began to learn about these charms.
Haiti is divided into two republics today: the first has the same name, and the second - the Dominican. The latter occupies 2/3 of the entire territory and is considered more developed and well-maintained. The population is almost equal in both Republics, only Haiti has an area of 27,750 square kilometers, and the Dominican Republic - 48,730. The first capital is Port-au-Prince, and the second is Santo Domingo.
Dominican Republic
As already known, most of the island of Haiti is the Dominican Republic. It occupies the southern coast and is divided into 31 regions. By the way, the capital (Santo Domingo) is the oldest city here.
The second most important settlement is Santiago. Other cities of the Republic:
- La Vega.
- San Francisco de Macoris.
- San Cristobal.
- San Pedro de Macoris.
- La Romana.
- Puerto Plata.
Talk about the Dominican Republic is endless. No wonder they say that it is better to see once than to hear 100 times. Dominican Republic (Haiti) is an exotic nature, amazingly beautiful coral reefs, several hundred kilometers of white beaches, lakes with emerald water, rivers with crystal clear water and unruly waterfalls. It has its own history, lifestyle, unique flavor and friendly population. And by the way, the Dominican Republic is considered the most environmentally friendly place on earth. Here, steady atmospheric pressure and a tropical climate are more comfortable than humid. So in this area you can feel great!
Sights of the Dominican Republic
Many believe that, having arrived in the Dominican Republic, they can only enjoy beach vacations and sea activities. But in fact, there are enough classes, one of which is visiting attractions. Of course, to find historical places in this part of the island of Haiti will not work, but the nature is such that there is no other place in the world.
Interesting to visit is the village of Altos de Chavon, which is located near Punta Cana. It is thematic and stylized as an early colonial settlement. The buildings here are built of stone using old technologies. In the village there is an amphitheater, which is an exact copy of the Greek architectural structure. The museum presents an exhibition dedicated to the pre-Columbian era. She will tell tourists how the Arawak Indians lived before the Europeans came here.
There is a grand museum in the capital. It is called the “Lighthouse of Columbus” and represents a huge territory where you can find many interesting things, including memorable places. This large building was built in the form of a cross and is a kind of reminder that America is a Christian state. The most important thing here is the ashes of Christopher Columbus.
Also in Santo Domingo there is a unique museum of the kind "World of Amber". It presents a large collection of these stones, among which there are very rare specimens. For example, with plants and insects inside, or even blue or red.
Another city worth visiting in Haiti is Puerta del Conde. It was built to protect the capital, and here in 1844 proclaimed the independence of the Republic. It is a fort today open to visitors by tourists. Behind it is a park, this is a very important place for the patriots of the Republic. They especially value the Altar of Freedom (a mausoleum with the founders of the Dominican Republic), which, like other elements of the park, is dedicated to the struggle for independence and freedom.
In honor of the centenary of the recognition of the independence of the Republic, a palace was built, which today plays the role of the president’s workplace. If you look at the photo of this building, you will notice a resemblance to the White House. And it’s very big.
List of a few more attractions that are recommended to visit:
- Del Este National Park.
- Captain's Palace.
- The ruins of the Franciscan monastery.
- Ozama Fortress.
- The ruins of the hospital of St. Nicholas of Bari.
- Caves of Los Tress Ochos.
- Church of St. Barbara.
Weather
Speaking about the "behavior" of nature, one cannot but consider the question of why earthquakes often occur on the island of Haiti. The answer is simple - in this place (that is, in the Caribbean Sea), the earth's crust is displaced and geological faults occur, because today the territory is recognized as a seismically active zone.
One of the most powerful earthquakes occurred in 2010. And more than once. The first was January 12th. The epicenter was located 15 km from the capital of the Republic of Haiti, which suffered very much, like its residents. Then they did not give a definite answer about the number of victims - either tens, or hundreds of thousands. Magnitude was 7-7.3 points.
The second earthquake on the island of Haiti occurred on February 22, and again in the area of Port-au-Prince. Then only 3 people were injured (according to official figures), and the magnitude was 4.7 points.
Now about the more pleasant. The climate here is tropical, summers are relatively humid and winters are dry. The practical temperature of water and air does not change throughout the year. Moreover, they are also approximately the same. It is recommended to come to the Dominican Republic in winter, because at this time it is more comfortable here - 26-28 degrees Celsius.
Interesting facts about Haiti and the Dominican Republic
- According to 2010 data, 34.4% of the population lives below the poverty line. But this does not prevent them from remaining welcoming and friendly people.
- A particularly popular Dominican product is rum. Centuries-old traditions and modern technologies have merged in it. Twice, Ron Barceló Imperial rum was recognized as the best in the world.
- Here they produce the semiprecious stone Larimar, which is still only in one place in Spain. Some tourists come just for him. It happens from bright blue to deep blue.
- The military and police cannot participate in the elections.
- Only in the Dominican Republic can you see the iguana ricordi. She has red eyes, which differs from others.
What will be remembered vacation in the Dominican Republic?
Holidays on La Espanion (the former name of the island of Haiti) will be remembered by everyone, starting with softly embracing warm water and ending with adventures, the most common of which is considered diving. And what nature is here! Of course, you need to take more pictures, then to remember the beautiful days, and buy souvenirs. They will even more colorful remind of the Dominican Republic. Moreover, these souvenirs are unique. For example, high-quality coffee, the best of which is difficult to find in the world, or cognac. A lot of jewelry made of pure gold, amber, and even earrings with larimar. In addition to rum, cigars are also a hallmark of the country. Painted plates, clay dolls without faces, figurines, shell jewelry, exotic fruits, handmade carpets - you can find anything. The main thing is not to spare money, because these souvenirs were made with love by the inhabitants of the Dominican Republic!