Haiti Special Report: About

Facts about Haiti

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. It is located about 690 miles south of Miami.

Haiti’s population is roughly 10 million. The official languages are French and Creole. About 80 percent to the population is Roman Catholic.

The country’s president is elected by popular vote to a five-year term. The current president, as of January 2015, is President Michel Martelly. The legislative branch, or National Assembly, is made up of a Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

Information on the Earthquake:

The 2010 earthquake struck at 4:53 p.m. on January 12. The epicenter of the 7.0 magnitude quake was located about 15 miles west of the capital of Port-au-Prince.
Estimates on the number of deaths caused by the earthquake varies widely, from about 200,000 to more than 300,000.
More than 1 million people were left homeless or displaced.
The earthquake was determined to be the worst in the region in more than 200 years.

Source: U.S. Department of State and Central Intelligence Agency

About Haiti

Highlights

President Shalala Discusses UM-Haiti Bond

University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala says the University's commitment to Haiti “is enduring and never wavers.” Watch her discuss UM's relationship with Haiti, and how we are sharing knowledge and working together on a number of fronts to make a difference.

Collaborating with Purpose

The University of Miami's unique relationship with Haiti stretches back decades, but has never been stronger since the 2010 earthquake. Explore these bonds in our documentary film.

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