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Haiti formed the first successful slave revolt under the leadership of [[Toussaint L'Ouverture]] and was the first independent black republic. Haiti claimed its independence from France on January 1, 1804, making it the second country in the Americas to gain its independence.
Haiti formed the first successful slave revolt under the leadership of [[Toussaint L'Ouverture]] and was the first independent black republic. Haiti claimed its independence from France on January 1, 1804, making it the second country in the Americas to gain its independence.
About 80% of the population lives in wretched [[poverty]], and Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the western hempisphere.<ref>http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/LACEXT/HAITIEXTN/0,,contentMDK:21040686~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:338165,00.html</ref> Haiti is the origin of the [[occult]] practice of [[voodoo]], which is still popular in rural areas.
About 80% of the population lives in wretched [[poverty]], and Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the western hempisphere.<ref>http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/LACEXT/HAITIEXTN/0,,contentMDK:21040686~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:338165,00.html</ref>
French is taught in schools, but the language of conversation is [[Haitian Creole]].
==Earthquake==
==Earthquake==
Of course, [[humanitarian assistance]] is needed.
Of course, [[humanitarian assistance]] is needed.
==Religion==
The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and other laws and policies contributed to the generally free practice of religion, provided that these practices do not disturb law and order. The law at all levels protects this right in full against abuse, either by governmental or private actors. The Government generally respected religious freedom in practice, and there have been no reports in recent years of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
A U.N. Population Fund census taken in 2003 shows: 54.7 % of the population is Roman Catholic, 15.4 % Baptist, 7.9 % Pentecostal, 3 % Seventh-day Adventist, and 2.1 % voodoo (vodun). Smaller groups include Methodist, Episcopalian, Jehovah's Witness, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Muslim, and other religious affiliations. Those who follow no religion number 10.2%.
Haiti is the origin of the [[occult]] practice of [[voodoo]], which is still popular in rural areas. The UN's 2.1% figure for voodoo represents only those who select voodoo as their primary religion. A much larger segment of the population practices voodoo alongside Christianity (most commonly with Catholicism) and considers Christianity their primary religion.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108529.htm U.S. Dept of State "International Religious Freedom Report 2008"]</ref>
== External links ==
== External links ==
=[http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2010/1/13/569482.html?title=Haitian%20prime%20minister%3A%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20may%20be%20dead&cid=rss Bodies piling up as relief efforts continue in Haiti.]
=[http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2010/1/13/569482.html?title=Haitian%20prime%20minister%3A%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20may%20be%20dead&cid=rss Bodies piling up as relief efforts continue in Haiti.]
====References====
<references/>
[[Category:Caribbean Countries]]
[[Category:Caribbean Countries]]
[[Category:Christian-Majority Countries]]
[[Category:Christian-Majority Countries]]