Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince is Haiti’s capital and largest city, located on the Gulf of Gonâve. It is the country’s political, economic, and cultural center.
Gulf of Gonâve: A large gulf on Haiti’s western coast, forming part of the Caribbean Sea. Port-au-Prince lies on its eastern shore, where the gulf shapes the city’s harbor and setting.
French colonization of Saint-Domingue: The French colonial rule established in western Hispaniola, which became the colony of Saint-Domingue. Port-au-Prince developed as a colonial settlement within Saint-Domingue.
2010 Haiti earthquake: A magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince on January 12, 2010. The disaster devastated the capital and caused extensive loss of life and infrastructure.
Urbanization in Haiti: The growth of Haiti’s urban population and settlements, especially around Port-au-Prince. The capital’s rapid expansion is a defining part of the country’s urbanization.
Haiti: A Caribbean country occupying the western part of the island of Hispaniola. Port-au-Prince is Haiti’s capital and largest urban center.
Saint-Domingue: The French colony that occupied western Hispaniola before Haiti’s independence in 1804. The city emerged as an administrative center during the colony’s final decades.
Iron Market: A historic marketplace in central Port-au-Prince, known for its distinctive iron structure. Its restoration after earthquake damage illustrates the city’s efforts to preserve a landmark.
Haitian diaspora: Communities of Haitian origin living outside Haiti, particularly in North America and the Caribbean. Migration connects Port-au-Prince to remittances, family networks, and communities abroad.
Caribbean Sea: A tropical sea bounded by the Caribbean islands, Central America, and northern South America. The sea connects Port-au-Prince to regional maritime routes and neighboring countries.
Haitian Revolution: The revolution from 1791 to 1804 that ended French rule and established independent Haiti. The revolution transformed the political order in which Port-au-Prince became Haiti’s capital.