The rich and colorful history of Haiti makes it an interesting place to travel to. It boasts of a number of firsts. It was the first country in Latin America to declare independence. It was also the first and only country to gain independence following a slave rebellion. It is also the only country in Latin America to have a population that predominantly speaks French. For first time travelers, travel to this country necessitates understanding what this nation had gone through in the past.

Haiti was discovered by Spanish conquistador Christopher Columbus in 1492. The Spaniards first controlled the country, until they granted control to France in 1697. The French harnessed the natural resources of the country, producing products such as cotton, sugar, and coffee. In 1794, the French stopped slavery when half a million slaves revolted against them. A former slave, Toussaint L’Ouverture, gained control of the country in 1801. The French captured him and was able to regain control, although the slaves continued the revolt and eventually won their independence on January 1, 1804.

The country was divided into two regions- northern and southern - only to be reunited in 1820 by Jean Pierre Boyer. In 1822, the country conquered Dominican Republic which had just gained independence from Spain. It controlled Dominican Republic for nearly 2 decades, and since then the two countries have feuded.

The country was controlled by the US in the 1900s following a series of political troubles for the young republic. US Marines occupied the country until 1934. Even after the World War, the republic had its share of agony, as bickering between officials led to political uncertainties. Dr. François Duvalier, who assumed presidency in 1957, established a dictatorship that led many Haitians to flee to the US to escape poverty. The political uncertainty continued until the 1990s as the UN gave economic sanctions against the country.

Haiti has had its share of problems in the past, but its people have managed to stay strong and resolute despite all of these troubles. Haitians have remained friendly, hospitable, and kind, which makes travel to this country all the more ideal.