Sunday, March 15, 2009

Bill Clinton urges more aid as he leaves Haiti » Miami Herald article on Bill Clinton's Haiti trip History Historical figures saw the pristine shores of Haiti and proclaimed it beautiful. It was once considered "La Perle des Antilles" or "the Pearl of the Caribbean". Many years ago, Haiti was lush, with 60% of its original forest covering the lands and mountainous regions. The country was home to thousands of plants and hundreds of species of birds, many of which were endemic. Exports included sugar, coffee and corn. The beauty was seen in the country's varied scenery which included lush green cloud forests, high mountain peaks, arid desert, mangrove forest, and palm tree-lined beaches. Through the years Haitians have always garnered international recognition via many methods including artistic, cultural, historical, athletic, and political. Current Facts Haiti has experienced many years of political unrest and oppression. As a result, Haiti is currently the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 80% of the population is living under the poverty line and 54% in extreme poverty or abject poverty. It is because of this that Haiti is the initial focus of Project Eden. Less than 20% of Haitians age 15 and over can read and write. There are few paved roads, and inadequate supply of clean water. More than half of Haitians live on less than a dollar a day, and 1 in 20 are infected with HIV/AIDS. Solution Through Project Eden, the country and people of Haiti can be restored. Resources GENERAL INFO CIA - The World Fact Book U.S. Department of State Discover Haiti: The Arts, History, Culture The Library of Congress Country Studies BBC News: Country Profile Haitian Times Governments on the WWW World Health Organization: Haiti Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Washington, D.C. UNICEF - At a Glance: Haiti The World Bank Group: Haiti Embassy of the United States COMMUNITY BUILDING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Doing Business in Haiti FATEM: Community Building USAID/Haiti: Strategic Plan American Friends Service Committee: Economic Development Program Little Haiti Housing Association America's Development Foundation The World Bank View All News » Back Home