Natural disasters, poverty, child labor, and hunger struggles are often at the forefront of any conversation regarding this beautiful country. Surprisingly, a statue of the Italian explorer and colonizer still stands today in the center of the countrys capital, Port-au-Prince, one of the largest cities in the Caribbean. Reportedly, Haiti has been facing human rights and political crisis for many years. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances. Photo Credit: Haiti Tourism. 80 Unique Haiti Facts and History | FactRetriever.com Strange Laws in All of California. Missionary is the only legal sexual position. In the Chinese county of Gongan, there was a really strange law up until recently. To learn more about these people, here are a few Haitian facts. In Haiti, same-sex sexual activity is legal. Check out these cool Geography facts about Haiti. Students learn their lessons in both French and Creole. Paintings in Haiti are characterized by bold, vivid colors and often have symbolic meanings. From legends of elves to a decades-long ban on beer, the Christmas Book Flood to state-owned milk stores, there are loads of quirks and weird facts about Iceland's . While Christopher Columbus claimed Haiti for Spain in 1492, it was the French who truly colonized the island. 1. 24 Weird British Laws I Can't Believe Actually Exist - BuzzFeed In France it's illegal to name your pig Napoleon. The 47 Weirdest Laws from Around the World Best Life [22] The number of CDW (Child Domestic Workers) in Haiti, defined as 1) living away from parents' home; 2) not following normal progression in education; and 3) working more than other children, is more than 400,000. To pay this, Haiti had to borrow money from and pay interest to French banks. With an area of 10,714 square miles (27,750 square kilometers), Haiti is only slightly larger than Vermont. You can't drive a car in reverse in public roads in Arizona. After the 2010 earthquake, some. In Haiti, around 56% of the population identifies as Roman Catholics, while about 30% identify as Protestants. Weird Laws In Los Angeles. In Haiti, same-sex sexual activity is legal. Musical instruments, clocks, kitchenwarethey are just a few of the items that can't be sold on this day. It was the oldest slave colony in America. 40 Weird Laws in The World in 2023 That Will Shock You! - Holidify Among the many Haitian musicians, the actor, musician, and rapper Wyclef Jean is the most famous. After a betrayal from the French, LOuverture died in a French prison. The other 5% are mulattos, descendants of French planters and African slaves, and whites. Haiti disbanded its armed forces in 1995 because of dozens of military coups that had occurred in the countrys history. Families who live in the country spend almost 60% of their income on food. 13 Weird Laws In Quebec That Make Absolutely No Sense At All You're probably a lawbreaker. [1], The government does not censor radio, television, or the Internet. If you are attacked, you can only protect yourself with the same kind of weapon your attacker has. 7. The United States in 1776 was the first country to win its independence in the Western Hemisphere but it wasnt until 1865 that America followed in abolishing slavery. Some of Haitis tallest peaks include Macaya, Bois Pin, the Kadeneau peaks, and Morne de la Selle, which rises to an elevation of 8,790 ft making it the tallest. After the Haiti earthquake, the Feed The Children website claimed that the charity was providing medical relief for 12,000 people. The Sunday Read: 'Elon Musk's Appetite for Destruction'. America is a nation of lawsand some of those laws are just downright weird. 49 / 50. From a mosaic of stunning and diverse landscapes to a vibrant history & culture, learn interesting Cameroon facts, surprising history, & fun trivia here. Warm and sociable, Haitians observe a number of unspoken rules of etiquette, similar to that of the other Caribbean and Latin American countries. Under the Duvalier regime, lawyers were intimidated from defending their clients through pressure and violence. A popular weird law for Hawaii was that you could only have one drink in front of you at a time. UPDATE: Researching Haitian Law - GlobaLex Stolen Patents Associated with Thomas Edison. However, the attitude of many Haitians to the LGBT community is hostile. Swaziland may be small, but it boasts an impressive array of adventure and culture. Georgia is not the place to go ticking people off. From Spain to Austria: 13 interesting laws across Europe, Local Laws and Customs in Vietnam: Know Before You Go, How to Avoid Crime & Corruption in Indonesia, Laws in Mexico: Illegal Things Travelers Shouldn't Do, Crime in New Zealand: What You Need To Know, It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing in several countries in the Caribbean including, It's illegal to shout offensive words in any public place in, If you're on a bike, you must keep both feet on the pedals, Any kind of nude artistic display is verboten, It's against the law to drive while wearing flip-flops. Lima, OH, USA. This . Weird Laws You Are Breaking Every Day - YouTube The UN called on authorities to address impunity, corruption, structural inequality and adequate standard of living in order to restore public confidence and prevent future unrests. [25]. In Myrtle Beach it is illegal to change into a bathing suit in any public bathroom without the consent of the property owner or manager. Weird Laws: Pennsylvania - YouTube Drivers of power-driven vehicles who stop at pedestrian crossings are liable to a fine of up to five yen. Take a look at these more general facts about the Caribbean. Fun facts about Iceland | Reykjavik Excursions Did you know these four things were illegal in Mexico? Diseases such as hookworm and typhoid, which are transmitted by contaminated food and water, are common in Haiti. It started on August 22nd, 1791 when the enslaved Africans led by Franois-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, initiated a rebellion against the French settlers. Kissing is an incredible experience and the most natural way to show affection. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2001. Source, 15. Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti designed the countrys first flag in 1803. This led the Haitian government to take out high-interest loans and it wasnt until 1947 that the debt was repaid in full. Human rights in Haiti. 4 0 obj In return, they could rob, steal, extort, torture and murder at will. [24] Increasingly, paid middlemen act as recruiters to place children with host families, and it is becoming more common to place children with strangers. This was meant to prevent the spread of African swine fever, but it devastated Haitian peasant wealth. Haitis president is elected every five years with each president allowed to serve for a maximum of two non-consecutive terms. ).k The United States is 79.55 people per square miles (30.71 sq. This one is still on the books but not enforced Missionary is the only legal sexual position. 22. Source, 27. [21] The practice meets formal international definitions of modern day slavery and child trafficking, and is believed to affect an estimated 300,000 Haitian children. In Oak Bay you could be fined $100 if you parrot talks too loud. That one's actually been repealed, but the law prohibiting you from drinking on the beach still. There are some weird laws in South Carolina. Have you heard of them Source, 2. "Dumb Laws" Across the United States It Is Prohibited To Harass Big Foot (Washington) In the US state of Washington, it is a crime punishable by either a fine or a jail term to harass big foot, Sasquatch, or any other undiscovered species. Explore Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in St Kitts. There are only about eight, The life expectancy for Haiti is low: 50 years for. The ban came about after goat hide drums from Haiti were linked to a case of cutaneous anthrax. It's also illegal to drive past the same location on Atlantic Avenue more than once within 30 minutes. For example, following a 1991 coup by the military that overthrew democratically elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the Haitian army was accused of killing an estimated 3,000 people in three years. 50 Famous Things Banned in the U.S. | Stacker During the 18th-century, Haiti was the French Empires richest colony. Haiti is the second oldest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere, after the United States. Not only are there celebrations in Haiti but also cities in the United States with a large Haitian population. Source, Copyright 2020. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.,2008. Because the Roman Catholic Church discourages. % Micro stamping is the idea of marking. 1. A Ruling That Could End the Internet as We Know . A dreaded security force, it was also called the Tonton Macoutes, after the Haitian folk figure Tonton Macoute (Uncle Knapsack) who carries off small children at night. Top 10 Outdated Laws You Didn't Know You Were Breaking In Marietta, GA, it is illegal to spit from a car or bus. Haitis former president, Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc), created the National Security Volunteers in 1957. Culture and Customs of Haiti. In fact, May is also Haitian Heritage Month in the United States with cultural events, exhibitions, and parades in cities like Boston, New York, and Miami with a large Haitian diaspora. Zombie folklore originated in Haiti when bokors (black magicians) would poison victims with pufferfish neurotoxin, inducing a state of suspended animation from which the victim would awaken in a psychotic state under which they could be easily controlled. You can change your cookie settings at any time. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. Franois "Papa Doc" Duvalier (1907-1971) - BlackPast.org Accessed: March 22, 2010. Look, this isn't the plague years in the old country where little Klaus had to step up at age nine and head the family after papa passed; 13 year-olds are still children. (perhaps they could benefit from one of these strange gadgets) 10. The country is heavily dependent on financial aid from foreign countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and France. 25 Interesting Historical Photos Part 92. Source, 6. Comparable in size to Haiti, Vermonts population density is 65.8 people per square mile (25.9 sq.km. [2], In 1697, Spain formally ceded to France control of the part of the island of Hispaniola that would become Haiti, naming it Saint-Domingue. 50 Dumb Laws From Across the United States - WorldAtlas Another weird state law makes it illegal for a person to eat a live eel in a public place unless the person loudly announces "Warning! March 16, 2010. They're seen as more hygienic than loose board shorts. Countries where camouflage clothing is illegal. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. Above the palm on the Haitian flag is the Cap of Liberty and below the whole arrangement on a white ribbon is the motto LUnion fait la Force (Unity makes strength). Photo Credit: Martine Oger via 1234RF.com. Haiti is currently one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Because jobs are so scarce (approximately 70% do not have regular jobs), those who do have jobs are afraid to speak out against unfair labor practices. The Republic of Haiti. After twenty-nine years of dictatorship, Haiti reestablished a democratic government by proclaiming, on March 29, 1987, a new Constitution that is still presently in force with amendments introduced by Constitutional Law of May 9, 2011, promulgated on June 19, 2012. Why? Having your chickens cross the road in Georgia This isn't a joke: don't let your chicken cross the road in Georgia. Source, 10. Motown Maurice and USFs Total Praise Haitian Dances at the Tampa Haitian Flag Day Festival 2006. It's illegal to impersonate a priest. 27 Strange Laws in California Source, 8. Courts of justice were in effect "run by the judges, appointed by the "President for Life" (the Duvaliers), who lacked the independence to make judgments about abuses against human rights. History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Cutting down a cactus can get you 25 years in jail, It's against the law to refuse to give someone a glass of water. Get Updates And Stay Connected to the latest offers and news from the Caribbean. The historic events that led up to this are detailed in books like The Common Wind: Afro-American Currents in the Age of the Haitian Revolution by Julius Scott and The Black Jacobins: Toussaint Louverture and the San Domingo Revolution by C L R James. 100 Weird Laws From Around the World | Dtli | thesunchronicle.com Salary: (CAD) $48,226 - (CAD) $65,106/Per Year. [1] Political killings, kidnapping, torture, and unlawful incarceration are common unofficial practices, especially during periods of coups or attempted coups.[1]. 2. This exodus weakened Haiti because it was left with fewer and fewer skilled workers to run businesses, health centers, government offices, and schools. Slob's Law Haiti is one of the few countries in the world where the destruction of the original woodland is almost complete A muddy brown ring surrounds the countrys coastline where topsoil has washed into the sea. In reality, they sent a total of three doctors, and two weeks after the earthquake it emerged that they had fed zero people. Weirdest Laws From Every State in America - Thrillist What's the punishment for dying the death penalty lol. Haitis government has made major strides since the 1950s to improve its financial situation, however, political instability including the 2004 coup dtat of the president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and natural disasters like the 2010 earthquake have made things difficult. And remember: having a criminal record is definitely not cool if you're a man over 40. Haiti played a role in saving Jewish families during the Holocaust. No one realized until the two countries competed against each other in the 1936 Summer Olympics under the same flag. 8NgCheong-Lum, Roseline. It was shortly overturned again as almost anyone can see . Why is Californium priced so high and what exactly does it do for us? Admittedly, most of these weird laws are either unlikely to be enforced or unlikely to come up in the first place. Spark your wanderlust with these interesting Costa Rica facts. Surveillance Detection Monitor. Voodooism is also a major religious influence in Haiti. You cannot flush a toilet in an apartment building after 10pm. Repblica Dominicana via Wikimedia Commons. The average per capita income in Haiti is $480 a year, compared to $33,550 in the United States. Haitian Flag Day takes place on May 18th each year, as this is the anniversary date of the original flags adoption in 1803. Planning a visit to the Caribbean islands? Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. The country's poverty made it vulnerable throughout its history to political instability and human rights abuses both by Haitian state officials and foreign interventions. In Barcelona, you can be fined for wearing swimwear anyplace other than the beach, as well as for spitting. It is illegal for autonomous vehicles to drive over 60 miles per hour. Hawaii 8. April 20, 2022. In three towns it is against the law to die. If there is one place people are most likely to get drunk, it is a bar. Since the 1980s, its economy has shrunk steadily. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica - Culture Trip 9The World Factbook: Haiti. Central Intelligence Agency. Source, 19. Gambling at a home poker game is illegal in Belgium. About 90% of the Creole vocabulary is derived from French, with influences from Tano, Portuguese, Spanish, and West African languages. French influence in Haiti began circa 1625 and they maintained control for 179 years. PDF Building the Rule of Law in Haiti: New Laws for a New Era [1] Political killings, kidnapping, torture, and unlawful incarceration are common unofficial practices, especially . 30 Interesting Facts About Haiti - KickassFacts.com While Haitians lost about $200 million investing in these scams, the co-op founders acquired millions on the proceeds. Columbus men built a fortified encampment, La Navidad and initially, relations between the Spanish and the Tano people were good but it soon turned south resulting in the locals killing the new settlers. a\{ I came to realize that black slavery was as unjust as Indian slaveryand I was not sure that my ignorance and good faith would secure me in the eyes of God," Las Casas wrote in The History of the Indies in 1527. of highways. The infant mortality rate in Haiti is high at 74 deaths per 1,000 births. Its population density is 747 people per square mile (295 per sq. After gaining independence on January 1, 1804, Haiti emerged as the worlds first Black Republic, and the second nation in the Western Hemisphere to win its independence from a European power. In the early 80s, Haiti was compelled by the US, Canada, and Mexico to eradicate its pig population. No one under 16 was allowed to smooch or show public displays of affectionthe horror (for the teens, that is). Cock fighting is a traditional sport in Haiti. Because of both violence and AIDS, Haiti has the highest percentage of orphans of any country in the Western Hemisphere. Women, Girls Rape Victims in Haiti Quake Aftermath, 100 Interesting Facts That Will Amaze You, Native Haitians were pre-Columbian Amerindians called Tano, the good people. The Tano named their land Ayiti, meaning Land of. That's $3.50 per gram for pot and $50 for each gram of cocaine. 30 Interesting Franois Duvalier Facts - "Papa Doc" There is a hotel in Port-au-Prince Haiti with rooms named after celebrity guests such as Marlon Brando and Mick Jagger. It's illegal to be wearing just swim trunks in public, You must wear a seatbelt when riding in the backseat of a car, but you can ride in the back of a pickup truck without any safety equipment. In Florence, you can be fined for eating or drinking on the steps of a church, In Venice, it is illegal to feed the pigeons. It's illegal to own a copy of the Encyclopedia Britannica. You should always carry proof of your identity. 10 Weirdest Laws from Around the World | The Lawyer Portal The Spanish essentially wiped out the native Tano people through slavery and smallpox, to which the Tano had no immunity. [1] The government 's human rights record is poor. 33. 3.1. It is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere. Haitis constitution incorporates features from the French and United States constitutions. 2) It's a crime to step on any Thai currency. Haiti map. In 1966, Duvalier managed to earn a one-time permission from Holy See to nominate Haiti's Catholic hierarchy. Thus tourism is one of the countrys largest sources of income. Here, respect for elders is held in high regard. That said, below is some additional insight on the countrys government and financial situation including a few quick facts about Haitis major sector. The grace, strength, and determination they have shown today (and throughout history) is something we could all learn from. Today, the Haitian currency is called gourdes.. Haiti also has a deep music culture, the most popular genre being Kompa. Stupid Laws in China [24], On 6 July 2021, President Jovenel Mose of Haiti was killed, while his wife was injured in an abysmal attack at their residence. Haiti was originally inhabited circa 5000 BC by Indigenous peoples said to have arrived from Central or South America. Voodoo is often practiced alongside, Gourds were so important to the Haitian people that in 1807, President Henri Christophe (1761-1820) made them the base of national currency and declared all gourds the property of the state. Only 628 miles (1,011km.) 5 Strange Laws That Could Land you in Trouble in Thailand - One Step 4Ward However, if the child is more than 6 months old, the mother faces a fine (via Stupid Laws ). By 1803, the enslaved Africans succeeded in ending not just slavery, but French control over the country. Good luck compiling good information, not easy to do, but you should rely on locals who know their stuff to be sure! 3. When Columbus first saw Haiti (and the entire Hispaniola island), he thought he had found. In the eighteenth century, Haitians developed elaborate tables of genetic descent, dividing mulattos into over a hundred shades of black and white. Breastfeeding in public is legal (as it should be). Less than half had a regular source of safe drinking water. The Citadel is a large mountaintop fortress located in northern Haiti. It is also illegal to spit on the sidewalks of the square in Oxford. He fled the country a year later after being ousted in a military coup. Dont become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. 23,000 Packets Of Cigarettes. 10. According to the law in Nevada, any man with a moustache who kisses a woman will get in trouble. 4Dash, J. Michael. Brandon C./Flickr. With his group, Fugees, Wyclef won 3 Grammy Awards. Despite initial denials and investigations, most evidence now suggests that the disease was actually introduced to Haiti by Nepalese soldiers at a UN base, before spreading through the population. Financial Advice: What should do you in case you win a jackpot? The rule states that no yelling, shouting, whistling or singing is allowed at any time. =,E{krs?BGvw8pNc u["iM56pMA `AK`N#[&!fd%UefH6jq 3C1YnAXxawK,-l8u//iPT bw"1AdsRjSwKe}L]q?QV_|">!~KcIA.3G5hwW August 15, 2022. However, according to the Sexual Offences Act, it was a crime for teens to engage in this behaviour. Most human rights experts agree that the worst abuses of Haitian children involve young people called, In 1963, Hurricane Flora killed approximately 8,000 people in Haiti, the sixth highest, Rape in Haiti has long been a problem and is often used as a political weapon. "[14], The Tonton Macoute continued to openly terrorise the population until they were officially disbanded after Jean-Claude Duvalier was forced from the presidency and went into exile in 1986.[12]. Researching Haitian Law - GlobaLex In the early 1980s, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traced a number of the first AIDS cases in the U.S. to Haitian immigrants. The 8 Weirdest, Strangest, and Stupidest Laws in Ohio - Liner Law Many laws on the books prohibit you from doing several different things while in a sanctuary. A slice of pizza, corn on the cob, any food on a stick, a Twinkie, and definitely fried chicken. Technically, a mulatto is someone who is half black and half white. Source, 14. 3 . Offenders can be sentenced to 25-year long prison time. Pack all luggage yourself and dont be tempted to carry items through customs for anyone else. Number five of the top 12 Dumbest Gun Laws is micro stamping. A first major problem with Haiti's criminal laws is that there is a great deal of uncertainty about what the law is. [7], In 1916, the U.S. military started a Haitian army that would later become the Garde d'Haiti. Haiti has 14 airports, of which only four have paved runways. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone.