FHAS, Inc.

Haiti is a poverty-stricken land of urban overpopulation, denuded hillsides and a people suffering the wounds of civil strife, oppression, idleness, kidnapping all consequences of a breakdown state. Meanwhile, it is also a vibrant country of colorful art, fantastic music, cloud forests and an intensely spiritual people whose humor and passion are legendary.

The modern world's first black-led republic, it boasts a unique culture and an incredible artistic tradition. The language, dance and music of the Haitian people reflect syncopation between the spiritual and material worlds that shouldn't be missed.

Voodoo, long misunderstood, is a richly textured religion smuggled from Africa and hidden among the Catholic rituals of European missionaries. Haiti's colonial architecture, all gingerbread and plazas, is alive with the music of Africa. Its surprisingly fine cuisine, of Caribbean ingredients prepared according to classical French methods, attracts gourmets from the other side of the island. And, though human need has torn down much of Haiti's forests and jungles, there is still unspoiled nature that ecotourism can preserve. Haiti is not yet set up for the Club Med crowd, but the open-minded adventurer will find a country whose contradictions will linger in mind, heart and spirit.

The presence of a UN stabilization force is intended to strengthen Haiti's long term security. However, the security situation is still volatile due to the presence of an interim government who supposed to be limited in his action if it plans to respect what it remain from our constitution.