Population density: 180/km² (466/mi²)

Main languages spoken: Spanish, French Creole

The white population, primarily the descendants of Spanish settlers, still own most of the land. The mixed-race majority – about 73% – controls much of the republic's commerce, and forms the bulk of the professional middle classes. Blacks, the descendants of Africans, are mainly small-scale farmers and often the victims of latent racism, especially in business. Women in the black community work the farms; in the white and mixed-race communities women are starting to make professional careers.

THE URBAN/RURAL POPULATION SPLIT

RELIGIOUS PERSUASION

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004