Port-au-Prince, Capital city in Haiti
Port-au-Prince is the capital and largest city of Haiti, stretching along the coast of the Gulf of Gonâve and spreading into the surrounding hills. The city consists of several districts with business quarters near the harbor and residential neighborhoods that climb the slopes in terraced patterns.
The French founded the settlement in 1749 as L'Hôpital and made it the capital of the Saint-Domingue colony in 1770, replacing Cap-Haïtien. After independence in 1804, it remained the political center of the new republic.
The Iron Market forms the busy heart of daily trade, where vendors under wrought-iron roofs offer handicrafts and household goods. Colorful murals on the walls of many public buildings show scenes from everyday life and reflect the importance of visual arts in urban culture.
The city connects through direct flights to North America, France, and Caribbean islands and serves as the transport hub for the entire country. Most visitors reach the metropolitan area through the airport north of downtown.
The State University of Haiti was founded in 1920 and stands at the center of the country's academic life. Many public squares still bear names from the colonial era, while modern shopping districts have emerged between the historic streets.
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