In 1804, Haiti became the first in Latin America to drive the French colonial power out of the country. “The world’s first free black state” was declared.
Since the 1950s, the country has been characterized by political oppression and poverty.
In 2010, the country was hit by a strong earthquake that left deep traces. Between 220,000 and 300,000 people died and a quarter of a million Haitians were left homeless.
After the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gangs have gained more power in the country and violence has escalated.
Click on the video for a timeline of important events in Haiti’s history since the 2010 earthquake. See more about Haiti in Foreign Office: Haiti’s curse in SVT Play from 8 pm or 10 pm in SVT2.