CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF HAITI

Title I

THE REPUBLIC OF HAITI

ITS EMBLEM AND ITS SYMBOLS

 

Chapter II - Territory of the Haitian Republic

CHAPTER I

THE REPUBLIC OF HAITI

FIRST ARTICLE:

 

Haiti is an indivisible, sovereign, independent, cooperatist, free, democratic and social republic.

FIRST ARTICLE - 1:

 

The city of Port-au-Prince is the capital and the seat of government. This seat may be moved elsewhere for reasons of force majeure.

ARTICLE 2:

 

The national colors shall be blue and red.

ARTICLE 3:

The emblem of the Haitian Nation shall be a flag with the following description:

 

a) Two (2) equal-sized horizontal bands: a blue one on top and a red one underneath;

b) The coat of arms of the Republic shall be placed in the center on a white square;

c) The coat of arms of the Republic are: a Palmette surrounded by the liberty cap, and under the palms a trophy with the legend: In Union there is Strength.

ARTICLE 4:

 

The national motto is : Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

ARTICLE 4 - 1:

 

The national anthem shall be the "Dessalinienne."

ARTICLE 5:

 

All Haitians are united by a common language: Creole.

Creole and French are the official languages of the Republic.

ARTICLE 6

 

The monetary unit shall be the gourde, which is divided into centimes.

Artic

 

The cult of the personality is categorically forbidden. Effigies and names of living personages may not appear on the currency, stamps, seals, public buildings, streets or works of art.

ARTICLE 7-1:

 

Use of effigies of deceased persons must be approved by the Legislature.

 

CHAPTER II

TERRITORY OF THE HAITIAN REPUBLIC

ARTICLE 8:

 

The territory of the Haitian Republic comprises:

 

a) The western part of the island of Haiti and the adjacent islands of La Gonâve, la Tortue, l'Ile à Vâche, les Cayemites, La Navase, la Grande Caye and the other islands of the Territorial Sea;

 

b) It is bounded on the east by the Dominican Republic, on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south and west by the Caribbean Sea or Sea of the Antilles;

 

c) The air space over the land and sea of the Republic.

ARTICLE 8 - 1:

 

The territory of the Haitian Republic is inviolable and may not be alienated either in whole or in part by any treaty or convention.

ARTICLE 9:

 

The territory of the Republic is divided and subdivided into Departments, Arrondissements, Communes, Quartiers and Communal sections.

ARTICLE 9-1:

 

The law determines the number and boundaries of these divisions and subdivisions, and regulates their organization and operation.

©2003 Copyright Embassy of the Republic of Haiti