Port-au-Prince is the capital and the largest city of Haiti. With
between 2.5 and 3 million inhabitants, it represents close to 30
percent of the country's total population. The city acquired its
status in 1770, replacing Cap-Francais (now known as Cap-Haitian)
as the capital of the colony of Saint-Domingue. In 1804, it became
the capital of the newly-independent Haiti, the very first black
republic.
Port-au Prince is located in the Departement de l'Ouest and the
geographic layout of the city shows the commercial district surrounding
the water and the country's main maritime port. The primary cultural
activities of the city are located close to the Presidential Palace
on the Champ de Mars and include the Cathedral and the Musée
National.
Petion-Ville which extends into the hills is approximately 20 minutes
away from the centre of Port-au-Prince. Petion-Ville was named after
the first president of the Republique of Haiti; Alexandre Petion
and is known for its more affluent residential neighborhoods, shopping
district and nightlife with a number of high-end restaurants.