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.