Belle-Anse is a commune located in the Sud-Est Department of Haiti. It serves as the administrative center of the Belle-Anse Arrondissement, one of the ten arrondissements in the department. The commune lies on the southern coast of the Tiburon Peninsula, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Rivière de Belle-Anse to the west.
Geography
- Area: Approximately 103 km² (40 sq mi).
- Elevation: Ranges from sea level along the coast to modest hills inland.
- Coordinates: 18°27′N 73°06′W.
Demographics
- Population: According to the 2015 census conducted by the Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics (IHSI), Belle-Anse had a population of 34,583 residents. Updated figures beyond 2015 are not presently available.
Administrative Structure
- Country: Haiti
- Department: Sud-Est
- Arrondissement: Belle-Anse
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on subsistence agriculture, with crops such as plantains, bananas, and root vegetables cultivated in surrounding rural areas. Fishing is also a significant activity due to the commune’s coastal location. Small-scale trade and market activities occur in the town center, serving both residents and neighboring communities.
Infrastructure
- Transportation: The town is accessed via the National Road 2 (RN2), which connects it to other coastal towns and the departmental capital, Jacmel. Road conditions can be variable, especially during the rainy season.
- Education: Belle-Anse hosts several primary schools and at least one secondary school administered by the Haitian Ministry of Education.
- Health Services: Basic health services are provided by a communal health center; more advanced medical care requires travel to larger urban centers such as Jacmel or Port‑au‑Prince.
History and Recent Events
Belle-Anse has experienced impacts from national natural disasters, including the 2010 Haiti earthquake and subsequent tropical storms, which caused damage to infrastructure and housing. Humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts have been coordinated by both Haitian authorities and international NGOs, focusing on rebuilding homes, schools, and health facilities.
Cultural Aspects
The commune observes national Haitian holidays and participates in regional cultural traditions, including vodou ceremonies and local festivals that often feature music, dance, and communal meals.
References
- Institut Haïtien de Statistique et d'Informatique (IHSI). “Population Totale, Population de 18 ans et plus…”, 2015 Census Data.
- Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications, Haiti. “Road Network Maps”, 2022.
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). “Humanitarian Response Overview – Haiti”, 2010‑2021.
Note: All presented information reflects data available from recognized Haitian governmental and international sources up to 2023.
