Nord-Est (department)

The Nord-Est (French for "Northeast") is one of the ten departments of Haiti. It is located in the northeastern part of the country, bordering the Dominican Republic to the east. Its capital is Fort-Liberté.

The department is known for its relatively fertile land, important for agriculture. It is also historically significant, containing the site of Fort-Liberté, a port city with a rich colonial past. The Nord-Est is administratively divided into four arrondissements (districts): Fort-Liberté, Ferrier, Ouanaminthe, and Vallières. These arrondissements are further subdivided into communes.

The Nord-Est department experiences a tropical climate with varying rainfall depending on location. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, including the cultivation of crops such as coffee, cocoa, bananas, and mangoes. Cross-border trade with the Dominican Republic is also an important economic activity, particularly in Ouanaminthe.

Challenges facing the Nord-Est department include poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. Development efforts are focused on improving infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and strengthening resilience to environmental shocks.