Eye contact is an important part of conversation in Haiti. People greet each other with handshakes. Women and young people often kiss their friends on the cheeks when they meet. It is common for Haitians to keep at least an arm's length distance between themselves and the person they are talking to. Pointing and whistling are considered rude and disrespectful.
Haitians have a lot of respect for their elders. Children are taught to obey older relatives without question. Haitian parents take a great deal of responsibility for their children, even when the children become adults. At the same time, parents teach their children to be independent at an early age. Children are expected to learn how to take care of themselves and contribute to the family. Haitian families include several generations of people who stay close in spirit.
Although most Haitians would say that boys and girls are treated equally, girls actually have a heavier burden than many boys. If a family has to choose between an education for a boy or a girl, the boy will usually win. In addition to working outside the home, women have the primary responsibility for cleaning the house, cooking, and taking care of the children. Haitian parents are strict with their children, and some people think that girls have less freedom than boys.
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Age structure:
0-14 years: 42.1%
15-64 years: 54.4%
65 years and over: 3.5%