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Haiti

destructive human activity. Today, two countries share Hispaniola. The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island. The west- ern third is Haiti. Haiti covers 10,714 square miles (27,750 sq km), making it a little small- er than the state of Maryland. It occupies an important geographic location. The body of water between it and Cuba, called the Windward Passage, has long been an important route for ships. It is one of the main routes linking Central America with Europe and other parts of the world. The northern and southern parts of Haiti are made up of rugged moun- tain ranges that stretch west toward Cuba. They form a pair of peninsulas cultivate— to use land to grow crops. deforestation— the destruction of forests through the massive cutting of trees. erosion— a natural process in which unprotected soil is carried away by water or wind. Greater Antilles— an island chain that includes Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. habitat— the place or area where a plant or animal naturally lives. hurricane— a strong storm featuring winds as high as 150 miles (241 km) per hour, heavy rainfall, and, frequently, dangerous lightning. peninsula— an area of land that is surrounded on three sides by water. reserves— areas of land that are set aside and managed by government agencies to help preserve plants and animals in their natural environments. West Indies— an area in the Caribbean made up of three different island chains: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas. Words to Understand in This Chapter