Dessalines🏛️ (181,903) This city which bears the name of the father of the motherland was the first capital city created by a black people released from slaves by force of arms. This municipality hosts, to this day, very old buildings such as the Dessalines family houses; in fact, the whole city is dotted with pretty houses that once belonged to historical figures. Marchand-Dessalines is also very fortified, with six fortifications in number. The forts, located at the top of the mountains, guaranteed the security of the former imperial city and were the residences of famous people in the history of Haiti. The economy is diversified and growing, with an increasing percentage of agribusiness and ecotourism service jobs.
Desdunes(37,027) This agricultural town, named for a former landowner, is partially surrounded by coastal wetlands. Marking the boundary between the coastal plain and the vast Gulf of Gonave are the natural marshes and mangroves. This town is the most richly covered with mangroves of all the Haitian territory. Although rice production is a major activity of the town, the economy is largely supported by the business community, with a number of businesses selling food, construction materials, and wire transfer services.
Grande-Saline(23,236) Located on the sea near where the Artibonite River empties into the Gulf of Gonave, this is the only town of the Artibonite Department that has a maritime border. The town's name comes from the size of its salt marshes. The activites of fishing, rice and salt production contribute to the local economy.
Petite Rivière de l'Artibonite(170,740) This little historic city hosts the Palace with 365 gates and the fort of Crête à Pierrot that President Henri Christophe had built. It is considered a quiet and friendly place, hosting small farms and a thriving market. The local economy is based on agriculture, specializing in rice, corn, peas, and potatoes, as well as trade, with a vibrant market that takes place twice a week.
Demographics
Dessalines Arrondissement has a population of 412,906 (2015) across 101,986 households In a male-dominated (98 females for every 100 males) ratio. 39% of the population is under 18.
Land area
1,132 km2 (437 Sq mi)
365 inhabitants per km2 (945 inhabitants per sq. mi.)
