Liancourt is a commune in the Saint-Marc Arrondissement, in the Artibonite department of Haiti. As of the 2015 census, the commune's population was 38,328.
About[]
Click here to view Liancourt's (unofficial) Facebook page.
Liancourt, situated in close proximity to the heart of Haiti, is approximately a two and a half hour drive north from Port-au-Prince. It stands out as one of the most unique destinations in Haiti. Moreover, the town is also highly famous for Vodou. The local population is estimated to be over 36,000 people with an average family size of 6 members.
History[]
Liancourt was originally a district and communal section. Having split from the town of Verrettes, it was granted municipal status by a presidential decree on July 22, 2015.
Geography[]
Liancourt is located at 19.1239° N, 72.5353° W. According to the IHSI, this commune has a total land area of 33.93 square kilometers (13.1 square miles), of which 31.98 km² (94%) is suburban and 1.95 km² (6%) is urban. Liancourt is the fourth smallest commune by land area in the Republic. It is bordered on the north by the town of Petite Rivière de l'Artibonite, on the east by the city of Verrettes, and on the southwest by the city of Saint-Marc.
Set in the countryside, Liancourt presents as a flat terrain on the fringe of more populous towns. It is located in the Artibonite region of Haiti, with Route Departmentale 11 running through the town.
Demographics
Year | Population | -/+ |
---|---|---|
2003 (1st section of Verrettes) | 23,863 | |
2015 | 38,328 |
Neighboring sections
Northwest 1re Villars, DES |
North 1re Bas Coursin, PRA |
Northeast 2e Bas Coursin, PRA |
---|---|---|
West 5e Bocozelle, SMC |
1re Liancourt Liancourt |
East 2e Bélanger, VER |
Southwest 2e La Selle, SDE |
Southeast 1re Grand Boucan, MIR |
Localities[]
LCO | Castera, Drouet, Estral, Lagon, Moreau, Liancourt, Marou, Payen, Syphon, Tapion, Vilette |
Economy[]
The local economy is based on commerce and fishing. Additionally, farming is widely practiced in the region, with corn, beans, milo, rice, and vegetables being the major crops grown
Migration[]
Previously, individuals who were raised in Liancourt would often abandon its tranquil rural lifestyle in favor of the bustling cities, where a greater number and variety of job opportunities awaited them compared to their small town. Nevertheless, following the devastating 2010 earthquake, which interrupted the livelihoods of many, scores have flooded back to Liancourt from places like Port-au-Prince, trying to find a new place in the world.
Upon returning, having made new ties in another part of the country, most must rely on the kindness of friends and family members to offer them living space. The continued lack of opportunity within the small community adds to the challenge. Mainly a settlement that relies on agriculture for their livelihood, the residents are further challenged by a severe lack of water to grow food as well as competition from the subsidized food that is being imported from the United States.
Infrastructure[]
The creation of a small garden was a ray of light for the community. A 50-foot well, in conjunction with a water reservoir, guarantees a constant water supply to nurture the garden.
Haiti's bicolor day recently concluded with an environmental education workshop organized in Liancourt.
Star of Hope, the main NGO in the town, supports a school with more than 300 students across nine grades.
Star of Hope started work in Liancourt in 1993 and works in collaboration with Mission Evangelique Melshisedeck to provide funding for school projects, water projects, and food distribution. In addition, school fees are also offset by donor contributions.
References[]
Star of Hope [1]
Saint-Marc Arrondissement: Saint-Marc, La Chapelle, Verrettes, Montrouis, Liancourt