Saint-Raphaël (Haitian Creole: Sen Rafayèl) is an arrondissement in the Nord department of Haiti. As of 2015, the population was 169,867 inhabitants. Postal codes in the Saint-Raphaël Arrondissement start with the number 14.
The arondissement consists of the following communes:
1. Saint-Raphaël🏛️
2. Dondon
3. Ranquitte
4. Pignon
5. La Victoire
Meet the municipalities[]
Saint-Raphaël🏛️ (53,755) Named after its patron saint, an archangel, this well-watered rural city yields an abundant agricultural production, making it the breadbasket of the Northern Department. Its market is also rated the most attractive in the northern region. Some of the plantations here supply the ingredients found in the world-famous liqueurs Grand Marnier and Rémy Cointreau. The local economy is based on agriculture and trade, although there are many seamstresses. This municipality has gold mines, copper mines, caves, beautiful savannahs, and lush pastures. It is also home to historic Fort Riviére. |
Dondon (34,604) At 564 meters (1,850 feet) above sea level, this small town has the second-highest mean elevation in the department, giving it its cool climate. The ground's calcareous nature results in many caves and natural cavities, the centerpiece of the town's annual cave festival. The local economy is based on agriculture coffee, cocoa, lime and sugar cane) and trade. The town is also known for growing crops nearing extinction in Haiti such as parsnips, Jerusalem artichokes, and jambosier. |
Ranquitte (27,704) During colonial times, this rural town had a notable reputation as a center of coffee production. Unlike other areas of the country, its inland location is little exposed to tropical cyclones. The local economy is based on agriculture (fruits, vegetbales, corn, millet, and peanuts). The town is home to two large mountains, Morne Momplaisir and Morne Bénéfice, which offer panoramic views. |
Pignon (43,263) This rural town is the seat of a well-equipped regional hospital and has a strong NGO working in community development. The local economy is based on agriculture (coffee, citrus, maize, beans, and honey), livestock, and timber. The distillery industry is also an economic contributor, as the town has over 75 distilleries that process sugar cane into products like clairin. Within the town boundaries is the Grotte de Bohoc, an attractive recreational site that draws visitors in large numbers, and the Gouape River, a rich watercourse offering numerous swimming sites. |
La Victoire (10,541) This small inland town has an attraction called Bassen Long Beach, located on the waterfront of the scenic Gouape River, which draws young locals and international crowds. There is also a restaurant and a nightclub. Located at the border of three departments, this relatively remote municipality is little known for much else. |
Neighboring Arrondissements
North⬆️ | Grande-Rivière-du-Nord and the Limbé Arrondissements |
|
---|---|---|
South⬇️ | Hinche Arrondissement | |
East➡️ | Vallières Arrondissement | |
⬅️West | Marmelade Arrondissement |
Michael Vedrine