Occupying the western three-eighths of Hispaniola and neighboured by the Dominican Republic to the east, Haiti was hit hard by a series of natural disasters in the first decade of the Millenium.

But like the phoenix rising from the ashes, it has bounced back with formidable flair, with several five-star hotels opening in 2014.

Visitors to the nation can look forward to exquisite tropical beaches, a vibrant music scene, historical buildings and ancient rock art sites - a lasting legacy of the indigenous Taino people, who originally inhabited Hispaniola.

A highlight of the social calendar is the Haitian Carnival in February/March, which has evolved into the most popular festival in the Caribbean.