Miragoâne facts for kids

Miragoâne (pronounced Meer-ah-GWAN), also known as Miragwàn in Haitian Creole, is a busy port city in southwestern Haiti. It is the main city of the Nippes region, which is called a Département.

This city sits right on the coast of Miragoâne Bay, which is part of the Gonâve Channel in the Gulf of Gonâve. It's about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. Miragoâne is also the main town of a smaller area called an arrondissement, which is like a district within the department. This district includes four smaller towns or areas called communes: Miragoâne, Fonds-des-Nègres, Paillant, and Petite-Rivière-de-Nippes.

History of Miragoâne

English settlers founded Miragoâne in the 17th century. They chose a spot on the coast with a safe, protected bay.

The name Miragoâne comes from Miraguano. This was the name the native Taíno people gave to the Étang de Miragoâne, which is Haiti's second-largest lake. The city is located close to this lake.

Sadly, the city was destroyed during a civil war in 1883.

Economy and Trade

Miragoâne is a very important port for trade. Products like coffee, fruits, and wood are sent from here to other countries and other parts of Haiti. Used items, such as clothes and cars, arrive at this port from Miami.

See Also

• Alliance Haiti: Balade à Miragoâne - Information on Miragoâne (French text).

Department capitals of Haiti
Cap-Haïtien • Fort-Liberté • Gonaïves • Hinche • Jacmel • Jérémie • Les Cayes • Miragoâne • Port-au-Prince • Port-de-Paix

More Information

In Spanish: Miragoâne para niños