The Haitian Gourde (HTG), introduced in 1813, has a unique historical connection to the gourd plant. Originally, gourds were used as a medium of exchange among the Taino people of Haiti, which is believed to be where the currency gets its name. Unlike many other currencies that are divisible into 100 units, the Haitian Gourde is divided into 100 centimes, demonstrating the influence of French colonial history on Haiti’s monetary system.

Haiti has faced numerous economic challenges that have influenced the value of the Gourde. One of the most fascinating aspects is its role in Haiti’s vibrant informal economy, where it coexists with the US Dollar. The dollar often serves as a parallel currency due to Haiti’s economic activities with the United States, which shapes the nation’s unique dual monetary culture.