Haitians believe that by performing certain ceremonies they can be possessed by gods. Then, the people dance until they believe a god has possessed one or more of them. The followers of voodoo believe in many gods, such as the gods of rain, love, war, and farming. Some Haitians practice Catholicism without voodoo. Others are Protestants.
Most mulattoes belong to the middle or upper class, and many have been educated in France.
Most live comfortably in modern houses and are merchants, doctors, or lawyers. A few Americans, Europeans, and Syrians also live in Haiti. Most Haitians speak Creole, a language partly based on French. The middle and upper classes also speak French. For Haiti's literacy rate, see .