Haiti occupies one-third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The country also includes many smaller islands such as La Gonâve, La Tortue, Les Cayemites, Île de Anacaona, and La Grande Caye. The uninhabited island of Navasse is claimed by both Haiti and the United States. 'Ayiti' (Haiti) being the indigenous Taíno name for the island. A former French colony, Haiti was to become the first independent black republic, and the only nation ever to form from a successful slave revolt.