Jacmel is a commune located in the Sud-Est department of southern Haiti. Situated approximately 24 miles (39 km) southwest of Port-au-Prince across the Tiburon Peninsula, it serves as the capital of its region. The city's name originates from the indigenous Taíno name Yaquimel.
The settlement has a long colonial history, having been originally founded by the Spanish in 1504. Following the Devastations of Osorio and the relocation of Dominicans to the eastern side of the island, the area was repopulated by the French in 1698. As of the 2024 Census, Jacmel had a population of 221,965.
The city is notable for its historical milestones in infrastructure and energy. In 1925, it was designated as the "City of Light," a title reflecting its status as the first location in the Caribbean to have electricity.