Voodou is an important religion in Haiti. It is based upon a merging of the African beliefs and practices with connections to Catholicism. The two religions coexist side by side within the country. Voodou was brought to the Caribbean by African slaves. Though most of the slaves were forced to convert to Christianity by their owners, many continued followed their traditional African beliefs. Over the centuries, Voodou has become intricately interwoven within the fabric of Haitian culture.