Location of the Dominican Republic is the eastern two-thirds portion of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. To the north of the country is the North Atlantic Ocean and to the south is the Caribbean Sea. The remaining one-third of the island of Hispaniola is occupied by Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world.
The topography of Dominican Republic is different from that of a typical Caribbean island. Firstly, its very size indicates that it is something more than just beaches. Granted it has 1600 km of coastline, but the interior is highly varied. It has deserts, rainforests, mountain ranges and fertile plains. The Pico Duarte region is known as Dominican Switzerland due to its rolling hills and flourishing agriculture industry and temperatures that are much cooler than what the remaining of the country experiences. The central region has fertile valleys used for coffee, cocoa, bananas and rice production while the west with its lowest point is home to salt water lake, iguanas, and other wildlife. Off course, finally there are the white sandy beaches a major attraction for tourism in Dominican Republic.
What is typical is the climate of the Dominican Republic. An average day could be made up of full sun or sun combined with clouds. The annual temperatures range between 66° to 93° F (19° to 34° C. The chilliest time of the year extends from November to April while the warmest is from May to October.
Cuisine of the Dominican Republic reflects its Spanish heritage. A large number of the dished give a Latin American feel with plenty of beans, rice, meat and seafood. Traditional culture of the Dominican Republic shows through in many meals with Taino dishes using yucca, potatoes and plantains and African recipes localized with native ingredients. A dish made from rice, meat and red beans known as La Bandera is Dominican Republic’s most common food.
Heritage of the Dominican Republic shines through in the different kinds of bright and colourful artwork. Local shops and bazaars are filled with jewellery made out of bone, horn, amber and coconut husk. Dominican artists use hemp, porcelain, clay and guano to construct decorated figurines with religious connection.
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Economy of the Dominican Republic has relied on agriculture traditionally, but with ample deposits of nickel, gold, bauxite and silver mining is becoming an important factor economically. Crops like sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, cocoa, coffee and rice still make a significant contribution to the economy, but establishment of Free-trade zones has also given rise to light industry like textiles and clothing. Tourism also plays an important role in the country’s economy.
Fast Facts:
Capital: Santo Domingo
Government Type: Democratic Republic
Total Area: 18,815 sq. mi (48,730 sq. km)
Currency: Dominican peso
Official Language: Spanish
Ethnicity: White, Black & Mixed
Religion: Roman Catholic
Dialling Code: +1
