Explore the Dominican Republic
Discover and Explore
The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, occupying two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, is a Caribbean gem known for its beauty, diversity, and rich culture. Whether you’re looking to invest in Caribbean real estate or simply explore this tropical paradise, here’s what you need to know about the Dominican Republic.
Quick Facts
- Official Language: Spanish
- Total Population: 10,281,833 (2012 Census)
- Capital City: Santo Domingo
- Government: Democratic Republic
- President: Luis Abinader (as of 2021)
- National Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4)
- Total Area: 48,670 km² (18,792 sq mi)
- Coastline: 1,609 km (1,000 mi)
- Highest Point: Pico Duarte (3,098 m / 10,164 ft)
- National Tree: Mahogany Tree
- National Flower: Bayahibe Rose
- National Bird: Palmchat (Cigua Palmera)
- Major Religions: Christianity (primarily Roman Catholic)
Discover Dominican Republic: Did You Know?
Geography
?️ The Dominican Republic is the second-largest Caribbean country by area, after Cuba. It covers 48,670 km² (18,792 sq mi), making it slightly over twice the size of New Hampshire.
?️ The country boasts the Caribbean’s highest mountain peak, Pico Duarte, standing at 3,098 meters (10,164 feet) above sea level.
?️ With 1,609 km (1,000 mi) of coastline, the Dominican Republic offers a plethora of beautiful beaches and diverse coastal landscapes.
History
?️ Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and was the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World.
? The Dominican Republic is famous for its amber. The amber museum in Puerto Plata showcases rare specimens, including a 17-inch lizard preserved in amber.
Nature
? Lake Enriquillo, in the southwestern region, is the largest lake and the lowest point in the Caribbean, with its surface at 46 meters (151 ft) below sea level.
? There are 22 national parks in the Dominican Republic, covering approximately 12% of the country’s total area.
?️ The country’s diverse landscape includes tropical rainforests, arid deserts, and mountain ranges, offering a wide variety of ecosystems.
Culture
⚾ Baseball is the most popular sport, and the country has produced numerous MLB stars, including Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, and Albert Pujols.
? The Dominican Republic is a major producer of cigars, with tobacco being one of its significant exports.
☕ Along with tobacco, the country’s main exports include gold, silver, and agricultural products like sugar, coffee, and cocoa.
Distance from Major International Cities
| City | Flight Time | Distance (KM) | Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, USA | 1h 52m | 1,349 | 838 |
| New York, USA | 3h 13m | 2,491 | 1,548 |
| Toronto, Canada | 3h 47m | 2,934 | 1,823 |
| London, UK | 9h 03m | 7,013 | 4,357 |
| Paris, France | 9h 14m | 7,162 | 4,450 |
Climate
The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Here’s a glimpse of the average temperatures:
| Month | Avg. High °C (°F) | Avg. Low °C (°F) | Rainfall mm (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.9 (84.0) | 17.5 (63.5) | 175.3 (6.9) |
| April | 29.3 (84.7) | 19.9 (67.8) | 115.1 (4.5) |
| July | 32.6 (90.7) | 21.1 (70.0) | 69.8 (2.7) |
| October | 32.3 (90.1) | 20.1 (68.2) | 111.0 (4.4) |
Politics and History
The Dominican Republic’s political system resembles that of the United States, with a President and two legislative chambers: the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The president is elected by universal suffrage to a four-year term.
The island’s rich history dates back to the Taíno people, who had a well-structured society when Europeans first arrived in the 15th century. Since then, the island has seen Spanish, French, and American settlements, shaping its unique cultural heritage.
Must-Visit Attractions
Santo Domingo – UNESCO World Heritage City
- Casa de Nicolas de Ovando (First Governor’s House)
- Alcazar de Colon (Columbus Family Residence)
- Fortaleza Ozama
- Puerta del Conde
- Museo de las Casas Reales
La Vega – Carnaval Dominicano
- 3 to 4 Day Street Party
- Over 100 tribes representing all regions
- Vibrant costumes, dance, and music
- Rich cultural traditions on display
Santiago de los Caballeros
Visit the Centro Leon (www.centroleon.org.do) for:
- Museum exhibits
- Concerts and cultural events
- Art collections and workshops
Jarabacoa – Pico Duarte
- Highest mountain in the Caribbean
- Named after founding father Juan Pablo Duarte
- Weekend trips available via mule, horse, or hiking
Nearby Cities
| City | Travel Time | Distance (KM) | Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luperon | 48 min | 48.6 | 30 |
| Santiago de Los Caballeros | 1h 03m | 60.9 | 37 |
| Sosua | 22 min | 23.8 | 14 |
| Cabarete | 34 min | 38.6 | 23 |
Whether you’re looking to invest in real estate, start a business, or simply enjoy a tropical getaway, the Dominican Republic offers a wealth of opportunities and experiences. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its stunning natural beauty, this Caribbean paradise has something for everyone.
Ready to explore the Dominican Republic? Start planning your adventure today!