Dominican Republic Facts

Dominican Republic, State of the Caribbean; 48,400 km², 10.6 million residents (2019).The Dominican Republic encompasses the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola as well as a number of nearby smaller islands. The Dominican Republic borders west to Haiti. The capital is Santo Domingo (2.6 million residents, 2012).

Country facts

• Republic of Dominicana / Dominican Republic
• Country abbreviation: DO
• Area: 48 400 km²
• Population (2019): 10.6 million residents
• Capital: Santo Domingo
• Main language: Spanish
• State: Republic
• Head of State and Head of Government: Danilo Medina (President)
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 7,650
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 7,370
• Currency unit: 1 peso = 100 centavos
• Currency code: DOP
• Country number (telephony): 1
• Internet domain name: do
• Time difference compared to Sweden: −5
• National Day: February 27 (Independence Day, 1844)

Nature

• Land use: forest (12%), agricultural land (31%), other (57%)
• Highest mountain: Duarte (3 175 m asl)

Population

• Population density (2019): 219 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 1.3%; birthrate 19 ‰, deathrate 6 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (28%), 15-64 (66%), 65- (6%)
• Life expectancy (2019): men 69 years, women 73 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 24 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 12 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.736 (place 94 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 80%
• Most populous cities (2012): Santo Domingo (2.6 million residents), Santiago de los Caballeros (550,800)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (6%), industry (33%), service (61%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 10,120 million
• Main export products: nickel iron, textiles, sugar, jewelry
• Main exporting countries: USA, Haiti, Canada
• Imports (2017): US $ 17,700 million
• Main import products: food, oil, oil products l
• Main importing countries: USA, China, Mexico
• Railway network (2014): 500 km

Geography

Location and Borders

The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, sharing the island with Haiti. Hispaniola is the second-largest island in the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic occupies about two-thirds of it. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the south, Haiti to the west, and the Mona Passage, which separates the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico, to the east.

The Dominican Republic is the most populous country in the Caribbean and the second-largest in the Greater Antilles, after Cuba. It has a total area of approximately 48,671 square kilometers (18,792 square miles), making it the 64th largest country in the world by land area. Its strategic position between North and South America, as well as its proximity to major sea routes, has shaped the country’s history, economy, and culture.

Topography and Natural Features

The topography of the Dominican Republic is diverse, with a combination of mountains, valleys, plains, and coastal regions. The country is home to the highest mountain peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte, which rises to 3,098 meters (10,164 feet) above sea level. The Cordillera Central, a mountain range running from west to east, stretches across the island, creating a rugged landscape with deep valleys and steep slopes. These mountains contribute to the country’s distinctive climate patterns, influencing rainfall and temperature in different regions.

In addition to the central mountain range, the Dominican Republic has several other notable geological features, including the Sierra de Bahoruco, which is located in the southwestern region, and the Cordillera Septentrional, which runs along the northern part of the island. These mountainous areas are home to various species of wildlife and dense forests, making them crucial to the country’s biodiversity.

The coastal regions of the Dominican Republic are equally varied, with sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast, mangrove swamps, and rocky cliffs along the Caribbean coastline. The country has numerous rivers, including the Yaque del Norte, which is the longest river on the island, and other vital waterways like the Yuna and the Ozama, which are important for irrigation, transportation, and providing water resources to the population.

The Dominican Republic is also home to several lakes, including Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Caribbean, which is located in the southwest. Lake Enriquillo is unique because it is a saltwater lake and is situated below sea level. The country’s natural features also include caves, underground rivers, and natural hot springs, which make it a popular destination for eco-tourism.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

The climate of the Dominican Republic is tropical, characterized by warm temperatures year-round and significant regional variation due to the country’s diverse topography. Coastal areas experience a tropical maritime climate, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F) throughout the year. The central and western mountain regions, such as the Cordillera Central, experience cooler temperatures, particularly at higher altitudes, and may experience temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) during the night.

The country experiences two primary seasons: the wet season, which lasts from May to November, and the dry season, which lasts from December to April. The wet season is characterized by heavy rains, particularly in the mountainous regions and the eastern areas of the island. The dry season brings warmer, sunnier weather, and is typically the most popular time for tourists to visit.

While the country is subject to the tropical hurricane season, which runs from June to November, the Dominican Republic is generally well-prepared to handle such storms. The Caribbean hurricane season can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and wind damage, though the country’s infrastructure and early warning systems have improved in recent years, minimizing the impact of major hurricanes.

People

Population and Demographics

The Dominican Republic has a population of approximately 11 million people, making it the most populous nation in the Caribbean. The population is diverse, with a mix of ethnic backgrounds, primarily of African and European descent, reflecting the country’s colonial history. The majority of the population, around 70%, is of mixed race, a combination of African and European heritage. The African influence is largely due to the forced importation of enslaved Africans during the colonial period. The rest of the population includes people of European (primarily Spanish) descent, as well as a significant number of people with Haitian, Middle Eastern, and other Caribbean ancestries.

The Dominican Republic’s population is predominantly concentrated in urban areas, with the capital city, Santo Domingo, being the largest city and the political and economic center of the country. Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and serves as a hub for culture, commerce, and education. Other significant cities include Santiago de los Caballeros, La Romana, and Punta Cana.

The Dominican Republic has a relatively young population, with a median age of around 30 years. This demographic structure presents both opportunities and challenges, as the country seeks to harness the potential of its youthful workforce while addressing issues such as unemployment and educational access.

Languages

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish, which is spoken by nearly all of the population. Dominican Spanish is a variety of Caribbean Spanish that features unique vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and regional variations in pronunciation. The country’s linguistic landscape reflects its history and geographic position, with influences from African languages, Taíno (the indigenous language of the island’s native people), and other Caribbean languages.

In addition to Spanish, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, particularly in the resorts along the coast, and is increasingly common in business settings. Many Dominicans, particularly younger people, speak some English, as it is taught in schools and is essential for communication with international visitors and business partners.

Religion

The Dominican Republic is a predominantly Christian country, with Roman Catholicism being the largest religion. Over 70% of the population identifies as Catholic, a legacy of the country’s colonial history under Spanish rule. Catholicism plays a significant role in Dominican culture, influencing religious festivals, holidays, and social practices. Major Catholic holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, are widely celebrated with public events, family gatherings, and religious processions.

Protestantism has also seen significant growth in the Dominican Republic, particularly among Evangelical Christians. Protestant denominations, including Pentecostal and Baptist communities, make up a sizable minority of the population. Evangelical Christianity has had a strong influence on Dominican society, particularly in rural areas.

The Dominican Republic is known for its religious tolerance, and although Christianity is the dominant religion, there is a small but growing presence of other religious groups, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, and practitioners of Afro-Dominican religions, which blend Catholicism with African spiritual traditions.

Economy

Overview

The Dominican Republic is the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, services, and manufacturing. The country’s economy has seen impressive growth in recent decades, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. The Dominican Republic’s GDP is driven by industries such as tourism, agriculture (especially sugar, coffee, and tobacco), manufacturing (including textiles and electronics), and services, including telecommunications and finance.

Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the Dominican economy, with the country being one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean. The economy has benefited from stable growth, attracting international investment, particularly in the tourism, real estate, and construction sectors.

The Dominican Republic also has a relatively diversified industrial base. It is the leading producer of textiles and apparel in the Caribbean and is a significant exporter of medical products, cigars, and electronic goods. Despite the country’s economic success, it faces challenges, including poverty, inequality, and high public debt, which the government continues to address through reforms and international partnerships.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture has been a key sector of the Dominican economy for centuries. The country is one of the world’s leading producers of sugar, which has been a cornerstone of the economy since the colonial period. Sugar production remains a significant industry, although its importance has waned somewhat as other sectors, such as tourism and services, have grown. Coffee and tobacco are also important agricultural exports, and the Dominican Republic is known for producing high-quality coffee beans and cigars.

In addition to traditional agricultural exports, the Dominican Republic is a significant producer of bananas, cacao, and rice. The country’s fertile soil, moderate climate, and favorable growing conditions make it ideal for farming, and the country exports large quantities of fruit and vegetables to international markets.

Despite the country’s reliance on agriculture, there are limited natural resources. The Dominican Republic has some mineral resources, including gold, silver, and nickel, with gold being a particularly important export. The mining sector has attracted foreign investment in recent years, contributing to the country’s economic growth. However, the country faces challenges related to environmental sustainability and the impact of mining operations.

Industry and Services

The Dominican Republic has made strides in diversifying its industrial base, with growth in manufacturing and services, particularly in electronics, textiles, and food processing. The country is the Caribbean’s largest producer of textiles and apparel, and its free trade zones play an essential role in supporting export-driven industries. The country’s industrial growth has been supported by trade agreements such as the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which provides access to larger markets in the United States and other countries.

The services sector is the largest contributor to the country’s GDP, driven by industries such as tourism, finance, telecommunications, and transportation. The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, resorts, and historical sites. Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo are among the most popular tourist areas, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The financial services sector has expanded significantly in recent years, with a growing banking industry and a range of investment opportunities in real estate, stocks, and bonds. The telecommunications sector is also a key area of growth, with an increasing number of internet and mobile phone users.

Government

Political System

The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy with a multi-party political system. The country’s government is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The President of the Dominican Republic is the head of state and government and is elected every four years by direct popular vote. The president has significant executive powers, including the authority to appoint cabinet members, propose laws, and command the military.

The Dominican Republic’s legislature consists of a bicameral Congress, which includes the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The Senate has 32 members, elected for four-year terms, while the Chamber of Deputies has 190 members. The legislature is responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the actions of the executive branch.

The judicial branch is independent and consists of the Supreme Court of Justice, which is the highest court in the country, as well as lower courts that handle civil, criminal, and administrative matters. The legal system is based on civil law, and the Dominican Republic is committed to upholding human rights and democratic governance.

Legal System

The Dominican Republic follows a civil law legal system, which is based on written codes and laws, rather than on case law or judicial precedent. The country’s legal system is influenced by the French and Spanish legal traditions, reflecting its colonial past. The judiciary is independent from the executive and legislative branches, and the Supreme Court of Justice is the highest judicial authority.

The country’s legal framework is designed to protect individual rights and freedoms, including property rights, personal liberty, and equality before the law. The judicial system has faced some challenges related to corruption and inefficiency, but reforms have been implemented in recent years to improve the rule of law and increase transparency in the judicial process.

Foreign Relations

The Dominican Republic maintains strong foreign relations with countries in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It has historically had close ties with the United States, which is one of its primary trade partners, and the Dominican Republic is a member of various free trade agreements that promote regional and global commerce.

The country has also sought to strengthen its relationships with its Caribbean neighbors and has worked on improving diplomatic and economic cooperation within the region. The Dominican Republic is involved in peacekeeping efforts in Central America and the Caribbean and plays an active role in advocating for sustainable development and environmental protection in the region.

The country’s foreign policy also focuses on securing investment, promoting tourism, and advocating for human rights. The Dominican Republic has increasingly sought to diversify its trade relationships, particularly with emerging economies in Asia, while maintaining strong ties to its traditional partners in the Western Hemisphere.

Dominican Republic Map