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
The Dominican Republic is mountainous, and at its highest altitude, the Central Cordillera, is the highest peak in the entire Caribbean, Duarte (3,175 meters above sea level). Between the mountain ranges, fertile valleys and large plains spread out.
The country became independent in 1844. The executive is exercised by a president, who is elected for four years in direct, general elections.
The economy is dominated by the primary and service industries, mainly tourism. The agricultural sector consists partly of large plantations with intensive cultivation of forage crops such as sugar, coffee and tobacco and partly of many small farms. Tourism has advanced strongly and the revenues of just over 3.4 million annual visitors correspond to about one third of the export value. Many Dominicans have emigrated to the United States, mainly to New York. The country has received many refugees from neighboring Haiti.
Dominican Republic Map
