Dominican Republic Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated April 25, 2020

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.