The Dominican Republic – located on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola – is a country with a bright and lively culture.
The Dominican Republic is the 86th most populous country in the world. It has an area of 48,670 sq km. It is a sovereign state located in the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean region. Santo Domingo is its capital and largest city.Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. The natives or inhabitants of this country are called Dominican. Peso (DOP) is its currency. It has only one bordering country and that is Haiti.
We’d love to share some interesting facts about the Dominican Republic – facts that will give you a deeper look into the culture and life of this island country where Fabrica de Milagros work constantly to support orphanage and disadvantaged children.
Here are some quick, key facts you should know about the Dominican Republic:
Population: 10,499,707.
Capital: Santo Domingo – the oldest European city in the Western Hemisphere!
Official language: Spanish.
Area: 18,791 square miles (48,670 square kilometers). That’s a little more than twice the size of New Jersey.
Economy: Tourism plays a large role in the economy of the Dominican Republic. In fact, it is the most visited country in the Caribbean. The farming and processing of cocoa, tobacco, sugarcane, coffee, cotton and other goods also creates many jobs.
Before the formation of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the island was jointly named Hispaniola.
February 27, 1844, is the official independence day of the D.R.
The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world to have an image of the Holy Bible on its national flag.
Culture and Traditions of the Dominican Republic
The ancestry of most Dominicans is a combination of Taino Indians, Spanish colonists, and African slaves. Several original Taino words and meals have managed to survive in this melting pot nation, where family, food, and music are at the heart of the nation. Most Dominicans may not be rich, but they are always friendly and willing to share what they have.
Family, music, and food are the three main cornerstones in this melting pot island.
Dominicans are welcoming people and appreciate a great sense of humor. They value family, and it is not uncommon to find three generations living together under one roof. With a variety of socioeconomic classes, ethnic groupings and geographic settings, it can be difficult to identify a unifying culture. However, a love for celebrations, music, dancing and baseball, the national pastime, brings the Dominican people together.