Central America & Carribean > Dominican Republic

Posts about DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Punta Cana

Punta Cana is a tropical paradise located in the Dominican Republic, renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and year-round sunny weather. It's a top-tier destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and luxury. Beyond the beaches, visitors can explore lush golf courses, vibrant local culture, and thrilling activities like zip-lining, snorkeling, and swimming in natural caves.

Key facts about DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

General Information:

  • Official Name: Dominican Republic (República Dominicana)

  • Capital: Santo Domingo

  • Official Language: Spanish

  • Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)

  • Government: Unitary Presidential Republic

  • President (2025): [Check for current leader]

  • Independence:

    • First from Spain: December 1, 1821

    • Later from Haiti: February 27, 1844 (National Independence Day)

Geography:

  • Location: Caribbean, shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti

  • Area: ~48,670 km² (second-largest country in the Caribbean)

  • Climate: Tropical (warm, humid, occasional hurricanes)

  • Highest Point: Pico Duarte (3,098 m / 10,164 ft) – tallest mountain in the Caribbean

  • Longest River: Yaque del Norte

Culture & History:

  • First European Settlement in the Americas: Santo Domingo (founded in 1496)

Famous Landmarks:

  • Colonial Zone (Santo Domingo), Punta Cana, Samaná, Altos de Chavón

National Holidays:

  • Independence Day: February 27

  • Restoration Day: August 16 (1863, against Spanish rule)

Traditional Foods:

  • Mangu, mofongo, sancocho, la bandera (rice, beans, meat), tostones

Popular Music & Dance:

  • Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Dembow

Top Industries:

  • Tourism, agriculture (sugar, coffee, cocoa), mining, manufacturing

Tourism Highlights:

  • Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Samaná, La Romana

UNESCO Sites:

  • Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone