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Fun Facts About the Dominican Republic
Spain and France colonized and divided the island of Hispaniola. The western third became Haiti. The remainder became the Dominican Republic in 1844. Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but two years later they launched a war that restored independence in 1865.
The Dominican Republic is a tropical paradise in the heart of the Caribbean, occupying the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, it boasts stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities, making it a favourite destination for travellers.
The Dominican Republic’s first independence day is February 27th, marking its independence from Haiti in 1844, and the other on August 16th, known as Restoration Day, commemorating its 1863 victory in restoring independence from Spanish rule. These two events are significant in the country’s history, highlighting its determination for sovereignty and national identity.
Founded in 1496, Santo Domingo is the oldest European-established city in the Americas. Not only is it the capital of the Dominican Republic, but it also boasts some impressive firsts — like the first cathedral, castle, and monastery in the New World
Language: Spanish
Geographical Area
• Total: 48,670 sq km
• Land: 48,320 sq km
• Water: 350 sq km
Climate
Tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall
Natural resources
Nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, arable land
Population
11,022,136 (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
0.68% (2025 est.)
Government type
Presidential republic
Capital: Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Economic overview
Upper-middle-income tourism-driven Caribbean economy with strong construction, mining, and telecommunications sectors; major US direct investment and free-trade zones; developing local financial markets; improved debt management; declining poverty rates; recovering strongly from pandemic impacts.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
• $231.754 billion (2024 est.)
• $223.641 billion (2023 est.)
• $217.126 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
• $21,025 (2024 est.)
• $20,390 (2023 est.)
• $19,820 (2022 est.)
Exports
• $24.876 billion (2024 est.)
• $23.142 billion (2023 est.)
• $21.765 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
United States 53%, Haiti 6%, Switzerland 5%, India 6%, Netherlands 4% (2024)
Exports - commodities
Gold, medical instruments, cigars, low-voltage protection equipment, iron alloys, clothing, agricultural products (2024)
Imports
• $31.257 billion (2024 est.)
• $30.612 billion (2023 est.)
• $29.448 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
United States 43%, China 21%, Spain 3%, Brazil 3%, Mexico 3% (2024)
Imports - commodities
Refined petroleum, cars, natural gas, jewelry, vaccines and cultures, electronics (2024)
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There are now 29 golf courses in the Dominican Republic designed by acclaimed architects including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Price, and Greg Norman.
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Eight of the DR's courses have ranked in Golf Week Magazine's Top 50 courses in the Caribbean and Mexico in 2024.
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Punta Cana was voted "Best Golf Destination of the Caribbean and Latin America" for the third consecutive year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
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The country hosted PGA Tour events in 2023 and 2024, elevating its profile in professional golf.
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A record-breaking 11.5 million tourists visited the Dominican Republic in 2024.
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The economic contribution of tourism is projected to increase by 68.37% ($13.1 billion USD) between 2024 and 2029.
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Remains the most visited country in the Caribbean due to its beautiful beaches and renowned hospitality.
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The Pueblo Viejo mine remains the second largest gold mine in the Americas, producing 6.1 million ounces in 2024, with production costs averaging $910 USD per ounce.
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The world's largest salt lake in the Caribbean, at 46 meters below sea level. Home to over 400 American crocodiles.
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The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded on a grid pattern that became the model for town planning throughout the Americas.
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The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, completed in 1550, remains the oldest cathedral in the Americas.
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Larimar: This rare blue gemstone continues to be found only in the Dominican Republic and has seen a 35% price increase since 2022 due to growing international demand.
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Amber: Dominican amber remains among the finest in the world, with blue amber (fluorescent) from the Palo Quemado mine fetching premium prices in international markets.
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The Dominican Republic continues producing elite baseball talent, with over 120 Dominican players on MLB rosters in the 2024 season.
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Birthplace of merengue and bachata, with Dominican dance styles gaining increased global popularity through social media and international dance competitions.
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Cacao: Remains the world's largest producer of organic sustainable cacao, with exports reaching 78,000 tons in 2024.
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Coffee: Production has increased to 520,000 bags annually, with exports now representing 25% of production due to growing international demand for Dominican specialty coffee.
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Cruise tourism: Major cruise lines have expanded Dominican Republic destinations, with passenger arrivals up 28% in 2024.
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Punta Cana: Consistently ranked among the world's top vacation destinations
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Tourism in Punta Cana contributes approximately 30% of the country's GDP
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Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) remains privately owned and handled 65% of all tourist arrivals in 2024
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Named "Best Beach Destination in the Caribbean" by Travel & Leisure magazine in 2024
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