The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, the second-largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba. The separate nation of Haiti, with which it shares a 170-mile frontier, occupies the western third of the island. Situated about midway between North and South America, Hispaniola is sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Jamaica and Cuba are to the west, while Puerto Rico lies east across the 70-mile Mona Passage. The DR is about 600 miles southeast of the southern tip of Florida.
Climate and Weather
Hot with tropical temperatures all year with coastal areas being warmer than central regions. There are two rainy seasons; the heaviest is from May to August and the other is from November to December. Hurricanes may sometimes occur during these periods.
Population
The population of Dominican Republic in 2007 was estimated by the United Nations at 9,760,000, which placed it as number 82 in population among the 193 nations of the world. The ethnic composition of the Dominican population is 73% mixed race, 16% white and 11% black.[2] The mixed population is a racial mixture of either White, Black, and/or Taino heritage. [12] Other ethnic groups in the Dominican Republic include Haitians, Germans, Italians, French, Spaniards, and Americans. A smaller presence of East Asians (primarily ethnic Chinese and Japanese) and Middle Easterners, primarily Lebanese and Jews can be found throughout the population.
Transportation
The most obvious way to get around the Dominican Republic is to rent a car. The two major tour bus operators in the country are Caribe Tours and Metro Bus. Both of these operators have buses running on regular, reliable schedules that reach all parts of the country. Taxis are a quick, reliable way to get around the Dominican Republic on a local level. All the major airports have privately owned taxis waiting to take you wherever you need to go and in most of the major towns.
Top Attractions
1. Cathedral of Santa Maria.
2. Colonial City.
3. Columbus Lighthouse Monument.
4. National Aquarium.
5. Plaza de la Cultura.
6. Los Tres Ojos National Park.
7. Boca Chica.
8. La Romana.
9. Amber Museum.
10. Mount Isabel de Torres.
Best Travel Time
Despite its year-round hot summer temperatures, the Dominican Republic’s tropical climate and location makes it prone to hurricanes and torrential rain. Hurricane season runs from June to November, while the rainy season on the north coast runs from October to April and May to November on the south coast. The busiest time of year is between December and April when North Americans take their vacations to tropical climes. The European tourist stampede is generally June to September.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• La bandera (meaning ‘the flag’, comprising white rice, red beans, stewed meat, salad and fried plaintain).
• Chicharrones (crisp pork rind).
• Chicharrones de pollo (small pieces of fried chicken).
• Sopa criolla dominicana (native soup of meat and vegetables).
• Pastelón (baked vegetable cake).
National drinks: • Presidente (Dominican beer) is very good.
• Rum drinks such as the local Brugal or Bermudez.
• Rum añejo (old, dark rum) with ice makes a good after-dinner drink.
• Native coffee is excellent and very strong.
Local Products/Shopping
Best buys are products made on the island including amber jewelry and decorative pieces. These are a national specialty; some pieces encase insects, leaves or dew drops within the ancient petrified pine resin. Larimar or Dominican turquoise is another popular stone. Milky blue and polished pink pieces of conch shell are also made into jewelry. Rocking chairs, woodcarvings, macramé, pottery, Taino artifacts, Creole dolls, baskets, limestone carvings and CDs of salsa and merengue also make good buys. Bargaining is recommended.
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1. Cathedral of Santa Maria.
Despite its year-round hot summer temperatures, the Dominican Republic’s tropical climate and location makes it prone to hurricanes and torrential rain. Hurricane season runs from June to November, while the rainy season on the north coast runs from October to April and May to November on the south coast. The busiest time of year is between December and April when North Americans take their vacations to tropical climes. The European tourist stampede is generally June to September.