Dominican Republic

General Info

The Dominican Republic is mostly famous for its all-inclusive resorts, but if you allow yourself to wonder off the beaten path you'll find breathtaking sceneries of mountains, rivers and waterfalls alongside untouched beaches. The Dominicans are loud, friendly and helpful, the food filling, and the country is cheaper to travel in than other Central American countries.

Everywhere you go you will hear the two Dominican musical styles: Bachata and Merengue. If you're lucky, you might even get some locals to teach you how to dance!

Capital: Santo Domingo

Borders: The DR lies on the Island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. To the north is the Atlantic Ocean, to the south is the Caribbean Sea. The DR occupies the eastern side of the island, and Haiti occupies the western side.

Land: 48,442 square kilometers.

Population: Approximately 9.76 million. 73% multiracial (White, black and Taíno Indian), 16% white and 11% black.

Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP). In August 2008 approximately 34 DOP were worth 1 USD. Most tourist sites accept US Dollars also.

Language: Spanish. Dominican Spanish is closer to Latin American Spanish (Castellano), than to Spanish spoken in Spain (Español). Some people do speak English, especially in cities and in touristy areas.

Weather: The DR has a tropical climate. The wet season is from May to November, with a chance of hurricanes hitting from June to November. Most rain fall in the northern and eastern parts of the country. The average temperature is from 70 F (21 C) in the mountains to 77 F (25 C) on the planes and the coast. In Santo Domingo, it could reach 86 F (30 C) in July.

Events: Don't miss the Dominican carnival (Carnaval), which takes place in February. It's a colorful, vibrant experience where locals dressed in native Taíno outfits dance on the streets. Each town has its own Carnaval, with the most famous ones happening in Bonao and La Vega. The party climaxes towards February 27th, Dominican independence day.