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Dominican Republic Facts
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Dominican Republic Facts: Beauty in nature and colonial buildings
What you will find on our Dominican Republic Facts for Kids page:
Dominican Republic Snapshot
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Now let's dig deeper and discover more interesting facts about the Dominican Republic which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids. We will start with some quick basic facts and then will learn more about this fascinating country in the Caribbean.
Dominican Republic for Kids
Basic Facts
Dominican Republic Flag- Continent: North America
- Population: 11.5 million people live in the Dominican Republic (est. 2026)
- Name: República Dominicana (Dominican Republic)
- Capital: Santo Domingo with 3.6 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area
- Government: Presidential republic
- Motto: "Dios, Patria, Libertad" (God, Homeland, Freedom)
- Language: Spanish
- Literacy: More than 94% of the people can read and write.
- Religion: mainly Christian (around 75%), mostly Roman Catholic
- Currency: 1 peso dominicano = 100 centavos
- National Symbols: Palmchat (national bird), red, white and blue (national colours)
- National Anthem: "Quisqueyanos Valientes"
- National Day: 27 February (Independence Day)
Dominican Republic Facts
History
The Taíno people lived on Hispaniola island long before the Spanish colonisers settled on the island. Christopher Columbus explored the island on his first voyage in 1492. During the colonisation, many of the Taíno people died from smallpox and other diseases that were brought by the Europeans, and many also died from forced labour. The Spanish established sugar cane plantations and in the 17th century the French mainly settled in the western parts of the island, where they started the first tobacco plantations. This western colony later became Haiti. The Dominican Republic was first known as the colony of "Santo Domingo". In 1844 independence from Haiti was declared and the first constitution was established after the Dominican War of Independence ended in the same year. However, Spain re-annexed the country in 1861. After the Dominican Restoration War, the nation regained its independence in 1865. The Dominican Republic has been a democratic nation since 1978 and since then regular democratic elections are held in the country.
Dominican Republic Facts
Geography
Where is the Dominican Republic? The Dominican Republic is located on an island in the Caribbean Sea. The island is called Hispaniola.
Hispaniola is the second largest island in the Caribbean on the North American continent. The island houses two countries: the Dominican Republic in the east and Haiti in the west. The border between the countries is 376 km/ 233 miles long.
Please note: The nearest large island to the west is Cuba and the nearest large island to the east is Puerto Rico, a USA territory. The Dominican Republic is about 1,100 km from Miami in Florida/ USA.
Map of the Dominican RepublicThe Dominican Republic is larger in land area than Haiti and the second largest country in the Caribbean, after Cuba.
The Dominican Republic's capital city is called Santo Domingo. This city is located centrally on the southern coastline.
The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean - after Cuba. The country is about the same size as Slovakia or about twice the size of Wales or twice the size of New Jersey/USA.
A flight from London/ UK to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic takes roughly 8.5 hours while from Miami/ USA a flight takes only 2 hours. Punta Cana is home to the busiest airport of the country and the main tourist centre of the area.
Facts about the Dominican Republic
Landforms
The Dominican Republic is a mountainous country with fertile valleys that are used for agriculture.
The Central Mountain Range, called in Spanish "Cordillera Central", runs across the middle of the country. Pico Duarte with over 3,000 m/ 9,800 ft is the highest peak in the entire Caribbean.
Between the mountain ranges lie fertile valleys. The Cibao Valley in the north is one of the most productive farming regions in the Caribbean and here most of the important crops are harvested, such as rice, cocoa and tobacco.
Dominican Republic landscapeLarge parts of the country, especially in the mountains, are covered by tropical rainforest. The largest national park in the Dominican Republic is Parque Nacional José del Carmen Ramírez and is an important protected area for biodiversity and water sources in the Dominican Republic. The park in the Cordillera Central has the highest peaks of the country as well as the Yaque del Norte, the largest river of the country. Forests presently cover about 39% of the country.
Los Haitises National Park is often called the most beautiful national park in the country as it protects mangroves, caves, and lush jungle full of wildlife including parrots, manatees and iguanas.
Dominican Republic Facts | Climate
The Dominican Republic has a tropical rainforest climate. It is warm and sunny for most of the year! However, there are very different microclimates. The north coast is wetter, while the southwest, which is sheltered by the mountains, is much drier and almost desert-like in places like the Azua plains. Average temperatures range from about 25°C / 77°F on the coasts to cooler conditions in the mountains, where temperatures can be as low as 0°C/ 32°F at the mountain tops at night!
There are two main seasons: The dry season between November and April and the wet season between May and October. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is thus between November and April.
Average temperatures range from about 25°C on the coasts to cooler conditions in the mountains (sometimes near 0°C at the top of Pico Duarte at night!).
During the annual wet season, hurricanes can occur and can hit the island. Hispaniola island is inside the Atlantic Ocean's hurricane belt. Hurricane season in the Dominican Republic usually lasts from June to October.
The last major hurricanes that directly hit the Dominican Republic were Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 and Hurricane Fiona in September 2022.
Dominican Republic Facts
Geo Superlatives
The Dominican Republic holds some amazing geographical records. Many of these geo superlatives are firsts and bests for the entire Caribbean region!
- The highest mountain peak in the Dominican Republic is Pico Duarte. The mountain is 3,098 m/ 10,164 ft high and the highest mountain in the Caribbean. The mountain is named after Juan Pablo Duarte, who is one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic.
- Lake Enriquillo is the largest lake in the country and the lowest point in the Caribbean. This saltwater lake is situated at 45 m/ 148 ft below sea level and therefore also is known as the lake with the lowest elevation in the Caribbeans. The lake has actually been growing in size in recent years, which is possibly linked to climate change.
- Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the Americas. The Dominican Republic's capital city is located at the Ozama River, Rio Ozama in Spanish. The ancient Colonial City district, which is an UNESCO world heritage site, is located on the western river bank.
- The Dominican Republic has the longest coastline of any Caribbean island nation. The coastline is approximately 1,600 km long. The stunning beaches and pristine waters make the country the most visited Caribbean holiday destination. Puerto Plata with Playa Dorada in the north west of the country and Punta Cana in the south east of the island are among the most popular tourist resorts. More than 8.5 million tourists visited the island country in 2024.
- The Dominican Republic is the most biodiverse of any Caribbean island. The country houses over 6,000 plant species about one third of these are endemic and only are found here. There are over 300 bird species, about 45 mammal species and about 145 reptile species in the Dominican Republic, most of them not found anywhere else in the world.
- The Yaque del Norte River is the longest river in the Dominican Republic and the longest river in the Caribbean with 296 km/ 184 miles. Although not the longest river on Hispaniola, as the Artibonite River, that mostly runs through Haiti, the Yaque del Norte River is the longest in the Caribbean region!
- The La Jalda Waterfall, Salto La Jalda, is the tallest waterfalls in the Dominican Republic with a drop of over 120 m/ 400 ft.
Dominican Republic Facts
Dominican Republic Landmarks
The Dominican Republic is packed with incredible places to visit: from ancient colonial cities to fascinating natural landmarks and stunning beaches.
Santo Domingo: The Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial) of Santo Domingo with its cobblestone streets is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical places in the whole of the Americas. Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 and is the oldest European-founded city in the Americas which is still inhabited!
In Santo Domingo you can explore the oldest cathedral in the Americas which is called Catedral Primada and was built in 1512. There is also the first university, Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino, which was founded in 1538), and there is also the first European hospital!
Alcazár de Colón: This Dominican landmark is also located in Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial. This palace was once home to Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus. Today it houses a museum.
Alcazar de ColonThe monumental Faro a Colón, also referred to as 'Columbus Lighthouse' was built in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in the country. In this building which includes a mausoleum and a museum the bones of Columbus (which is disputed by Spain) and ancient objects are exhibited.
Faro a Colon - Columbus LighthouseLos Haitises National Park: In this famous national park, hundreds of rock islands mount out of the water. These limestone formations are up to 30 m/ 98 ft high. Los haitises means 'hilly land' in the local Taíno language. The bay with rocky islands, mangrove forests and caves that are known for ancient Taíno cave paintings, is best explored by boat.
Los HaitisesPunta Cana is one of the most famous beach resorts in the world and located on the Dominican Republic's east coast. The resort's white sand beaches stretch for miles and the water is a vivid turquoise blue.
Punta Cana is the main tourist centreJaragua National Park is the largest protected area in the Caribbean. Here you find the stunning Bahia de las Aguillas (which means "Eagles Bay"). This remote beach is about 8 km/ 5 miles long.
Dominican Republic Facts Economy
The Dominican Republic has the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America. It is often called the fastest-growing economy in Latin America as the economy has grown very rapidly in recent years.
The main economic sectors are tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and services. Tourism brings in most money for the country. More than 8 million tourists, mostly from the USA, Canada and Europe visit the Dominican Republic every year.
Luxurious resorts at Cap CanaAgriculture and farming are also very important. In the Dominican Republic's fertile valleys, farmers grow a large variety of agricultural products. Among the main produce are sugarcane, tobacco, cocoa and coffee. About 40% of the country is forested and 50% of the land is used for agriculture. Bananas and avocados are important products too.
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Other important export products of the Dominican Republic are natural resources such as nickel, zinc, bauxite, gold and silver. The Pueblo Viejo mine is one of the largest gold and silver mines in the world. However, although mining is an important income, it also raises environmental concerns.
In the Dominican Republic there are also large industrial areas called Free Trade Zones, Zonas Francas, that allow foreign companies to set up factories and pay lower taxes. Products made here include medical devices, cigars, jewellery, and clothing. This provides thousands of jobs.
The main trading partner of the Dominican Republic are the USA. China, Haiti and Canada are also important trading partners.
Dominican Republic Facts
People & Culture
Dominican culture is a rich blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno influences. Around 70% of the Dominicans are of mixed African and European descent and are known as 'mestizo' or 'mulato'. About 15% are of African heritage and around 15% of European descent. There are also communities from Haiti, China, Japan and the Middle East living in the country.
The Dominican Republic has a young population with about 27% of the population under 14 years old.
Happy DominicansSpanish is the official language in the Dominican Republic. The Dominicans speak their unique Dominican Spanish which has its slang, expressions and accent that makes it slightly different from the Spanish spoken in Spain or Mexico.
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Most of the Dominican people live in urban areas (83%) along the southern coastal plains and in the fertile Cibao valley. Among the largest towns in the Dominican Republic are Santo Domingo, Santiago de los Caballeros and San Christobal.
Dominicans are known for their warmth, hospitality and love of music. Merengue is the fast-paced national music and dance. This music style was declared part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Bachata is another typical Dominican music style, but this is a much slower and more romantic style and is now danced in clubs around the world. Both styles use guitars, bass, accordion and percussion instruments.
The most popular sport is Baseball. Football (soccer), basketball, and boxing are also popular.
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Dominicans also love to celebrate their annual festivals! Carnival in February is the biggest festival of the year when streets fill with people of all backgrounds dressed in colourful costumes dancing and partying.
Independence Day which is celebrated on 27 February is the main national holiday. Easter or the Holy Week before Easter, called Semana Santa, is a major religious celebration for the Christian population.
Dominican Republic Facts
Food
The Dominican cuisine is influenced by Spanish, French, Taíno and African cooking styles. Plantains, beans, coconuts, fruits and vegetables are widely grown and used in the Dominican dishes.
Typical dishes from the Dominican RepublicTypical Dominican food and drinks include:
- La Bandera: the national dish of the Dominican Republic is simply called "the national flag" as the colour of this dish mirrors the colours of the national flag. This dish is usually the main meal of the day and eaten at lunchtime. It is made with stewed meat (mainly chicken, pork or beef), white rice, red kidney beans and served with avocado or a simple salad.
- Mangú: mashed plantains, often served with fried cheese, a typical breakfast dish
Fried cheese and Mangu- Sancocho: also often called the national soup is a meat broth made with vegetables and pumpkin
- Tostones: Fried green plantains, that are enjoyed usually salted not sweet and a popular street food. Another typical street food made with plantains are maduros, sweet fried plantains
Tostones and Plantains- Helado de Batata: ice cream made with coconut milk and sweet potatoes
- Biscocho Dominicano: the "Dominican cake" is a frosted sponge cake filled with pineapple jam
- Morir Soñando: a traditional drink made with orange juice and milk, as the name says ''to die dreaming", this is a much beloved and refreshing drink . Fresh coconut water is also very popular and often drunk straight from the coconut.
Dominican Republic Facts
Animals
The Dominican Republic is a paradise for birdwatchers and has more than 300 recorded bird species. The Dominican national bird is the palmchat, a long-tailed songbird that is only found on Hispaniola island. The palmchat birds build huge communal nests for up to 30 families.
Palmchat birdThe Dominican Republic is also home to many endangered species such as the West Indian manatee and the threatened rhinoceros iguanas.
Rhinoceros iguanaLake Enriquillo is also home to these iguanas as well as American crocodiles and flamingos.
Humpback whales come to the warm waters in the Bay of Samaná from January to March. The whales come here to mate and breed in the bay.
Humpback whalesThe Samaná Peninsula in the northeast of the country is famous for whale watching as around 2,000 humpback whales travel from the icy North Atlantic to the warm Samaná Bay every year. This is one of the best whale watching spots in the world!
Dominican Republic Facts
FAQs
Why is the country called Dominican Republic?
The name "Dominican Republic" comes from the name of the city Santo Domingo. The city was named after Saint Dominic or Santo Domingo in Spanish who was a Christian saint. The indigenous Taíno name of the country is Quisqueya.
Is the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean?
Yes, the country is on an island called Hispaniola, which it shares with the country of Haiti.
What side of the Dominican Republic is the Atlantic?
The north coast faces the Atlantic Ocean, while the south coast faces the Caribbean Sea.
Which languages are spoken in the Dominican Republic?
Spanish is the official language and spoken by virtually everyone. Spanish is used in schools, government and everyday life.
Do people speak English in the Dominican Republic?
No. The official language is Spanish. Some people in tourist areas may speak a little English.
What is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
In the Dominican Republic it is hot and tropical year-round with average temperatures ranging between 25°C and 33°C/ 77°F and 91°F . From December to April it is dry and sunny. The hurricane season runs from June to November so it can get very stormy then.
What is the national sport in the Dominican Republic?
Baseball is hugely popular and the country has produced many famous professional players.
What music is the Dominican Republic known for?
Merengue is the national music and dance style. It is fast, lively, and fun! Bachata is also very popular and has spread all over the world.
Popular Pages
Watch this space for our new Haiti and Hispaniola pages!
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Resources for Dominican Republic Facts
- Convention on Biological Diversity. "Dominican Republic - Country Profile." cbd.int. Last accessed 26 February 2026
- Caribbean Tourismus Organisation. "Caribbean Tourism Maintains Strong Growth in 2024." OneCaribbean.org. 28 April 2025. Last accessed 26 February 2026
- Marianne Florentino. "23 Iconic Dominican Foods to Try From Around the Island & Their Cultural Influences." Dominican Abroad. Last updated 21 March 2025. Last accessed 26 February 2026
- Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Dominican Republic has it all." GoDominicanRepublic. Last accessed 26 February 2026
Images on Dominican Republic Facts page: shutterstock.com and own images
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