Dominican Republic Overview

The Dominican Republic region is located on the eastern two-thirds of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and it borders the small country of Haiti. Hispaniola is the second-largest of the Greater Antilles islands and can be found west of Puerto Rico and east of Jamaica.

The Dominican Republic is a Hispanic country therefore its culture and heritage is largely Spanish, although heavily blended with African traditions and American culture. Western influence can be seen in the vast number of colonial buildings in the capital of Santo Domingo, while African heritage, which was introduced by slaves who were brought to the island, is reflected in its music. The popular song and dance, the merengue, fuses African and Western cultures and is celebrated in several festivals, which draw a multitude of national and international musicians

Most tourists who come to the island are understandably attracted to the stunning golden sand beaches as well as the top-class hotels and resorts.Santo Domingo, in the south, was the very first settlement in the New World, and as such, it is home to a large number of historic sights and monuments. It is a city that is awash with historical importance. The first cathedral, hospital, chapel and the first university can all be found here.

In the centre of the country, the three main mountain ranges are perfect for those looking to embark on a hiking or climbing trip. The Cordillera Central is the highest mountain range on the island and includes Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean. For those who want to take time out to relax, the resort areas of Puerto Plata and Cabarete are ideal. They are full of luxurious spas, hotels and fun-filled entertainment for the entire family

Following a period of rigorous development, the Dominican Republic boasts over 55,000 hotel rooms. The southeastern coastal region is noted for its modern hotels and beautiful beaches. In the capital, the choices range from affordable to lavish, with rates remaining the same all year. In the resorts, many hotels slash their summer prices by 10 per cent.

The country is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, with excellent facilities and affordable prices. Add to this the number of attractions, top-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife, and you are guaranteed holiday to remember.

The Dominican Republic experiences a tropical maritime climate, with distinct seasons. The rainy season runs from May until November and sees frequent heavy rainstorms. Most of the rain falls in the northern and eastern regions of the country, with the heaviest rain showers falling in the mountainous regions.

From June through until November, this period can also experience hurricanes, making it an unpredictable time to visit the country. If you do decide that you want to visit during this period, come prepared with waterproof clothing and always heed to instructions if a hurricane strikes.

The average annual temperature ranges from 21°C in the mountains to 25°C inland and on the coast. The coastal areas are often significantly warmer than central regions, which is mainly due to the mountains and the higher ground of many of the central districts.

The winter months of December and January are warmer and generally drier than the summer months, although December can also experience wet weather. February, March and April are the best months in which to travel as they are dry, sunny and warm. The peak season runs from January through March, so always book your accommodation in advance if you plan to visit during this time.

The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola. The earliest known inhabitants on this island were the Taínos, seafaring relatives of the South American Arawaks. A system of chiefdoms existed; which were known by the natives as the Marien, Maguana, Higuey, Magua and Xaragua.

The chiefdoms were divided into sub-chiefdoms, which were all linked together by leaders. Cave paintings tell us about their way of life as well as some words they used, which are still used today. The northern dialect in the country has been strongly influenced by the Taíno language.

Christopher Columbus discovered Hispaniola in 1492, and immediately claimed the island for the Spanish crown. He returned a year later and founded the first European settlement in America, at La Isabela. Hispaniola became the starting point for Spanish conquests in the Caribbean and American mainland.

had complete control over the island for 200 years until they conceded the western third of the island to France in 1697. This section gained independence and came to be known as Haiti in 1804, after a slave rebellion. They sought to conquer the entire island, and after a fight for independence in 1821, the rest of the island (known as Santo Domingo) was defeated and ruled by the Haitians for 22 years.

Santo Domingo finally achieved independence in 1844 and soon changed their name to theDominican Republic. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but this lasted for just two years, at which point a war of independence started. This war ended in victory for the natives in 1865.

The Dominican Republic found itself being ruled by a US military government from 1916 to 1924. This ended with another victory for the natives, and from 1931 until his assassination in 1961, dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo ruled the Dominican Republic. During this time, the island saw significant social and economic growth, which ended with the dictator’s death.

In 1965, US troops alongside forces from Honduras, Brazil and Costa Rica, arrived in the Dominican Republic. They remained in the country for 1 year and supervised the next election, which saw Joaquín Balaguer gaining power through undemocratic means. He held onto his seat of power for over 30 years and ruled in a grand Latin.

American style. Democracy remained unheard of and Balaguer was finally pressured to step down in 1996, after there was international protest over fixed elections.

Since 1996, the Dominican Republic has seen democratic elections, something which was once never believed to be possible. There is still only a narrow range of political opinion which is tolerated, but democracy is growing, alongside freedom of speech.

Today, the Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination with those looking to escape their everyday lives and indulge in pure luxury. The Caribbean island is home to some top-class hotels and stunning beaches, which are popular with people from across the world.