Dominican Republic — 11 million inhabitants on Hispaniola (with Haiti). Most popular Caribbean tourist destination.
- Dominican Republic + Haiti = Hispaniola island DR = eastern 2/3 (48,670 km²), Haiti = western 1/3. Third largest Caribbean island.
- Punta Cana — most popular Caribbean resort 50 km of white sand beaches. 60+ all-inclusive hotels. 4 mn tourists annually (more than Bahamas + Jamaica together).
- Santo Domingo — Americas' oldest European colony (1496). UNESCO. Zona Colonial — first European church (1514), first monastery, first university (1538), first hospital.
- Christopher Columbus landed here in 1492 Today Bayahibe + Bávaro Beach remember this. Plus Cristobal Colón monument in Santo Domingo cathedral.
- Dominican Republic exports 60% of global cigars Premium brands Davidoff, Romeo y Julieta, La Aurora. Cibao tobacco leaves.
- DR has the best baseball in Latin America 30% of MLB players = Dominicans. Pelota — national passion. Junior World League — DR won 4×.
- Pico Duarte — Caribbean's highest peak 3098 m. Bermúdez National Park. Climbing 2-3 days. From summit view of Atlantic + Caribbean ocean.
- DR has 4 official currencies Dominican peso + USD + EUR + Haiti Gourde (border). USD most widespread in tourism.
- Bachata + merengue — national dances Merengue UNESCO Heritage. Bachata too (since 2019). Romeo Santos, Juan Luis Guerra — global stars.
- Climate 27°C all year Hurricane season: June-November (max September). Best season: December-April (dry season).
Sources: Banco Central de la República Dominicana, Ministerio de Turismo, UNESCO World Heritage.