Everything you need to know about DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Dominican Republic: Caribbean Island discovered by Christopher
Dominican Republic is situated on the second largest Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Columbus first visited it in 1492 and later on this island became a major launching base for the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean, as well as the American mainland. In the 17th Century with the help of Spanish control the French established a colony island but in 1697 the Spanish ceded the whole western part of Hispaniola and in 1804 French occupied this island and renamed it Haiti. It finally gained total independence in 1844, and became the Dominican Republic. Ruled by a series of dictators for the next 134 years, democracy finally came in 1978. People of mixed European and African origins mostly inhabit Dominican Republic. Infusion of colonial power reflected through arts, culture, architectures and life style of people living here. Dominican Republic is also a popular tourist hotspot and known for its enticing beaches like Bavaro and Punta Cana.
Dominican Republic Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures
Dominican Republic Geoghraphy and Weather:
The Dominican Republic is situated on the eastern part of the second-largest Caribbean Sea Island of the Greater Antilles. Dominican Republic shares the island roughly at a 2:1 ratio with Haiti. There are many small offshore islands and cays that are part of the Dominican territory. The two largest shore islands are Saona in the southeast and Beata in the southwest. The country's mainland has four important mountain ranges.
Dominican Republic has a tropical weather with wet season from May to November and periodic hurricanes between June and November. Most rain falls in the northern and eastern regions.
Culture, Cuisine and Tradition Of Dominican Republic:
The culture of the Dominican Republic is much like its Caribbean neighbours with fine blend of the colonial power, Taínos and Africans apart from their own cultural legacies. Dominican Republic is k nown for its professional winter baseball, handcrafted cigars, and annual music festivals. The culture of the Dominican Republic is pleasant and always shows artful and colorful expression of life.
The cuisine of Dominican Republic is influenced by French, Latin American cuisines and those of its neighbours. Cuisine of Dominican Republic is largely based on starch staple food such as rice, corn, millet, yams and beans. However, the rich people can afford meat items, lobster, spiced shrimp, duck and certain sweet desserts such as the French-influenced mousse and pastries
Tourist Attractions of Dominican Republic:
The Dominican Republic promotes the concept of Eco-Tourism because of its blessed natural landscapes and geographical location. Punta Cana and Bavaro offer many beautiful palm-lined beaches with turquoise clear water. Dominican Republic offers many splendid resorts and hotels for all types of tourists, ranging from the budget conscious to the wealthy ones.
Major Sight-seeing Places in Dominican Republic include:
• Cabarete
• Sosua
• Playa Dorada
• Playa Dorada
• Santo Domingo
