Introduction to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a small country located on an island shared with Haiti in the Caribbean. The population is 8.7 million people. Its capital is Santo Domingo which was founded by the Spanish in 1496. The Cordillera Central (Central Mountain Range) is the dominant mountain range of the terrain. It is split politically into 29 provinces, each run by a governor appointed by the president, which is currently Danilo Medina. Their economy is fast growing with a big rise in per capita GDP. However, 70% of the population is in poverty and unemployment is also high. Locals are evenly divided by urban and country homes and lifestyles.
- Dominican Flag