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The Dominican Republic
The Facts

The Dominican Republic is one of the most attractive, affordable and friendly islands in the Caribbean, with the fastest growing economy. Blessed with a warm, tropical climate, magnificent beaches, spectacular mountain ranges and lush forests, this tropical paradise was discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus.

The island offers daily flights to/from Canada, US and Europe. Friends will have a possibility to visit by going on any of the countless charterflights that travel agencies in most countries offer.

The North coast area offers a relaxed way of life in the gated communities with security, 24 hr electricity and yet close to real life and the wonders of nature that the Dominican Republic offers. Puerto Plata is just 30 minutes away by car and Santiago is a little bit further, about 1 hour. In the other direction you will find one of the finest beaches and golf course in the Caribbean, at Playa Grande.

You will find most products and items available on the island that you are used to from your own home country, although local items are cheaper. You will most surely find your own favorites and end up buying a mixture of local and imported products. Who can resist the tropical fruits of the Caribbean?

The island celebrates several holidays that you are used to, like christmas, easter and new year. You will also get to know new holidays, such as catholic ones, and of course the carnival, when the true spirit of the Dominican hearts will enchant you for all times to come!

Life is nice and easy here in the Dominican Republic, and we can help you settle in a safe and secure way.

Ethnicity/race: white 16%,
black 11%, mixed 73%

Economic summary: GDP/PPP
(2003 est.): $52.16 billion; per
capita $6,000.

Major trading partners: U.S.,
Canada, UK, Venezuela, Mexico,
Spain.

Industries: tourism, sugar
processing, ferronickel and gold
mining, textiles, cement, tobacco.

Population (2004 est.):
8,833,634 (growth rate: 1.3%);
birth rate: 23.6/1000; infant
mortality rate: 33.3/1000; life
expectancy: 67.6; density per sq
mi: 470.

Monetary unit: Dominican Peso

Agriculture: sugarcane, coffee,
cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice,
beans, potatoes, corn, bananas;
cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef,
eggs.

Ports and harbors: Barahona,
La Romana, Puerto Plata, San
Pedro de Macoris, Santo Domingo.

Natural resources: nickel,
bauxite, gold, silver.

Capital and largest city (2003
est.):
Santo Domingo, 2,851,300
(metro.area), 2,252,400 (city
proper)

Labor force: 2.3 million to 2.6
million (2000 est); services and
government 58.7%, industry
24.3%, agriculture 17% (1998
est.).

Literacy rate: 85% (2003 est.)

Exports: $5.524 billion (f.o.b.,
2003 est.): ferronickel, sugar,
gold, silver, coffee, cocoa,
tobacco, meats, consumer goods.