Dominican Republic
Jagged mountains peek up between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, surveying the sandy shores and clear blue waters. The sound of music in the distance beckons the visitor closer, while the fresh evening breeze refreshes and invigorates the once-weary traveller.
Occupying two-thirds of the island of Hispañiola, the Dominican Republic covers an area of 48,734 sq km (18,816 sq miles). The western third of the island is occupied by Haiti, and the Haitian border region is the least developed, and least travelled, area of the Dominican Republic.
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The Dominican Republic was originally the stronghold of the Taíno Indians until the arrival of Columbus in 1492. He named the island Hispañiola ('Little Spain') and returned with a thousand colonists the following year. The original settlement, La Isabela, was abandoned after just a few years and shifted to the present site of Santo Domingo. After numerous pirate attacks, Spain finally ceded the western third of the island to France in 1697. Years of fighting followed until this became the republic of Haiti in 1804. In 1821, the Dominican Republic was formed, although full independence from Spain was not achieved until 1865. From the 1930s, the country was in the grip of the right-wing dictator Rafael Trujillo until his assassination in 1961, when Joaquín Balaguer came to power.
Although many aspects of Dominican life have changed in the past few decades, some stand strong as always. Baseball, for one, will always be a strong national pastime. You will find that most towns have a team, and if a game is being played, not much else will be happening! Religion is also important; most Dominicans are Roman Catholic, although there is an underlying influence of old voodoo on the island.
Modern Dominicans unfortunately cannot afford the same luxuries as visitors. For most who live and work on the island, the realities of frequent electrical blackouts and fresh water shortages are a daily problem. However, despite the enormous socio-economic gap, Dominicans are known to be friendly, welcoming hosts.
- Isla Saona This excursion is a must. The adventurous journey to the island by speedboat or catamaran is part of the fun. This island will take your breath away.
- Water rafting and canyoning This takes place in the Cordillera Central along the country’s longest river, the Yaque del Norte in Jarabacoa.
- Golf The Dominican Republic is a major international golf destination, with some beautiful courses bordered by the ocean. Some of the best courses can be found in Casa de Campo and Punta Cana.
- Dominican Amber Museum This museum in Puerto Plata displays a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber. The tempting museum shop sells amber jewellery.
- Shopping for Larimar This unusual light-blue gem with white marbling is the native stone of the Dominican Republic and makes a lovely souvenir. Gemstones are found in several mines across the republic.
