DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

THE NATIONAL PALACE
IN SANTO DOMING

History

The Dominican Republic and its people were the first in history to be a European colony.

The island belongs to the group of island of the Great Antilles. Two-third of the island Hispaniola makes up the Dominican Republic.

Spain ruled the Dominican Republic from the time Columbus's discovery till 1795.

After that it had been occupied by France, Haiti, Spain and the USA. However, since its independence in 1844 it was free. 

ULISES 'LILIS' HEUREAUX PRESIDENT FROM 1882  TO 84 AND 1886 TO 99

1916 OCCUPATION BY US MARINES 

Trujillo was its most famous dictator and ruled from 1930 until he got assassinated in 1961. 

SANTO DOMINGO

The capital is Santo Domingo is the oldest colonial city in the western hemisphere. The city is a picture with its palm-lined street and many fine historic buildings on the banks of the Ozama River. It can be proud of its oldest university in the Americas. It was founded in 1538. San Domingo roots can be traced back to Bartholomew Columbus who was Christopher's brother and started the city in 1496.

The plain alongside the coast are then backed by rugged mountains which are covered with dense tropical forests. In the west are the main mountain ranges of the country. The Pico Duarte rises a 3175m high and is the highest in the Caribbean.

Many Farmers live on the plain in palm-thatch huts and grow sugar, coffee, cocoa and tobacco. Cibao Valley has the most fertile soil.

Economy

Along the coast there are large quantities of Mahogany and pine trees are being cut for shipment. Gold, silver and bauxite are being mined. However, the main export is nickel which adds up to 40% of the country exports. The development of manufacture is being encouraged. At the moment there is sugar, rum and cigarette production. Tourism is very much at the forefront of development. Visitors from the USA are on the increase to spend a holiday there.

Holidays / Vacations

It is a perfect country to spend a holiday / vacation. The beautiful cities with palm trees swaying in the wind and the many old building will be great for sightseeing. The country itself has beautiful mountains covered by thick forests. It invites you to climbing, water rafting, walking tours and bird watching, Furthermore, there are beautiful beaches begging for sunbathing and swimming. All in all a great country for having a great time. 

CAYO LEVATADO IN SAMANA BAY

SOUTH SHORE OF LAKE ENRIQUILLO AND THE SIERRA DE NEIBA