Dominican Republic: Caribbean Paradise

The Dominican Republic, occupying Hispaniola's eastern two-thirds, is the Caribbean's most visited destination with beautiful beaches, all-inclusive resorts, vibrant music, and baseball passion. The country contrasts dramatically with neighboring Haiti.

Punta Cana and other resort areas attract millions seeking Caribbean beaches. Santo Domingo, the capital, is the Americas' oldest continuously inhabited European settlement with colonial zone architecture. The country has diverse geography including mountains, rainforests, and extensive coastlines on both the Atlantic and Caribbean.

Merengue and bachata music originated in the Dominican Republic, spreading globally. Baseball is the national passion, with many Dominicans playing in US Major League Baseball. Spanish colonization left linguistic and cultural legacy. Tourism drives the economy, along with agriculture, mining, and remittances from the large Dominican diaspora. Despite inequality and some political corruption, the country has developed middle-income status.