Welcome to the Dominican Republic!
The Dominican Republic is a nation located on the island of Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti. Both by area and population, the Dominican Republic is the second largest Caribbean nation (after Cuba), with an estimated 10 million people. The capital is Santo Domingo and it is located on the southern coast. It is the largest metropolitan area in the country and it is commonly known as the “Distrito Nacional” or “The National District”.
With green rolling hills and mountainous land, the Dominican Republic is known to be an amazingly beautiful country. The country’s landscape boasts the Caribbean’s highest mountain, Pico Duarte. As well as Lake Enriquillo, the Caribbean’s largest lake and lowest elevation. Quisqueya, as Dominicans often call their country, has a climate that is mostly tropical and has an average temperature of 26 °C (78.8 °F). The Dominican Republic has great biological diversity and has become the Caribbean’s largest tourist destination; with the country’s year-round golf courses being among the top attractions!
Over the years, the Dominican Republic has experienced many changes in government and rulers, since the 7th century when it was inhabited by the Taínos. After three centuries of Spanish rule, with French and Haitian interludes, the country became independent in 1821 but was quickly taken over by Haiti. The civil war of 1965, the country’s last war, was ended by a U.S.-led intervention. The Dominican Republic has since had a representative democracy and has been led by Leonel Fernández for most of the time since 1996.
Today, the Dominican Republic has the second largest economy in the Caribbean and Central American region. The country’s economic progress is exemplified by its advanced telecommunication system. Nevertheless, unemployment, government corruption, and inconsistent electric services remain major Dominican problems. The country also has been plagued with having “income inequality”.
The Dominican Republic is almost entirely Spanish speaking. Schools are based on a bilingual education, with English being taught as a secondary language in most schools. Haitian Creole is spoken by much of the population of Haitian descent. The Dominican Republic is 68.9% Roman Catholic, 18.2% Evangelical, 10.6% with no religion, and 2.3% other.
The culture and people of the Dominican Republic, like its Spanish Caribbean neighbors, is a blend of the cultures of the Spanish colonists, African slaves, and Taíno natives. This blend of cultures is most prominently seen in the food, family, religion, and music of this intriguing country!
Please contact Beth Stanley, our Latin American Program Coordinator, at 205-972-8382 to ask about adopting from the Dominican Republic. You can also email
Beth Stanley here. For special requests please call the Lifeline office at (205) 967-0811 or email Dave Wood, our International Director, here.
