About DO
Location
The Dominican Republic is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean region. It occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island, with Haiti occupying the western third.
Capital
The capital city of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo, which is also the largest city in the country and the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
Population
The Dominican Republic has a population of approximately 10.8 million people, making it the second-most populous country in the Caribbean after Cuba.
Language
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish.
Religion
The predominant religion in the Dominican Republic is Roman Catholicism, with a majority of the population adhering to the Catholic faith. There are also significant Protestant and non-religious minorities.
Geography
The Dominican Republic is known for its diverse geography, including mountain ranges, rainforests, savannas, and coastal plains. The country is home to Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean, as well as numerous rivers and waterfalls.
Economy
The Dominican Republic has a mixed economy with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services contributing to its GDP. Tourism is a major driver of the economy, with the country known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and historical sites.
Currency
The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP).
Politics
The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy with a presidential system. The President is both the head of state and the head of government. The country has a multi-party system, with elections held every four years.
Culture
The culture of the Dominican Republic is a blend of African, European (primarily Spanish), and indigenous Taíno influences. Music and dance, such as merengue and bachata, play a significant role in Dominican culture, as do traditional festivals and cuisine.
National Items of the Dominican Republic
Palmchat
The Palmchat (Dulus dominicus) is the national bird of the Dominican Republic. Known for its sociable behavior and unique nest-building skills, it symbolizes the country's rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
Bayahibe Rose
The Bayahibe Rose (Pereskia quisqueyana) is the national flower of the Dominican Republic. This beautiful cactus flower, native to the country, represents the unique flora and the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Mahogany Tree
The mahogany tree (Swietenia mahagoni) is the national tree of the Dominican Republic. It symbolizes strength, durability, and the importance of timber to the country's economy.
Mangú
Mangú is a traditional Dominican dish made from mashed green plantains, often served with eggs, fried cheese, and salami. It represents the rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic.
Merengue
Merengue is the national music and dance of the Dominican Republic. It symbolizes the vibrant cultural heritage, rhythm, and joy of the Dominican people.
Larimar
Larimar is a rare blue gemstone found only in the Dominican Republic. It symbolizes the country's natural beauty and is often used in local jewelry.
Tambora
The Tambora is a traditional Dominican drum used in merengue music. It represents the country's musical heritage and African influences.
Cibao Valley
The Cibao Valley is known for its fertile land and is a significant agricultural region in the Dominican Republic. It symbolizes the country's agricultural richness and economic importance.
La Bandera
La Bandera is a traditional Dominican meal consisting of rice, red beans, and meat, often accompanied by salad and fried plantains. It represents the nation's culinary traditions and is a staple dish.
Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo
The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage site that represents the rich history and colonial architecture of the Dominican Republic. It symbolizes the country's historical significance and cultural heritage.
The national anthem of the Dominican Republic is called "Himno Nacional Dominicano" in Spanish. Here are the lyrics in Spanish and their English translation:
¡Quisqueyanos valientes, alcemos
Nuestro canto con viva emoción,
Y del mundo a la faz ostentemos
Nuestro invicto glorioso pendón!
¡Salve! el pueblo que, intrépido y fuerte,
A la guerra a morir se lanzó,
Cuando en bélico reto de muerte
Sus cadenas de esclavo rompió.
Ningún pueblo ser libre merece
Si es esclavo, indolente y servil;
Si en su pecho la llama no crece
Que templó el heroísmo viril.
Mas Quisqueya la indómita y brava
Siempre altiva la frente alzará;
Que si fuere mil veces esclava
Otras tantas ser libre sabrá.
Que si dolo y ardid la expusieron
De un intruso señor al desdén,
¡Las Carreras! ¡Beller!... campos fueron
Que cubiertos de gloria se ven.
Que en la cima de heroico baluarte,
De los libres el verbo encarnó,
Donde el genio de Sánchez y Duarte
A ser libre o morir enseñó.
Y si pudo inconsulto caudillo
De esas glorias el brillo empañar,
De la guerra se vió en Capotillo
La bandera de fuego ondear.
Y el incendio que atónito deja
De Castilla al soberbio león,
De las playas gloriosas le aleja
Donde flota el cruzado pendón.
Compatriotas, mostremos erguido
Nuestro frente, orgullosos de hoy más;
Que Quisqueya será destruido
Mas que es libre y que nunca será.
Que es santuario de amor cada pecho
Do la patria se siente vivir;
Y es su escudo invencible: el derecho;
Y es su lema: ser libre o morir.
Brave Quisqueyanos, let us raise
Our song with heartfelt fervor,
And let us all display, with fervor,
Our invincible, glorious flag!
Salute the land that is fearless and strong,
At the call of war, goes forth to fight,
Her dread voice sends forth, serene,
Challenging the notice of death.
The land of the free deserves no less
If it is the land of the brave in battle;
It is the duty of all citizens
To exalt is just honors.
But Quisqueya, the indomitable and brave,
Will always hold her head high in pride;
For if she is ever to be the slave
A hundred times her chains will be broken.
If deceit and treachery succeeded
In stifling the nation’s cry of grief,
Carreras! Beller! fields of battle,
Where their glory was born.
In the fight of heroic bards,
The word of the free was embodied,
Where the genius of Sanchez and Duarte,
Taught to be free or to die.
And if the reckless commander
Tarnished the glory of these deeds,
The flag of fire was seen flying
In Capotillo’s war.
And the astonishment left by the fire
Of Castilla, the arrogant lion,
Was removed from the glorious beaches
Where the Crusaders’ banner floats.
Compatriots, let us show proudly
Our forehead, prouder still today;
For Quisqueya shall be destroyed
But it will be free and will never be.
For in each breast beats a sanctuary of love
Where the homeland feels alive;
And its invincible shield is the right;
And its motto: to be free or to die.
