DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
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Land

The Dominican Republic includes the highest and lowest elevations in the West Indies. Its major mountain ranges and elongated, fertile valleys mainly extend from northwest to southeast and is known to have the most diverse topography for a single nation in the Caribbean region. You can go from a sandy beach to a cool, mountainous town over 500 meters (1,700 feet) above sea level in less than three hours.

The country’s coastline is no secret–racking up over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) in total, with hundreds of accessible, breathtaking beaches. More surprisingly, Dominican Republic is flanked by a series of grand mountain ranges, the most important of which–the Cordillera Central–is home to the Caribbean’s highest peak: Pico Duarte, sitting at 3,087 meters (10,128 feet). With 25% of the land consisting of protected areas, most of which are easily accessed, there are a myriad of reasons to venture off the beach.

Relief

From north to south, the Dominican Republic is flanked by five big mountain ranges– an inextricable part of its stunning scenery, providing sources of fresh water to the territory at large, and protection from major storms.

The largest and most important mountain range is often described as the Dominican Republic’s spine: the Cordillera Central, stretching across the center of the country, from the border with Haiti onto Constanza, Jarabacoa, and the central region. It is home to Pico Duarte, as well as two additional summits that rank among the top five highest peaks in the Caribbean region. This is the most rugged and coldest mountain landscape you’ll find–we call it our “Dominican Alps.” The second largest range is the Sierra de Bahoruco , in the southwest region, running parallel at an elevation of about 1,500 meters (nearly 5,000 feet). Nearby, the Sierra de Neiba hides Taino Caves and freshwater springs.

In Puerto Plata, the Cordillera Septentrional stretches from Montecristi to Nagua, at over 500 meters (1,640 feet). Lastly, the Cordillera Oriental, on the eastern side of the Dominican Republic, rises at under than 800 meters (2,625 feet).

Explore the Cordillera Central while in Santiago, Jarabacoa, or Constanza by going on a hike or climb, or take a drive through the hills of Puerto Plata–particularly along the Ruta Panorámica–for stunning views of the Cordillera Septentrional.

National Park

The Dominican Republic is home to 29 national parks. Located all around the country–from the southwest to the north, east, and center–these lush areas are as much of a treasure as the Dominican Republic’s multitude of sandy stretches. Near the areas of Punta Cana, La Romana, and Bayahibe, visit the Cotubanamá National Park –or Parque Nacional del Este–home to impressive Taino caves, and fresh spring waters. The park includes the offshore islands of Saona, the most important turtle-nesting site in the Dominican Republic, Catalina, and the sandbank of Catalinita, teeming with coral reefs and frigate bird colonies.
Off the coast of Samaná, Los Haitises National Park is one of the most breathtaking sights in the country. A series of giant rocks jut out of the sea, thick mangroves thrive in surrounding waters, and brown boobies and frigate colonies fill the skies.
Venturing northwest will lead you to the desert-like landscape of Montecristi National Park, home to El Morro, a limestone mesa towering over 200 meters (700-feet) over the Atlantic Ocean.

Near Jarabacoa and Constanza, in the mountainous center of the country, the twin José Armando Bermúdez National Park and José del Carmen Ramirez National Park are home to the majestic roof of the Dominican Republic and of the Caribbean: 3,087-meters (10,128-ft) tall Pico Duarte.

Those who venture southwest will have the reward of visiting Jaragua National Park, the largest of the Dominican Republic’s national parks, boasting UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status for its multiple ecosystems ranging from dry forests to cacti, home to the rhinoceros and Ricord’s iguana, approximately 400 species of flora, 130 species of birds, turtle nesting beaches, and flamingos.

Rivers, Lakes and Islands

With a multitude of mountain ranges, multiple rivers flow down the Dominican Republic’s plains. The most significant river is Yaque del Norte–born out of the Cordillera Central. The second most significant river body is the Yuna–formed in the central Cibao Valley, and emptying in the Bay of Samaná. One of the most beautiful waterways in the Dominican Republic is undoubtedly the Río Chavón in La Romana–you can hop on boat rides to see its magnificence up close, or kayak your way around. Emerald pools and cascades at San Rafael and Los Patos rivers, natural recreational parks set where the rivers meet the sea.

The most visited waterfalls in the country are the 27 Charcos de Damajagua in the Puerto Plata province.
El Limón waterfall in Samaná ranks among the most impressive in the Dominican Republic, rising at 30 meters (100 feet), and reached after an intense hike or horseback ride through subtropical forest. In Jarabacoa, waterfalls are a bona fide activity–with Salto Baiguate, and Salto Jimenoa, featured in the opening scene of the Hollywood motion picture Jurassic Park.

There are intriguing lakes in the Dominican Republic. The most unexpected is Lago Enriquillo, stretching across two provinces in the southwest–Independencia and Bahoruco. It is home to multiple bird species, as well as American crocodiles. The most stunning Islands are Saona and Catalina, two of three plots reached by boat from the eastern fishing village of Bayahibe, starting 19 kilometers (12 miles) offshore. Part of a protected national park, the partially-inhabited Isla Saona counts multiple white sand beaches, including La Palmilla, the largest natural pool in the Caribbean with shallow, crystal turquoise waters teeming with starfish, corals, and other tropical critters. The islands’ waters are popular with experienced divers, who come here to explore shipwrecks and caves.

Climate

The Dominican Republic has a tropical rainforest climate in the coastal and lowland areas. Due to its diverse topography, Dominican Republic's climate shows considerable variation over short distances and is the most varied of all the Antilles. The annual average temperature is 25 °C (77 °F). At higher elevations the temperature averages 18 °C (64.4 °F) while near sea level the average temperature is 28 °C (82.4 °F). Low temperatures of 0 °C (32 °F) are possible in the mountains while high temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) are possible in protected valleys. January and February are the coolest months of the year while August is the hottest month. Snowfall can be seen in rare occasions on the summit of Pico Duarte. The wet season along the northern coast lasts from November through January. Elsewhere the wet season stretches from May through November, with May being the wettest month. Average annual rainfall is 1,500 millimetres (59.1 in) countrywide, with individual locations in the Valle de Neiba seeing averages as low as 350 millimetres (13.8 in) while the Cordillera Oriental averages 2,740 millimetres (107.9 in). The driest part of the country lies in the west.

Business

The Dominican Republic has a mixed economy based largely on services (including tourism and finance), trade, manufacturing, telecommunications, and construction; agriculture and remittances from the many Dominicans living abroad are also important. Agricultural production (mainly sugarcane, with smaller amounts of coffee, cacao, and tobacco) was the economic mainstay until the late 20th century, when the economy became more diversified.

The country is the site of the second largest gold mine in the world, the Pueblo Viejo mine.

Agriculture

The Dominican Republic produces much of its own basic food, as well as a considerable amount for export, which is unlike the case in most other Caribbean nations. Agriculture accounts for about one-eighth of both the gross domestic product (GDP) and the workforce. Sugarcane remains the main cash crop; however, sugar prices fell during the 20th century, and coffee, cacao, and other export-oriented crops have become more prominent.
Rice, tomatoes, vegetables, animal hides, bananas, other tropical fruits, root crops, and sorghum are also important. The tourist trade in the country has increased local demand for chickens, eggs, pork, beef, and dairy products, which Dominican farmers have produced in greater amounts.

Industry

Petroleum refining has grown in importance, and locally made textiles and finished clothing—particularly shoes, shirts, and hats—have replaced some imports. Wooden, metal, and plastic furniture has become important on both domestic and foreign markets. Maquiladoras and other factories assemble products for export, mainly in duty-free-port zones. The food-processing and beverage industries produce rum, beer, and numerous other items. Small factories turn out consumer goods such as soap, candles, rope, cigars, concrete blocks, cement, and tiles.

Tourism

Tourism has become one of the Dominican Republic’s most important sources of foreign exchange, and since the mid-1980s the country has been one of the Caribbean’s more popular tourist destinations. The favourable climate, beautiful beaches, restored Spanish colonial architecture, and relatively low prices have drawn an increasing number of foreign visitors and encouraged the building or expansion of resorts and airports on the northern, eastern, and southern coasts.

In addition, a significant number of visitors have availed themselves of the country’s liberal divorce code. The United States accounts for the majority of vacationers; smaller numbers come from Canada, Italy, and other European nations. The main tourist sites are La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and the colonial centre of Santo Domingo, which was designated a World Heritage site in 1990.

Taxation

Taxation in the Dominican Republic is governed by Law No. 11-92 of May 31, 1992, commonly known as the Tax Code. Taxes are collected by the Taxation Office known as the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos, or DGII.

Income Tax
All income which comes from work or business activities within the Dominican Republic is taxable, but not work from overseas. Everyone has to pay tax if they earn sufficiently within the country, no matter if the person is a Dominican, a resident foreigner, or a non-resident foreigner. You are said to be resident if you have been in the country for more than 182 consecutive days.

Income derived from work done outside of the Dominican Republic, by Dominicans or resident foreigners, is not taxable in the Dominican Republic. However, Dominicans and resident expats must pay taxes in the Dominican Republic on any income from overseas investments, once the expat has been a legal resident for three years. Note that any pensions or social security are not taxable.

Corporation Tax
Corporations and any other for-profit organizations pay a flat 27% income tax rate on net taxable income, and they must file a tax declaration before April 30.

Property Tax
A 1% annual tax is payable on any property owned by individuals, based on the value of the property as appraised by the government authorities. However, the 1% is calculated only for values exceeding RD$6.5 million pesos which is US$135,000.

Calculating your taxes in Dominican Republic
If you are working for a Dominican company, it is standard for them to retain 10% of your salary to pay tax. If you are self-employed you have to also pay tax on a monthly basis based on estimated earnings.

Security and safety

The police force is organized on a national basis and is sometimes seen as a rival to the army. Detective work is carried on by the National Department of Investigations (Departamento Nacional de Investigaciones; DNI) Millions of Tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year without problems, however, crime remains a serious problem in this Caribbean nation. Violent crime only rarely touches visitors, but property crimes are much more common and sometimes tourists are specifically targeted. Credit-card fraud is a particular concern.

Although security tends to be better in tourist areas, as in any other area of the world, pay special attention to remote areas, especially at night. Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of money or expensive items such as smartphones or cameras on the street. Use a hotel safe when possible. Do not leave bags or other objects on chairs or tables in restaurants or bars.

Education and Academies

Education

Preschool education is organized in different cycles and serves the 2–4 age group and the 4–6 age group. Preschool education is not mandatory except for the last year. Basic education is compulsory and serves the population of the 6–14 age group. Secondary education is not compulsory, although it is the duty of the state to offer it for free. It caters to the 14–18 age group and is organized in a common core of four years and three modes of two years of study that are offered in three different options: general or academic, vocational (industrial, agricultural, and services), and artistic. Some public and private vocational education is available, particularly in the field of agriculture, but this too reaches only a tiny percentage of the population.

University

The higher education system consists of institutes and universities. The institutes offer courses of a higher technical level. The universities offer technical careers, undergraduate and graduate; these are regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, founded in 1538, is the oldest institution of higher education in the New World. It was originally affiliated with the Roman Catholic church, but in the early 19th century its religious ties were severed; the university was reorganized in 1914, and the national government now provides most of its funding.

The private Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University, located in Santo Domingo, was founded (1966) in part to counter the politicizing of the public university. It received support from the Roman Catholic church, prominent business leaders, and the national and U.S. governments. Apec University (1965) is also located in Santo Domingo, whereas Central del Este University (1970) is in San Pedro de Macorís. The Madre e Maestra Pontifical Catholic University (1962) is based in Santiago but also has a campus in the capital.

The country boasts one of the ten most important design schools in the region, La Escuela de Diseño de Altos de Chavón, which is making the country a key player in the world of fashion and design. Noted fashion designer Oscar de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, and became a US citizen in 1971.

Health

Public medical facilities in Dominican Republic are generally limited. Private hospitals offer good standards of care, although reports indicate that some establishments may overcharge. Dentistry is adequate. A good range of medicines is available, including some normally only available on prescription in the UK.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance in Santo Domingo dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. Outside Santo Domingo (e.g. Punta Cana, Puerto Plata) contact the tourist police (1-809-200-3500). You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Daily life and social customs

Dominicans have a reputation for being among the friendliest people you’ll meet. They exude passion–in the way they speak a mile a minute, the way they dress, and dance, and in their embrace of their fellow human being, be it neighbor or visitor. Their explosive energy could be explained in their mélange of Taino, African, and European roots.

While modernism and globalization have modified the way of life in the big and small cities, Dominicans remain the same in their people-to-people interactions. Courtesy and hospitality are core values, particularly in the countryside. Coming to the aid of visitors or a neighbor, and sharing a plate of food are considered normal. Family is of the utmost importance, to be cared for and cherished. Head to the beach or to the river on the weekends, and you will see how Dominicans love to spend their free time with their loved ones, cooking outdoors and sharing jokes.

The normal working week is 40 hours with an eight hour workday from 9am until 5pm from Mondays to Fridays. However a quite a few businesses still close for a siesta that lasts for around two hours in the middle of the day. In some companies, the remaining four hours will be on Saturdays.
Part-time employees work at least 29 hours per week.

The business culture in the Dominican Republic is quite an informal one in which networking and personal contacts are of importance. Business relations are especially based on trust so it is of a great importance to make frequent trips in the country to meet your clients or contacts in person.
In Dominican work culture, it is important to be respectful and deferential to senior business people, the business world also tends to be very male dominated, and there are few women in business.

National holidays on February 27 and August 16 commemorate the country’s independence struggles. Other holidays are largely defined by the calendar of the Roman Catholic church, but the way in which they are celebrated reveals a mixture of official church and ancient folk traditions.
Carnival, observed during several weeks preceding Lent, is especially colourful in Santiago. Masked and costumed men and boys circulate in the streets, hitting each other with inflated pig and goat bladders and chanting traditional rhymes intended to provoke each other to what is today usually only playful retaliation.
Their masks are usually homemade and constitute a recognized art form in the country.

Food and drink

There is a plethora of Dominican dishes, ranging from soups and stews to street side fried snacks, and sweet coconut desserts. Beyond the classic Caribbean rice and beans plate are staple specialties unique to the Dominican Republic.

Breakfast consists of a plate affectionately called “los tres golpes” or the three hits: mangú–a typically Dominican dish made of mash of green plantains, topped with red onions simmered in a vinegar sauce–fried cheese, and fried salami. You can add on fried eggs for good measure.

Lunch is the main meal of the day. The typical dish is the bandera dominicana or Dominican Flag: a heaping plate of rice and beans– with chicken or meat, a side salad with avocado, and tostones–crispy, fried and flattened plantains. There are multiple rice varieties, including moro con guandules or rice with pigeon peas, and locrio –a rice dish that resembles paella with seasoned rice and chicken, or other meat.
Sancocho has even more symbolic weight as it is often made for a special occasion–including on New Year’s eve­–to be shared with family and loved ones.
Another quintessential Dominican food is pasteles en hoja. Often served at Christmas, these are the Dominican version of tamales, although made with plantain dough, filled with meat, and wrapped in a plantain leaf.
In Samaná for instance, seafood is often simmered or cooked with coconut.

The most unique of Dominican desserts are habichuelas con dulce–a sweet bean dessert mostly consumed at Easter time, but it can be found in various bakeries at other times of the year.
The most popular desserts are coconut-based, milk-based, and corn-based. The coconete is a crunchy, round shaped coconut cookie. Tres leches cake is a must-try, as is majarete, a sweet corn pudding sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Dominicans love their street foods, particularly at night, and their frituras or fried snacks. One of the most commonly picks, particularly at night, is the chimichurri or “ chimi”–a juicy Dominican version of a burger, filled with a combination of grilled, seasoned meat, cabbage, onions, and tomatoes, thrown inside toasted white bread, and smothered in mayonnaise and ketchup. It is served in a small plastic bag to catch the falling bits, which you must then empty out by hand. Pica pollo or double-fried chicken is among the most popular finds roadside, as is chicharrón de cerdo or fried pork rinds.

Among the drinks we can mention: Mamajuana is a must-try while in the Dominican Republic. Bottles are sold almost everywhere, from souvenir shops, restaurants, markets, and roadside. This is a potent herbal drink, made from a fermented mix of cured tree barks, herbs, red wine and rum.
A handful of beers are made in the Dominican Republic, including craft beers found in a few places around the country. The most popular brand is the world famous Presidente beer, made by Cervecería Nacional Dominicana since 1935.
Dominican rum is produced by several big brands, the most popular two being Brugal and Barceló. Ron Bermúdez dates back to the 19th century, with white and golden premium varieties.

Sports and recreation

Sports are a central part of the culture of the Dominican Republic, and have been practiced in the whole territory since the native inhabitants were living in the island. Sports play a key role in the culture and makeup of Dominican Republic society.

A number of sports are popular in the Dominican Republic, including volleyball, golf, basketball, soccer and horse racing.

But baseball is far and away the most popular sports in the Dominican Republic and have long, rich traditions.

Not just the USA’s game, beísbol is part of the Dominican social and cultural landscape. So much so that ballplayers who have made good in the US major leagues are without a doubt the most popular and revered figures in the country. Over 400 Dominicans have played in the major leagues (in 2007 there were 99 Dominicans, around 10% of all major leaguers).

Water sports in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic has such a diverse shore line here in the country that is sure to please every type of human. Some shores are rough and rocky, covered with broken shells or rocks. There are beaches that have pure white sand and calm clear waters and others that have very dark sand and darker waters both having beaches suitable for swimming. There are cliffs and places where the water crashes into the coral shore where no one in their right minds would ever think of entering.There are places for scuba-diving and snorkeling both for the novice and expert alike. We have reef diving, good visibility, warm waters, wrecks, caverns and a rich marine life.

Snorkeling & Diving
Good dive sites include Sosúa (near Puerto Plata); Cabrera (freshwater cave diving with an underground lake); Las Terrenas; the Sasmaná peninsula; Punta Rucia (good for coral diving); La Caleta National Underwater Park (accessible by boat from Boca Chica); Catalina and Saona islands (accessible by boat from La Romana); and Barahona (an area currently being developed for ecotourism). One can rent or borrow snorkeling and diving equipment from their hotels of from many dive operators located at almost every beach area.

Kiteboardingis available in the town of Cabarete. This beach has a world wide reputation as one of the best beaches to practice the sport.

Surfing
Try some surfing in Dominican Republic. Surfing is becoming more and more popular over the entire island. Dominican Republic does have a pretty decent surf happening. The average water temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius) so you do not need a wetsuit. The air temperature is on average in the high 80 degrees Fahrenheit (20¹s Celsius). The sun usually is shining, even when it rains and is cloudy it never lasts a long time. Another good thing is there are no sharks in the area. But the best thing, as always, is the people you will meet while enjoying the surf and sun.

River Rafting
Magnificent rapids provide an exhilarating and beautiful ride through the canyons and along the rivers of the country. You want to get a real rush try this tour.

Hiking in Dominican Republic

Being the second largest territory in the Caribbean, and the most diverse in topography, means a plethora of hiking opportunities. National parks offer the perfect setting to start. Hike the Cotubanamá National Park, and hear the history of the Tainos as you pass along their caves. Explore Los Haitises National Park on land, a rarely visited part of this natural gem. For more challenge, Jarabacoa is home to the roof of the Dominican Republic and of the Caribbean region: 3,087-meter (10,128-ft) high Pico Duarte. Overnight expeditions lead to the peak at sunrise. Constanza offers a surprising side of the country few get to see, with breathtaking hikes through Valle Nuevo’s protected pine tree forests. Puerto Plata and Cabarete’s hills also offer plenty of organized hiking opportunities, through national parks, private ranches, and small villages such as Tubagua. Hiking knows no season, although summer rains can make trails muddier but more adventurous.