10 Facts about the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the world. With over 10 million people calling it home, it ranks as the world’s 86th most populous nation. It’s not a surprise why so many people want to visit this country, with its picture-perfect beaches and plethora of rum.

The Dominican Republic is a gorgeous island nation, and here are 10 intriguing facts about it.

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1. It’s not a small country

It’s bigger than you think! The Dominican Republic has a total area of 48,670 square kilometers– 390 kilometers from east to west and 265 kilometers from north to south.

The Dominican Republic’s total land area is only a little bigger than two New Hampshires or about one-tenth the size of California. If you’re looking for a little state, go no further than New Hampshire. There’s a chance that the Dominican Republic will look little to Americans.

2. 5 million tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year

This figure is expected to double by 2023. The tourism sector is the main economic force of the Dominican Republic. The country is also the most popular spot for weddings and honeymooners.

This amazing nation has more restaurants than any other Caribbean nation, which is great news for visitors. Most visitors come from North America, specifically the United States and Canada.

If you are traveling from the US, you must learn about Dominican Republic entry requirements for American citizens. Anyone entering the Dominican Republic must have a valid e-Ticket, and Americans are no exception. Depending on your trip plans, you may also require a visa.

3. Dominican Republic gave birth to legendary baseball players

Baseball is as Dominican as speaking Spanish in Spain. Most kids in the Dominican Republic get their start in baseball at a young age.

Over a hundred Dominican-born baseball players currently play in the major leagues in the United States. Dominicans have produced many baseball greats, including David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Tejada, Juan Marichal, and Sammy Sosa.

4. The Dominican flag means two different things

The Dominican Republic’s national flag is the only flag in the world to feature a Bible verse. The “Dominican flag” also suggests the name of the national cuisine, La Bandera, which consists of rice, beans, and some meat, such as chicken or steak. The ingredients suggest the colors red, white, and blue—colors of the official Dominican flag.

5. The country has some beautiful beaches in the world

This is apparent. The Dominican Republic is the only Caribbean nation with more Blue Flag beaches than any other nation. If a beach has earned the Blue Flag, it implies it has been evaluated and found to be up to the highest quality, safety, and cleanliness criteria on a global scale.

6. Ecotourism

When it comes to ecotourism and preservation, the Dominican Republic is unrivaled. Three to five thousand humpback whales return to Samana Bay to give birth between January and March. 

National parks, reserves, and sanctuaries preserve roughly 25% of the land and coastline. As well as being home to the Caribbean’s lowest point, the Dominican Republic is also home to the Caribbean’s highest peak, Pico Duarte, at 10,417 feet (Lake Enriquillo exceeds 129 feet).

8. The world’s finest amber deposits can be found in the Dominican Republic

Amber Coast is another name for the North Coast. Dominican amber may be easily differentiated from Baltic amber due to its larger percentage of fossil inclusions and nearly transparency. One of the most trendy destinations in the Dominican Republic is the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata. Amber of exceptional quality can be mined there.

Amber is a fossil tree resin found in just a few spots throughout the world, and the museum’s collection includes a piece of amber with an ancient mosquito encased inside (which can be seen in the box office hit “Jurassic Park“.

9. Dominican rum is nothing to be compared

Thanks to a special distillation and aging procedure, the country’s rum has a reputation for being exceptionally smooth and flavorful. When it comes to Dominican rum labels, you can’t go wrong with the three B’s (Brugal, Barcelo, or Bermudez).

Other famous Dominican rum labels include Siboney and Vizcaya. Visitors to the Dominican Republic often partake in distillery tours and rum tastings. You can save a lot of buck by purchasing your favorite Dominican rum directly from the distillery instead of shipping it home.

10. From the island

Cigars made in the Dominican Republic are on par with those made in Cuba. The Dominican Republic is often referred to as the breadbasket of the Caribbean due to its central role in providing the region’s staple foods.

The Dominican Republic’s main agricultural exports include sugar, tobacco, cocoa, and coffee. The country is the world’s leading exporter of certified organic cocoa, also home to factories for many of the world’s most well-known cigar brands.

11. The Mecca of Watersports

Cabarete, on the north coast, is widely regarded as the kiteboarding epicenter of the world. Travelers from around the world come to this bay for its unique appeal. Another popular activity in Cabarete is windsurfing. Most surfers hang out at Encuentro Beach, which is a short distance down the road. Stand-up paddle boarding has exploded in popularity as a quieter alternative to surfing or kayaking on the ocean and rivers.

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