Fact 1: Birthplace of the Merengue
The Dominican Republic is credited for being the birthplace of merengue, a music and dance style that originated in the early 19th century. The lively and fast-paced dance perfectly embodies the spirit of the Dominican people and their love for celebration and joy of life.
Fact 2: Home to the Oldest Cathedral in the Americas
The Catedral Primada de América, located in the capital city, Santo Domingo, is the oldest existing cathedral in the Americas. Construction began in 1514 and was completed in 1541. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a significant symbol of the country's Christian faith and rich history.
Fact 3: Hosting the Highest Peak and the Lowest Point in the Caribbean
The Dominican Republic is a land of geographical extremes in the Caribbean. Pico Duarte, standing 3,098 meters high, is the highest peak in the Caribbean Islands, while Lake Enriquillo, 40 meters below sea level, accounts for the lowest point in the region.
Fact 4: The Country with the Most Dominicans
Although it may sound obvious, the Dominican Republic, with its population of around 10 million, harbors the highest concentration of Dominicans on the globe. The second hardest place in which to find Dominicans is the U.S, with around two million living primarily in New York and New Jersey.
Fact 5: The “Cocoa Country”
The Dominican Republic is among the top 10 producers of cocoa in the world and it's the largest producer in the Caribbean. They export a significant proportion of their cocoa to the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Fact 6: Housing the Oldest Surviving European Settlement in the Americas
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, brother of the famous Christopher Columbus. This makes it the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
Fact 7: The Dominican Republic Stands for the Dancers
Dominicans definitely have a rhythm in their blood. Besides merengue, it's known as the creator of the bachata, a popular dance style that incorporates elements of Cuban bolero and son.
Fact 8: Amber Museum
The Dominican Republic boasts an extraordinary Amber Museum in Puerto Plata. The amber here is famous for its clarity and for the variety of ancient creatures trapped inside for millions of years. Blue amber, a rare variety, is specifically found in abundance in the Dominican Republic.
Fact 9: Only Flag with a Bible
The Dominican Republic’s flag is the only national flag in the world that features the image of a Bible. This represents the country’s deep-rooted Christian beliefs and values.
Fact 10: An Economically Dynamic Nation
The Dominican Republic has one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean and Latin American region, mainly bolstered by tourism, agriculture, mining, and telecommunications.
Fact 11: Land of Great Baseball Players
Dominicans have a deep love for baseball. It’s estimated that one in six Major League Baseball players in the U.S. are of Dominican descent. Notable players include Sammy Sosa, Pedro Martinez, Juan Marichal, and David Ortiz.
Fact 12: The Larimar Stone: The Gem of the Caribbean
The Larimar Stone, also called "The Blue Stone of Atlantis," is found only in the Dominican Republic. This rare blue variety of pectolite is used in jewelry and admired for its beautiful shades reminiscent of Caribbean seas.
Fact 13: Christopher Columbus’ Burial Site
The famous explorer's remains are said to be buried in the Columbus Lighthouse in Santo Domingo, a modern and controversial monument built in his honor.
Fact 14: The Dominican Republic is an Alpha World City
Santo Domingo, the capital, is listed as an alpha world city. It's an important hub of commerce, finance, and transportation, and has the largest economy out of all the other cities in the Caribbean.
Fact 15: Home to the Oldest Street in the Americas
The Calle Las Damas in Santo Domingo is the oldest paved street in the Americas. It's lined with many historic structures, and it dates back to 1502.
Fact 16: Owns Two Major Lakes
The Dominican Republic is home to two of the largest lakes in the Caribbean – Lake Enriquillo and Lago de Oviedo, which are also important nature reserves providing habitat for abundant wildlife.
Fact 17: Houses the Largest Gold Deposits in the Caribbean
The Dominican Republic is home to Pueblo Viejo, one of the largest gold deposits in the Caribbean. It's operated by Barrick Gold and Newmont Corporation, two of the world's largest gold mining companies.
Fact 18: Among the largest Caribbean Nations by Land Size
The Dominican Republic is the second largest nation in the Caribbeans by land size, trailing only behind its neighbor Cuba.
Fact 19: Strong Coffee Culture
Coffee is a significant cultural staple for Dominicans. They're known for their strong, espresso-style brew, which is typically enjoyed throughout the day. The country is also one of the top 10 coffee exporting nations in the world.
Fact 20: The Country Got its Name from the Capital City
The rare instance of a country being named after its capital city is seen in the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo, named after Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order, lent its name to the country.