A charming Caribbean destination, the Dominican Republic sprawls over two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with neighboring Haiti. One of the least expensive Caribbean destinations, the Dominican Republic boasts the highest peak in the Caribbean Basin (Pico Duarte) and one of the Caribbean's longest stretches of white-sand beach (Punta Cana).

The Dominican Republic has a lot to offer explorers, party-goers and ordinary folks in search of relaxation. Natural wonders ranging from undersea gardens and offshore reefs to landscaped parks and flowing waterfalls entice with exciting opportunities by land and/or by water. Parades and dancing in the street are commonplace; the sonorous air is continually filled with sexy strains of merengue. Breathtaking scenery abounds, as the land snakes and curves through mountains and tumbles toward the sea.

European and African contributions abound in the Dominican Republic, particularly in its language and faith and its art and music. The Dominican Republic was inhabited for a time by Ameri-Indians, and then the Taínos welcomed Columbus in the 15th century. Control wavered from Spain to France to the United States until 1930 when "Little Spain" (as Columbus named Hispaniola) fell under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujilo. Political and social reform followed the death of Trujilo (1961) and today continues to characterize the progress and freedom of the Dominican Republic. Beneficial changes for both residents and visitors have resulted due to the ever-increasing role of tourism in the Domincan Republic's economy.

ONLINE RESOURCES
IIEPassport.org: http://www.IIEPassport.org
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
Lonely Planet: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/caribbean/dominican_republic/
StudyAbroad.com: http://www.studyabroad.com/dominican-republic.html

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