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THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
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Land information:
The Dominican Republic is wreathed in nearly 300 miles of eye-dazzling beaches, and is dramatically punctuated by five mountain groups (at 10,700 feet above sea level, Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain in the Caribbean). Boasting a total population of nearly 8 million people, 3.5 million inhabit Santo Domingo alone.
The rest of the country, measuring 18,712 square miles, which is twice the size of New Hampshire, is dotted with tiny villages and seaside towns. You'll find wide open plains where animals graze, and crops thrive; tropical rainforests filled with the chirps and buzzing of multi-hued birds and insects; and mangrove swamps, mother nature's richest eco-system. Called the "DR" by locals, the country is located on the Eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, a stone's throw from Puerto Rico, with both Jamaica and Cuba as close neighbours.
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History:
 Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola during his first voyage in 1492. Enchanted with the richly lush beauty of the natural harbours, finely sifted sand beaches, cool fresh mountain streams, bountiful green growth, and abundant tropical fruits, the Spanish established the first European city in the Americas, La Isabella honouring the Queen of Spain. Shortly after, Bartholomeo Columbus, Christopher's brother, created the city of Santo Domingo.
In 1697, France laid claim to the western part of Hispaniola beginning a drawn out tug of war with Spain for control of the island. Haiti became a Republic in 1822, and quickly occupied Spanish Santa Domingo which they held for 22 years. In 1844, the DR recreated a new nation calling itself the Dominican Republic. However, Spain had other ideas, converting the area back into a colony until 1865.
The United States, for reasons known only to them, became more than a little involved in the DR's internal affairs, even invading the island on two different occasions. As though this weren't enough, the controversial and megalomaniac General Trujillo took control of the Dominican Republic by military force, and ruled the impoverished country from 1930 until he was assassinated in 1961. 
Joaquin Balaguer followed. He believed in the excessive use of repression. Señor Balaguer lasted until 1978, was ousted, and returned to power once again. The United States invaded the island nation a second time.
Finally, in 1996, Leonel Fernandez was elected ending the years of dictatorship and repression. Though the Dominican Republic is based on democratic principles, accusations of government corruption are still heard occasionally today. But with a young urban based population on the rise, the past malaise of a "have and have not" society seems to be slowly disappearing.
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Population and Language:
The island country is made up of about 75% mulattos -- some of the most attractive people in the Caribbean. Those of unmixed African heritage total about 10%, while whites account for the balance of 15%. Given the strong Spanish and African influence, the DR's culture has thrived in recent years especially in music, dance, vibrantly colourful art, and literature.
Spanish is the language of choice, and French is scarcely heard at all (because of their longstanding animosity towards Haiti). German and Italian are gaining a foothold, and English is just beginning to take root. This is not to say that American culture isn't a source of fascination to the locals. But a nice balance is maintained between the cosmopolitan cities (Mecca’s of shopping malls, fast food restaurants, chain store outlets, movie theatres, even a bowling alley) and the relatively untouched rural, mountain, and seaside communities.
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Government:
 Closely paralleling the United States government, the Dominican Republic is divided into three branches: the Executive (President and his cabinet of ministers), the Legislature (Senators and Deputies), and the Judicial. The latter department differs from the U.S. in that it's based on French Civil Law, aka the Napoleonic code. Briefly, this means your case is handled by a judge, or judges, but not a jury.
The President, Senators and Deputies all run for four year terms and are independently elected. Although some 20 political parties vie with one another for power, the reality is that three -- the Social Christian Reform Party (PRSC), Reform Party (PR), and Dominican Liberation Party (PRD) -- truly control the power and the purse strings. While still struggling towards a true democracy, a new constitution enacted in 1994 gives hope for an optimistic future. This, coupled with an attractive residency program and favourable banking laws, makes the Dominican Republic one of the leading Caribbean choices.
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Infrastructure:
 The island supports 14 banks, including Scotia and Citibank. Ten car rental agencies operate here, many internationally recognized, e.g., Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar and Thrifty. Money exchanges (or Cambios) are common -- you'll even find a Western Union. Major shipping companies, free trade zone businesses, two International airports with five smaller venues, and an American Chamber of Commerce make doing business as a foreigner attractive.
Roads are well paved except when you get off the main thoroughfares. Here you'll need to keep an eye peeled for animals, people, even entire families, wandering the roadways -- and watch out for potholes and ruts.
U.S. magazines and newspapers are available in the larger cities -- cable TV offers 68 channels with the three networks, HBO, CNN, The Movie channel, Cinemax, the Sports Channel, and TBS presented in English. Electricity has a ways to go to equal U.S. standards. However most hotels, resorts, and popular restaurants provide backup generators. When building your home, you might want to include one of your own -- or, far better, appreciate the balmy evenings by candle light.
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Flora and fauna:
The warm Caribbean and cooler Atlantic make an ideal home for a variety of corals, sponges and sea urchins. Kingfish, tuna and the occasional shark appeal to the angler -- while the graceful angelfish, colourful parrotfish, mullet and boxfish are popular with snorkellers and divers. The mangrove swamps are home to the slow moving seal-like manatee, the gentle giant of the seas. The even larger humpback whales can be spotted between January and March on their annual migration to Caribbean breeding grounds.
You'll find iridescent hummingbirds, yellow-breasted bananaquits, small green and red coticas (parrots), and turtle doves perched in the rich exotic growth of the rainforestsand mountain regions. Expect to see pink flamingos, the great heron, small green heron, the elegant coal black frigate bird with flaming red neck pouch, loyal cattle egrets (each baby-sits his own personal cow), and goofy brown pelicans.
Turtles, iguanas, mongeese, wild pigs (imported many years ago) and crocodiles complete the zoological picture. Snakes exist but not in large numbers, and not of the poisonous variety.
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Electricity:
The Dominican Republic provides 110 volt electricity. A converter is not needed for U.S. appliances, however, you might consider a voltage regulator or surge protector for any delicate electronics.
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Sports and recreation:
With 300 miles of white and golden sand beaches, water sports proliferate. Besides scuba and snorkelling, you'll find sail boating, wind surfing, kayaks, pedal boats, and deep sea fishing. Move on shore for a large selection of golf courses, a number of tennis courts, beach volley ball, basketball, the national craze of baseball (thanks to Tommy Sosa), bicycling, mountain hiking, river rafting, and sun worshiping -- that is a sport, isn't it? Some of the resorts offer casinos while most have fitness/workout areas. Walking on the beach, wriggling your toes in warm azure seas, is always popular.
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Currency:
 The Dominican Republic peso fluctuates against U.S. currency. At this writing, 23.46 pesos equal one U.S.$. There are several ATM machines in the larger cities, money exchanges (Cambios) all over the place, and of course banks. Generally, you'll receive a better rate using cash and traveller's checks. Credit cards, especially VISA and MasterCard, are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants but some may carry a small surcharge. It's always wise to travel with bills in small denominations for tipping. Also, keep in mind that small boutiques and shops may only deal in cash. The farther you are from major cities and tourist centres, the more you can expect to deal only in pesos.
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Getting there:
Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo are major non-stop destinations from several cities in the U.S. American Airlines provides service from Miami, New York, and San Juan; Continental from Newark; and US Air from Philadelphia. Or connect throughout Central and South America using COPA Airlines. If coming from Europe, you can fly non-stop from Madrid on IBERIA, Munich on Lufthansa, Dusseldorf on LTU, and Amsterdam on Martinair.
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Time:
During the winter, the Dominican Republic is one hour ahead of New York. Because they don't have daylight savings time, they're on the same time as New York in the summer.
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Communication:
 The international land code is (809). International conversations are rather expensive, especially from hotels. The bests is tobuy a telephone pre-payment card of Codetel (GSMis not working here) you can use also one of the many Internet cafés - the prices are reasonable for both the Internet and telephone calls.
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Tourist cards and residency:
A valid passport, along with a tourist card is necessary for U.S. citizens and Canadians to enter the Dominican Republic. Your tourist card is provided by your airline for $10 -- this is valid for 90 days. All international travellers are charged a departure tax of $10 payable in U.S. currency only.
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Climate:
 Tropically with a lot of sun and an average temperature of such 25°C. August is the warmest month and inthe mountains it’sgenerally cooler. Most of the rain falls in May and July and ifrain falls then it isgenerally short, forceful showersat the beginning of the evening.
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Food and drinks:
it is advise exclusively to use mineral water unless it is mentioned differently. The Dominican cuisine are especially Creole orientated with influences of other Caribbean islands. Some specialities are: Moro de Habichuelas (rises with beans), Pastelon (vegetable omelette), Sancocho (meal with 18 different types meats and vegetable), Sopa Criolla Dominicana (soup with vegetables and meat) there exist also some meals which come from the original Taino Indians: Casabe, bread of cassava flour and
Catibia, pancake of cassava flour filled with meat which are then deep-fried. Here little beef is eaten, the majority of meat consumed is pork, goat meat, chicken and fish. And do not forget the innumerable deliciously tropical fruit such as the passion fruit, papaya and mango.
The national beer is Presidente (and is very good) the other national drinkis natural rum and comes in three well-known brands: Barcelo, Bermudez and Brugal.
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What to bring:
Being a tropical destination, loose fitting casual clothing is best. Shorts and sandals, or sneakers, are appropriate for daytime, while long pants and skirts are suitable for evenings. Throw in a light sweater or long sleeved shirt as it gets cooler at night.
The Caribbean sun is hot during the day so remember a sun hat, sun glasses to cut down on the glare, and the all important sun screen. Few complain of insect bites, but it's a good idea to carry repellent just in case.
The Dominican Republic is eager to tell you her tales, show you her wondrous country, and share her culture. Pack your sense of curiosity and adventure, throw in bundles of smiles, and you'll be rewarded by truly friendly people who hope you'll make their country your new home. Experience the unusual combination of new frontiers coupled with old world sophistication, and remember "mi casa es su casa." |
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