The Dominican Republic is a vibrant and diverse country located in the Caribbean region. It shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is known for its beautiful beaches, lively culture, and rich history. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about the Dominican Republic.
Interesting Facts About Dominican Republic
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The Dominican Republic Is Home To The Oldest City In The New World
Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of Christopher Columbus, founded the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, in 1496. The city’s Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many historic buildings and monuments.
Baseball Is The Dominican Republic’s National Sport
Baseball is a hugely popular sport in the Dominican Republic, with many of the country’s top athletes playing in the United States Major League Baseball. The country has produced many baseball legends, including David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, and Sammy Sosa.
The Dominican Republic Is The Only Country In The World To Have A Bible On Its National Flag
The Dominican Republic’s national flag features a cross, a Bible, and a palm leaf. The Bible represents the country’s strong religious heritage, while the palm leaf symbolizes peace.
The Dominican Republic Has Some Of The Most Beautiful Beaches In The World
The Dominican Republic is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Punta Cana, Boca Chica, and Playa Grande. Additionally, These beaches are popular with tourists and locals alike, and offer a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
The Dominican Republic Is The Second-Largest Country In The Caribbean
With an area of 48,442 square kilometers (18,704 square miles), the Dominican Republic is the second-largest country in the Caribbean region, after Cuba. However, The country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, which occupies the western third of the island.
The Dominican Republic Has A Diverse Landscape
The Dominican Republic is home to a diverse landscape that includes mountains, rainforests, deserts, and beaches. While The country’s highest peak, Pico Duarte, rises to a height of 3,098 meters (10,164 feet) above sea level and is located in the Cordillera Central mountain range.
Merengue Is The Dominican Republic’s National Dance
Merengue is a lively and upbeat dance that is a cultural symbol of the Dominican Republic. The dance is characterized by fast, rhythmic footwork and is often accompanied by live music.
The Dominican Republic Is Home To The Largest Lake In The Caribbean
Lake Enriquillo, located in the southwestern part of the country, is the largest lake in the Caribbean. In Fact, The lake is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species, including American crocodiles and pink flamingos.
Interesting Facts About Dominican Republic That Will Blow Your Mind
- Pico Duarte in the Central Mountain Range of the Dominican Republic reaches an elevation of 3,098 meters above sea level. Making it the highest peak in the Caribbean. On the other hand, between the provinces of Bahoruco and Independencia lies Lake Enriquillo, which is the lowest point in the Caribbean. Sitting 46 meters below sea level.
- The Dominican Republic served as the filming location for several movies, including The Godfather II, Jurassic Park, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
- The colonial city in the capital Santo Domingo is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The architects designed the Columbus Lighthouse, also known as Faro a Colon, in the 1930s and completed it in 1992. Just in time for the 500th anniversary of the European arrival in the Americas. It is located in Santo Domingo.
- Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, was where the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas were established.
- The Dominican Republic’s national tree is the West Indian mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni), and the Bayahibe Rose (Leuenbergeria quisqueyana) is the national flower. The palmchat (Dulus dominicus) is the national bird, and although the country has not yet designated a national fruit. People widely grow and consume various fruits, such as mangoes and bananas.
- Baseball is the most beloved sport in the Dominican Republic, and more than 100 Dominican-origin players are currently playing in American professional baseball leagues, including David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, and Hanley Ramirez.
- Merengue, the lively and rhythmic music, and dance, originated in the Dominican Republic.
- From January to March, the Samaná Bay is a humpback whale sanctuary.
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Amazing Interesting Facts About Dominican Republic
- The Amber Museum in Puerto Plata displays fossilized tree resin, known as amber. Therefore It famously preserved a prehistoric mosquito in the movie Jurassic Park.
- Preserving around 25% of the land and shoreline areas, the Dominican Republic designates them as national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
- Moreover, The Dominican Republic is renowned for being a highly sustainable nation, with nearly all the food items served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner across the country being produced locally.
- It is home to the oldest colonial settlement in the Americas and was the site of Christopher Columbus’s first landing in the New World in 1492.
- The country boasts several firsts in the Americas, including the first Catholic cathedral, university, hospital, and capital city (Santo Domingo).
- The Presidential Palace in Santo Domingo served as the filming location for the Cuban Revolution scenes in The Godfather Part II.
- Armed forces personnel and members of the national police are not eligible to vote in the Dominican Republic.
- The Dominican Republic is the exclusive source of Larimar, a rare blue pectolite mineral.
- Pico Duarte, towering 3,098 meters, is the highest peak in the Caribbean.
- In the 17th century, several islands surrounding the Dominican Republic served as bases for buccaneers who pillaged Spanish trade ships.
- Puerto Plata boasts the only cable-car system in the Caribbean.
- The Dominican Republic produces Mama Juana, a unique alcoholic beverage made from rum, red wine, honey, tree bark, and herbs. It is also reputed to be an aphrodisiac.
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Fun And Interesting Facts About Dominican Republic
- To begin with, the town of Polo in the southwest of the Dominican Republic offers a unique experience of defying gravity. Specifically, visitors can park their car facing downhill in neutral gear at the “Magnetic Pole” (Polo Magnetico). However, it is important to note that the phenomenon is not a true anti-gravity anomaly. The shape of the road and the landscape create a simple optical illusion instead. Therefore, although the experience may seem surreal, it is ultimately just a trick of the eye.
- People in the Dominican Republic do not highly value or strictly enforce punctuality and timekeeping. They often view meeting and appointment times as more of a suggestion than a firm commitment. While this may be frustrating to non-Dominicans, it is a cultural norm that locals do not find concerning.
- Coffee, along with tobacco, sugar, cocoa, and tropical fruits, is one of the country’s major exports. Coffee cultivation on the island dates back to 1735, and it quickly spread to neighboring regions in Latin America. The Dominican Republic particularly excels in producing robust coffee with mild acidity, earthy tones, and a rich aroma. Arabica beans account for 90% of the coffee production on the island. They are highly regarded by coffee connoisseurs worldwide.
- The Dominican Republic is a relatively large country, spanning 48,670 square kilometers. At its widest point, it measures 390 km from east to west. And from north to south, it is 265 km long. Many visitors to the Punta Cana resort area are often surprised to learn that traveling to the north coast can take between 5-6 hours by car, despite its size.
- It’s a common gesture for Dominicans to pucker their lips and point in the direction of the person or thing they are referring to.