Country Information

Caribbean, island of Hispaniola, east of Cuba.

48,072 sq km (18,561 sq miles).

10,219,630 (2013).

212.6 per sq km.

Santo Domingo.

Republic. Gained independence from Haiti in 1844.

The Dominican Republic shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with the nation of Haiti. It is larger than its French-speaking neighbour, making up the eastern two-thirds of the landmass. A series of mountain belts stretch across the border region, most notably in the form of the Cordillera Central; at 3,175m (10,414ft) the peak of Pico Duarte represents the highest point of the country.

The Dominican landscape is frequently forested and often undulating, with a multitude of valleys, plains and plateaux. The soil is fertile with excellent white beaches on the north, southeast and east coasts. Ten per cent of the country was set aside in the 1970s to be protected as national parks and science reserves, and, in spite of occasional hurricanes and fires, these areas remain largely intact. Today there are 17 national parks in the Dominican Republic.

Capital city Santo Domingo sits on the south coast (providing a popular stop-off for cruise ships), while the country's second largest city, Santiago, is located in the central northwest region.

The Reserva Cientifica Banco de Plata is an underwater park located off the north coast, set up to preserve a breeding ground for the thousands of humpback whales that visit each winter.

Spanish is the official language. Some English and French are spoken.

Almost all Christian, with 95% Roman Catholic; there are small Protestant and Jewish minorities.

GMT - 4.

The Dominican lifestyle is a mixture of American and Latino reference points. Though the culture is rich in Roman Catholic and Spanish influences, for example, 72-hour divorces may be obtained.

Daytime dress is generally casual but beachwear and shorts are only acceptable in resorts and at pools; it is rare for locals to enter a church wearing shorts or a T-shirt. In many areas, evenings tend to be smarter, with dressing up common at better restaurants, hotels and for social functions. Despite a relatively conservative culture, meanwhile, young female visitors to towns and cities are likely to draw attention, not always of the respectful kind.

110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.

President Danilo Medina since 2012.

President Danilo Medina since 2012.

In the most recent presidential elections, in 2008, Leonel Fernandez was re-elected with an absolute majority of 54%. He is seen by many as an innovative thinker, but has become more notable for his handling of the economy and a focus on technology than for any real progress in assuaging some of the country's pressing social issues. He had already served a previous term as president from 1996 to 2000.

When the January 2010 earthquake struck Haiti, the Dominican Republic - which was left shaken but structurally undamaged - responded by raising an impressively large amount of aid through public appeals.