The Dominican Republic

facts about the Dominican Republic

Location/Geography

  • The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Republic of Haiti.
  • It is the second-largest island in the Caribbean, with a surface area of 48,198 square kilometers.
  • Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south.

Population

  • The population of the Dominican Republic is more than 10 million people.

Time Zone

  • The Dominican Republic uses Eastern Time (GMT-0400).
  • It is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States.
  • The Dominican Republic does not practice daylight savings time, as is customary in the United States.

Capital City

  • The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo, which is the oldest city in the New World.
  • It has a population of almost 2.5 million people.

Government

  • The Dominican Republic’s political structure is based on democratic principles.
  • Every four years the country elects its president, vice president, and legislative representatives.

Language

  • Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic.
  • English is widely spoken in tourist destinations.
  • Tourist destination employees often speak English, French, and German.

Currency

  • Dominican Peso (RD$) is the official currency. 1 USD = 62.50 RDS 1 EURO = 72.50 RDS (Aug 2025)
  • Major credit cards are accepted at many tourist locations.
  • ATMs are located in almost all of the Dominican Republic’s cities.

Climate

  • The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical climate year-round.
  • Typical daily temperatures range from 66°F to 83°F (19°C to 34°C).
  • The coolest season is from November to April, and the hottest season is from May to October.

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