Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean destination where palm-lined beaches, colonial cities and mountain scenery meet a warm, energetic culture. Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, it is one of the most visited countries in the Caribbean and a major hub for both resort holidays and city-based travel.

Santo Domingo, the capital, is home to the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the oldest European-built landmarks in the Americas. Punta Cana and Bávaro anchor the eastern coast's resort areas, while Puerto Plata, Samaná and La Romana are known for beaches, water sports and excursions. Santiago de los Caballeros serves as the main centre of the northern Cibao region.

Beyond the coast, the country offers varied landscapes that include Pico Duarte, the Caribbean's highest peak, the pine forests around Jarabacoa and Constanza, and Lake Enriquillo below sea level. Music, food and festivals are central to daily life, with merengue and bachata heard widely and celebrated at events across the island.

Tourism, agriculture and free-trade manufacturing support the economy, and the country regularly hosts conferences, sporting events and cultural gatherings. Its accessibility from North America and Europe also makes it a convenient Caribbean gateway.

A network of international airports, including Punta Cana, Las Américas in Santo Domingo and Cibao in Santiago, connects the country to major cities abroad. Domestic highways and resort routes make it practical to travel between airports, hotels, business districts, event venues and beach destinations.