Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest European city in the Americas. The country won independence from Haiti in 1844 and shares the island of Hispaniola with it.
Culture
Merengue and bachata were born here, and baseball is a national obsession. Carnival in February and Dominican hospitality are famous.
Languages & Creoles
Spanish is the official language. Haitian Creole is spoken by many people of Haitian descent, and some Samaná families speak English.
Currency
The Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted in resorts.
Popular Attractions
Punta Cana's all-inclusive beaches are the biggest draw. The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, humpback whales in Samaná Bay and the mountains of Jarabacoa are favourites.
Food
La bandera (rice, beans and meat) is the everyday lunch, and mangú (mashed plantain) is a breakfast classic. Sancocho stew is a celebration dish.
Places to Visit
Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Samaná, La Romana and Jarabacoa.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres