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General Data:
Capital: Santo Domingo
Official Language: Spanish
Population: 8.5 million (2002 census)
Geographical Area: 48,511.44 square kilometers
The island of La Hispaniola is the second largest of the Greater
Antilles, after Cuba. The island is shared by Haiti to the west.
The
Dominican territory occupies two thirds of the total surface area,
48,511.44 square kilometers.
The country has three mayor mountain ranges:
 The
Central range which starts in Haiti and crosses all through the center of the
country, ending in the south (San Cristobal just West of Santo
Domingo). This range includes the highest peak of the
Antilles, Pico Duarte (3,175 mts.). The Septentrional range
runs parallel to the Central range separated by the Valley of the Cibao,
Diego de Ocampo peak being its highest point. The Oriental range,
the shortest and lowest of the three is in the eastern section of the
island. Other smaller ranges are Bahoruco and Neyba in the South East region.
The country has a vast number of rivers many of which are capable of
navigation, such as Soco, Higuamo, Romana, Yaque del Norte, Yaque del Sur,
Yuna, Yuma, Bajabonico, Ozama (partially navigable) ect.
The nations capital, Santo Domingo
 combines
the sophistication of the modern world with the charm of the old
world and the passion of Latin America. This pulsating metropolis will
seduce you with its excellent gastronomy, vibrant night life and the
latest in international fashion.
Santo Domingo is the first European city in the Western Hemisphere and
has preserved an important part of its cultural heritage within the walls
of Colonial Zone
bordered by the Ozama River. The Colonial Zone includes an impressive collection
of
16th
century buildings, including stone houses and churches which
reflect the latter part of the medieval period. Santo Domingo prides
itself on having many of the new world’s firsts: the first cathedral,
the first monastery,
the first hospital, the first university and the first court of law.
 Recognizing
that Santo Domingo is the cradle of European civilization in
America. UNESCO declared the Colonial Zone Heritage of Humanity.
The cobblestone streets and centuries old façades have been turned into
picturesque cafes, bars, small hotels and well known restaurants.
In the ample plaza bordering the castle of Diego
Colon (the Alcazar), the museum of the Royal Houses and the 17th
Century
sun clock, the cafes of
the
antique streets come alive at night and welcome visitors and
residents who seek to escape the everyday run of the mill.
From there, the brilliant lights of the Columbus Lighthouse Monument
located on
the east side of the Ozama River can be seen.
 This mausoleum holds the
remains of Christopher Columbus. On clear nights the enormous
cross projected by the monument’s laser lights can be seen in the sky.
Nearby
the Tres Ojos (Three Eyes) park is another much visited place. It is
comprised of three underground lagoons located inside caves.
For the avid shopper Santo Domingo is a delight. It would seem as if
every international trademark wants to
have a presence in this city. You can find an abundance of beautiful
tropical clothing and bathing suits everywhere as well as marvelous
Dominican jewelry made of
 amber, larimar and bone.
When looking for that perfect gift to take back to family and friends
 don’t
forget the beautiful miniature farm houses which play Dominican music,
a box of aromatic Dominican cigars, smooth Dominican rum or the rich
coffee all at great prices.
From the ancient to the modern in Santo Domingo you can travel through
time visiting the local museums that celebrate all aspects of
Dominican life, past and present.
The museum of the Dominican Man, Museum of Modern Arts, National
Museum of History & Geography and the National Museum of Natural
History are all located in the Cultural Plaza a great place where
visitors can easily go from one to the other.
During the day you can also visit the National Aquarium, Botanical
Gardens and the Santo Domingo Zoo (ZooDom).
As dinner time approaches the selection is endless, whether you would
like to pick up something off the street like a quipe (Arab treat made
of wheat), a meat or cheese pie or be served a 7 course meal
in a luxurious restaurant that rivals those of any cosmopolitan city
in the world. In Santo Domingo you can taste dishes from practically every country in the world.
Meanwhile, not too far away in the discos and night clubs, the rhythm of merengue (the national dance), salsa and bachata can be heard
until
late hours of the night, especially on weekends.
Late at night, tourists can join the locals and dance the night away in
many of the night clubs like the fantastic Guacara Taina, the great cave
converted into a cultural center and discotheque.
The many casinos in the city stay open until the early hours of the
morning.
Quick Facts:
Language:
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken, as well as
Italian, French and German especially in tourist areas. Traffic signs
and most menus in restaurants are in Spanish, although menus in
tourist regions tend to be multilingual.
Clothing:
Light casual resort wear for day and night. Sport jackets and cocktail
attire is recommended for elegant evenings out in Santo Domingo and
some of the bigger resorts. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not
permitted in landmark churches, casinos and some restaurants.
Time:
On the same time zone as New York in spring (Eastern Standard Time)
GMT -04:00.
Daylight Savings is in effect year-round, so the time is one hour
ahead of New York in the fall.
Electricity:
110 volts/60 cycles, the same as the U.S.
Climate:
Tropical climate averaging 27 degrees Celsius ( 80° Fahrenheit) and
ranging from 18 degrees (64° F) in winter to 34 degrees (93° F) in
summer; the hottest month is August, the coolest is January. Trade
winds keep the air cool and fresh; temperatures can drop to 0 degrees
Celsius (32° F) in the mountains.
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