Introduction to Dominican Republic

Download or read book Introduction to Dominican Republic written by Gilad James, PhD and published by Gilad James Mystery School. This book was released on with total page 95 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola. It shares the island with Haiti, which occupies the western third. The Dominican Republic has a rich history, having been inhabited by the Taínos before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492. The country was then colonized by Spain, which brought African slaves to work on sugar plantations. The Dominican Republic gained independence from Spain in 1821 and then from Haiti in 1844, after a long period of struggle. The Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, merengue music, and delicious food, which includes rice, beans, and plantains. Its capital city, Santo Domingo, is home to the first European settlement in the New World and has a well-preserved colonial zone. The country also has several natural parks and reserves, including the UNESCO-listed Jaragua National Park, which is home to many endemic plant and animal species. The Dominican Republic's economy is largely dependent on tourism, remittances from Dominicans living abroad, and the export of goods such as sugar, coffee, and tobacco. Despite its many attractions, the country faces challenges related to poverty, inequality, and political instability.