Information about the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean with a surface are of 48,198 square kilometres. The DR occupies the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispaniola with the Republic of Haiti owning the remaining third.
Population
- Just over 11 million (estimated 2023 – World Bank)
Government
- Current head of state and government is Luis Abinader (second term)
- The Dominican Republic’s political structure is based on democratic principles. There are three branches of the government: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. Every four years the country elects its president, vice president and legislators.
Language
- Spanish is the official language. In large expat communities such as Cabarete & Sosua in the North Coast you will find more English, German and Italian. When traveling outside of tourist areas or large expat communities it is suggested to have some basic Spanish.
Time Zone
- Local time is Caribbean Eastern Time (GMT -4000). The Dominican Republic does not practice daylight savings time as is customarily done in North America.
Capital
- The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is one the oldest cities in the new world. The Colonial zone is definitely recommended to visit.
