The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. It is famous for its beaches, but there is much more to discover, from the oldest European city in the Americas to the highest mountain in the Caribbean. Here are 15 fun facts about the Dominican Republic to inspire your trip.
1. The Dominican Republic Celebrates Two Independence Days
February 27 marks independence from Haiti in 1844, and August 16, Restoration Day, marks the restoration of independence from Spain in 1863.
2. Santo Domingo Is the Oldest European City in the Americas
Founded in the 1490s, the capital is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, with the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the New World.
3. Merengue and Bachata Were Born Here
Merengue, with its fast, energetic rhythm, and bachata, with its slower, romantic sound, both come from the Dominican Republic. Both are on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
4. Pico Duarte Is the Highest Mountain in the Caribbean
At about 3,098 meters, Pico Duarte in the Cordillera Central is the highest peak in the Caribbean. Most hikers take two or three days to reach the summit and return, with guides and mules.
5. It Has Around 1,300 Kilometers of Coastline
From Punta Cana and Bávaro in the east to Samaná, Puerto Plata, and Cabarete in the north, the coastline offers calm resort beaches, surfing, kitesurfing, and diving.
6. Baseball Is a National Passion
The Dominican Republic has produced more Major League Baseball players than any country except the United States. Catch a winter league game between October and January for an unforgettable atmosphere.
7. It Is a World Leader in Premium Cigars
The fertile Cibao Valley, around Santiago, is one of the best tobacco-growing regions in the world, and the country is one of the largest exporters of premium hand-rolled cigars.
8. Its Landscapes Are Surprisingly Diverse
The country has rainforests, pine-covered mountains, mangroves, dry desert-like areas in the southwest, and Lake Enriquillo, the lowest point in the Caribbean and home to American crocodiles.
9. Samaná Bay Is a Whale-Watching Hotspot
Thousands of humpback whales come to the warm waters of the Samaná region each winter to mate and give birth. The best time to see them is from about mid-January to March, on regulated tours.
10. Larimar Is Found Only in the Dominican Republic
This sky-blue gemstone is mined only in the mountains of the Barahona province. The country is also famous for amber, which often contains ancient insects and plants.
11. Los Tres Ojos Hides Underground Lakes
In Santo Domingo, Los Tres Ojos ("The Three Eyes") is a series of open-air limestone caves with clear, turquoise lakes. Steps lead down to the water, and a small boat takes you to a fourth lake.
12. The Colonial Zone Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone has the Catedral Primada de América, the first cathedral in the Americas, and the Fortaleza Ozama, one of the oldest European fortifications in the region.
13. Dominican Rum Is World-Famous
Brands such as Brugal, Barceló, and Bermúdez produce smooth, aged rums. Try it neat, in a cocktail, or in mamajuana, a local drink made with rum, red wine, honey, and herbs.
14. Coffee Is a Daily Ritual
Dominicans drink small cups of strong, sweet coffee throughout the day, and the country grows coffee in its mountain regions, such as Jarabacoa.
15. Dominican Food Blends Taíno, African, and Spanish Flavors
Try "la bandera" (rice, beans, and meat), mangú (mashed plantains, often for breakfast), and sancocho, a hearty meat and vegetable stew.
Plan Your Trip to the Dominican Republic
Stay connected from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana with an egoViet Dominican Republic eSIM, and compare your options in our Dominican Republic eSIM guide. Exploring more of the Caribbean? Read our Puerto Rico travel guide.
FAQs: Fun Facts About the Dominican Republic
What is the Dominican Republic famous for?
The Dominican Republic is famous for its beaches, merengue and bachata, baseball, cigars, rum, larimar, and Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone.
What language is spoken in the Dominican Republic?
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in resort areas.
What is the best time to see whales in the Dominican Republic?
Humpback whales visit Samaná Bay from about mid-January to March.
What is the national dish of the Dominican Republic?
"La bandera," a plate of rice, red beans, and stewed meat, is considered the national dish.