Last updated on June 25th, 2024
54. The country experiences warm and sunny conditions for most parts of the year. For this reason, the climate of D.R. is also known as an “endless summer.”
55. Jarabacoa, known as the “City of Everlasting Spring,” enjoys an average annual temperature of around 68°F (20°C).
56. Severe storms are experienced in the country between June and October.
Facts about Dictatorship and Democracy, Wars and Politics
57. Dominican War of Independence: the Dominican Republic’s struggle for independence from Haiti culminated in 1844, led by Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Matías Ramón Mella, celebrated as the Founding Fathers, and marked by the Battle of March 30th.
58. The Dominican Restoration War led to the withdrawal of Spanish forces from the country. The war was fought between 1863 and 1865.
59. Between 1916 and 1924, the Dominican Republic experienced a period of U.S. occupation, undertaken with the goal of restoring order and managing financial affairs in the country. This intervention marked a significant chapter in the Dominican Republic’s history with implications for its political and economic landscape.
60. In 1917, the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce, and Consular Rights was signed between the United States and the Dominican Republic, playing a pivotal role in the subsequent withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country. This agreement marked a diplomatic step toward the restoration of national sovereignty in the Dominican Republic.
61. In 1930, Rafael Trujillo seized power in the Dominican Republic, beginning a dictatorial regime that lasted for 31 years. This period was marked by severe repression, human rights abuses, and the infamous “Parsley Massacre.”
62. In 1937, during the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo, the Parsley Massacre occurred. Trujillo ordered the massacre of an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Haitians along the border, using the criterion of whether individuals could correctly pronounce the Spanish word “perejil” (parsley).
63. During World War II, Dominican Republic welcomed Jewish refuges that run away from Nazi Germany. The government implemented programs for the refugees to be part of land development. The Dominican Republic Settlement Association plan was implemented to fund those programs which included the distribution of plots and cattle in Sosua, an old fruit plantation located 18 km off Puerta Plata. The refugees started dairy farms and became the pioneers of Producto Sosua that is today recognized as a premier producer of sausage, cheese, and milk in the country.
64. Joaquín Balaguer served as president for many years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the country’s history.
65. The first democratic elections were held in 1978. These elections were after decades of dictatorship, marking a crucial turning point in the country’s political history.
66. The iconic Dominican merengue song “Compadre Pedro Juan,” recorded in 1967 by Luis Alberti and later popularized by Johnny Ventura, became a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing the lively and rhythmic spirit of Dominican music worldwide.
67. The inauguration of Ciudad Trujillo in 1959, an ambitious urban project named after dictator Rafael Trujillo, showcased modernist architecture and extravagant buildings, symbolizing the grandiosity of the Trujillo regime.
Facts about Baseball, Olympics, World Records and Movies
68. Baseball is their national sport.
69. The formation of the Dominican Republic’s first professional baseball league in 1955 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s sports history, contributing to its emergence as a powerhouse in international baseball.
70. Dominican Republic has the second-largest number of Major League Baseball players. It stands second only to the United States. They have produced many world-famous baseball players.
71. In 1961, the Dominican Republic scored a home run in baseball history as the Alou brothers—Felipe, Mateo, and Jesús—formed an unforgettable trio, shattering records by becoming the first set of brothers to share the same outfield for the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball (MLB).
72. Juan Marichal is the only Dominican player who is a part of the Baseball Hall of Fame. He played a significant role in the 1990s as the first Dominican pitcher inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. He was also the first Latin American pitcher to pitch a no-hitter (in 1963).
73. The Dominican Republic’s first Olympic gold medal was clinched in 2004 by Félix Sánchez in the 400-meter hurdles at the Summer Games in Athens, a historic achievement celebrated for breaking new ground in Dominican sports.
74. Mangu, a traditional dish in the Dominican Republic made of smashed green plantains, is one of the country’s most popular dishes. They proved this in 2019 when they won the Guinness World Record for the largest serving ever prepared – a whopping 1000 pounds was served that day.
75. 4 Jack’s Bar and Bistro proved that the Dominicans love a good time. In 2016, they won the Guinness World Record for the largest glass of mojito ever served. The drink contained an amazing 700 liters of rum and 300 liters of Lime juice.
76. Along with drinking, the Dominicans love dancing. In 2019, the Dominican Republic set a world record for the largest merengue dance, involving 844 participants in Santo Domingo, showcasing the nation’s enthusiasm for its traditional music and dance.
77. Vicente García is a singer-songwriter with a diverse musical style that incorporates elements of tropical, folk, and pop. This Dominican Republican has received acclaim for his soulful voice and compelling lyrics. He won a Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2017.
78. The Dominican Republic also has a rich history shared with Hollywood, and some of the biggest blockbusters have been filmed all over the country. “The Godfather Part II” (1974) was filmed in the picturesque settings of Santo Domingo. “The Godfather Part II” features scenes shot in the historic Colonial City.
79. “The Lost City” (2005) is another movie filmed against the backdrop of the Dominican Republic. “The Lost City,” a film directed by and starring Andy Garcia, unfolds the gripping tale of a Cuban nightclub owner navigating the tumultuous era of the Cuban Revolution.
80. The Dominican Republic provides a cinematic canvas for scenes in “The Good Shepherd” (2006). This spy thriller stars Matt Damon and is directed by Robert De Niro. As the plot unfolds against the backdrop of covert operations, the Dominican Republic’s diverse locales contribute to the film’s atmospheric depth.
81. While the majority of “Jurassic Park” (1993) was filmed in Hawaii, the Dominican Republic’s lush landscapes provided the backdrop for some memorable scenes in this iconic dinosaur adventure.
82. Against the vibrant backdrop of the Dominican Republic, “Sugar,” (2008), a critically acclaimed sports drama directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, chronicles the journey of a young Dominican baseball player pursuing his dreams in the United States. The film skillfully captures the cultural nuances and challenges faced by the protagonist, offering a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the Dominican Republic’s baseball culture.
Fun Food Facts
83. Dominican dishes are majorly Hispanic-based. The food is always tastier when enjoyed at the motherland. For seafood-heavy dishes, visit Punta Cana or Boca Chica beach where there is plenty of fish.
84. The residents even have a patriot dish (traditional dish) referred to as Bandera, which means ‘the flag’. It is prepared with rice, red beans, and served with stewed meat (the colors depict the flag of the county). It is the most preferred meal for lunch in Dominican households.
85. Suspiritos is the other traditional meal and a simple-made dessert that combines egg whites, powdered sugar, and lime juice. It is eaten immediately and regularly served at baby showers and birthday parties.
86. Coffee is their national drink.
87. The favorite Dominican drink among the locals is known as Mamajuana or Mama Juana. It is a combination of red wine, rum, herbs, tree bark, and honey. The flavor is similar to that of port wine. The best part of Mama Juana is its aphrodisiac and medicinal qualities. It is believed to help with blood cleansing, kidneys, digestion, flu, and liver.
88. They have a beer named “Presidente.”
89. Can you ever believe that – “Merengue” is the name given to the Dominican Republic’s music? It (Merengue) is a Spanish word for whipped egg whites in sugar.
90. Voting is not permitted to the members of the armed forces and the national police.
91. Police in the country are very polite and helpful to locals as well as tourists. Do not be afraid to ask for help, when in need.
92. The people of the region are not punctual. Say, if you had a meeting with someone at 8 pm, you could expect them to arrive by 8:45 or 9 pm. Arriving late is a norm in D.R., so do not fret when you have to wait for someone to arrive.
93. Do not be surprised if you are handed a few Chiclets in return when you pay the bill and there is some change to be given to you. Businesses generally hand over something of equal value to your change when the situation demands.
94. People of the country are very thankful and religious. You will often read the statement, “God has blessed this business.” This signifies their belief in religion.
95. The majority of women in the Dominican Republic have curly hair. However, the women in the region like straight hair. Hence, they visit salons to get the job done.
96. This Dominican Republic fact is a little weird but funny! Honking your horn as loud as possible, in traffic jams, is considered very normal. Though honking won’t clear the traffic, it will still keep you busy during the trying times.
About the flag of the Dominican Republic
1. Design and Symbolism
The flag of the Dominican Republic is a symbol of the country’s values. It has a thick white cross of salvation in the middle that touches all edges, effectively dividing the field into four sections. The upper left and the lower right are blue to signify liberty. Meanwhile, the remaining red quarters represent the blood of heroes.
At the center of the cross is the national coat of arms. The shield echoes the design of the flag. On top of it are religious symbols such as a small gold cross and an open bible. Three spears appear on each side.
The shield supports are a bay laurel branch and a palm frond. Above it is a blue ribbon bearing the national motto: Dios, Patria, Libertad (God, Fatherland, Liberty). Underneath it is a red ribbon with the tips pointing upward. The words “Republica Dominicana” are written in gold letters.
2. Adoption
The Dominican Republic adopted the flag on November 6, 1863, based on the design of Juan Pablo Duarte, founding father and military leader during the Dominican War of Independence.
3. Technical Details
The flag has a ratio of 2:3. The hexadecimal values are 002D62 for blue, CE1126 for red, and FFFFFF for white.
4. History
Flag of the Captaincy General of Santo Domingo
Christopher Columbus landed on the island and claimed it for the crown of Castile in 1492. The colony became the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. Its flag features the Cross of Burgundy: a red sawtoothed diagonal cross on a white field.
Flag of the Republic of Spanish Haiti
Spanish rule lasted for over three hundred years. An independence movement led by Jose Nuñez de Caceres defeated the colonists in 1821. They established the Republic of Spanish Haiti with a horizontal tricolor flag. The top half is yellow, while the bottom is half blue and half red. Five white stars form a semicircle on the blue band.
The first Dominican Republic
In 1844, the first Dominican Republic came after expelling the Haitians. Their flag is similar to the current design, except the top sections are blue, and the bottom quarters are red. The center of the cross is empty.
Dominican Restoration War
In 1863, Spain reestablished a colony on the island. Dominican guerillas fought against them and eventually restored the republic. They used a version of the flag designed by Juan Pablo Duarte. The founding father spent his remaining years in exile in Venezuela. The coat of arms experienced minor modifications over the years, including rearranged elements like the supports and ribbons.
5. Flag Facts
The Bible on the coat of arms shows the pages for John 8:32. It reads, “And the truth shall make you free.”
The flag of the Dominican Republic is among 28 flags with overt Christian symbols.
It is also one of seven national flags that mirrors the design within its elements, as in the shield pattern in the coat of arms.
The Dominican Republic – country at a glance
| Independence | 27 February 1844 (from Haiti) |
|---|---|
| Capital City | Santo Domingo (19°00′N 70°40′W) |
| Largest City | Santo Domingo (19°00′N 70°40′W) |
| Total area | 48,670 sq km |
| Population | 11,459,508 (2024 est.) |
| Suffrage | 18 years of age, universal and compulsory; married persons regardless of age can vote; note - members of the armed forces and national police by law cannot vote |
| Government type | Presidential Republic |
| President | Luis Abinader |
| Vice President | Raquel Peña |
| Demonym | Dominican |
| Official Language | Spanish |
| Literacy | 95.5% (2024 est.) |
| Borders | Haiti (only land border) |
| Currency | Peso (DOP) |
| National holiday | Independence Day, 27 February (1844) |
| National anthem | "Himno Nacional" (National Anthem) |
| National symbol | palmchat (bird) |
| National colors | red, white, blue |
| Climate | tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall |
| Terrain | rugged highlands and mountains interspersed with fertile valleys |
| Mean elevation | 424 m |
| Lowest point | Lago Enriquillo -46 m |
| Highest point | Pico Duarte 3,098 m |
| Natural resources | nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, arable land |
| Agricultural land | 51.5% |
| Life expectancy | 72.6 years (2024 est.) Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life. |
| Birth rate | 17.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.) |
| Death rate | 7.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.) |
| Sex ratio | 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.) |
| Industries | tourism, sugar processing, gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco, electrical components, medical devices |
| Exports | $25.843 billion (2023 est.) medical instruments, gold, tobacco, power equipment, garments (2022) |
| Imports | $34.455 billion (2023 est.) refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, plastic products, crude petroleum (2022) |
| GDP - per capita (PPP) | $23,100 (2023 est.) |
| Time Zone | Standard Time Caribbean (UTC – 4:00) |
| Internet country code: | .do |
| Calling Code | +1-809, +1-829, +1-849 |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Table last updated | November 5, 2024 |