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Dominican Republic
Quick Overview:
It's hard to say which is more likely to leave you breathless in the Dominican Republic (D.R.): the unspoiled scenery or the merengue - wonderful, sexy music that Dominicans seem to dance to 365 days a year. Sprawling over two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, the D.R. is a delightful, almost magical place. Its people are friendly and hospitable by nature; if you return their courtesy, they'll do their best to ensure that your vacation is memorable. The D.R. also happens to be one of the least expensive Caribbean destinations. Dominican towns and cities are generally not quaint, neat, or particularly pretty, and poverty is everywhere. However, the ever-increasing role of tourism in the economy is bringing about changes that benefit residents and visitors alike: major highways have been repaved; sidewalks, lighting, and signage in urban areas are being improved; and the banks are issuing low-interest loans to people who want to buy and restore colonial buildings. Many projects are in the works, notably the restoration of Santo Domingo's 16th-century Colonial Zone. Clearly the D.R. is realizing more of its vast potential. The country has several areas with all the attractions and amenities necessary for the perfect island vacation. Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited city in this half of the globe, and many visitors find it difficult to tear themselves away from its historic district, the Colonial Zone. Sun worshipers head to one of the many beach resort areas, perhaps Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, or La Romana, on the southeast coast; Punta Cana, on the island's eastern tip; Samaná, in the northeast; the Amber Coast or Puerto Plata, to the northwest; or Barahona, in the southwest. The highest peak in the West Indies, Pico Duarte (10,370 ft/3,171 m), lures hikers to the central mountain range. Ancient sunken galleons and coral reefs divert divers and snorkelers. And everywhere there's the breathtaking scenery, the land ever turning and twisting and towering into mountains before tumbling into the sea.
Geography:
In 1499, a group of explorers led by Amerigo Vespucci sighted Bonaire on one of their travels. Amerigo, who lent his name to the New World, found natives living in Stone Age conditions on the island. Following Spanish control of the island, the Dutch arrived in 1634. The Dutch had already acquired Curaçao--Bonaire's neighbor to the west--and it is believed they sought to protect their interests in Curaçao by controlling Bonaire. The island was used primarily for supplying livestock, corn and salt. At one point, the British occupied the island and leased it to a New York merchant for $2,400 per year, a fee which included the use of 300 "salt-mine" slaves. The Dutch empire returned to Bonaire in 1816 and established plantations for the growth of dyewood, cochenille, and aloes. In 1863, the economy collapsed with the abolition of slavery. Bonaire suffered a long period of economic depression until what was known as the "money-order economy" era, when Bonaireans migrated to Curaçao and Aruba for jobs in the oil industry. Automation of the oil industry in the 1950s eliminated many jobs and Bonaireans were forced to return to their homeland. They were spared economic depression when Bonaire was discovered, along with many other Caribbean islands, as an international tourist destination. The first hotel on the island opened in 1951. Salt-harvesting, long-dormant on Bonaire, was then rejuvenated. The island now boasts one of the most successful salt-mining industries in the world. Today Bonaire is part of the Netherlands Antilles (an autonomous part of the Netherlands). The Netherlands government is in charge of the kingdom's defense and foreign affairs, while other government tasks are carried out by each island country.
Related Links:
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News Dominican Republic News Dominican Republic Daily News |
Offical Sites President of the Dominican Republic |
Country Guides Hispanola Travel Guide Hotel Resources |
Education Education system explained |