In ancient times, the Taino tribes, which formed from a small group of immigrants from South America, lived on the territory of the present island of Haiti. The first European to set foot on this land was Christopher Columbus, who named this island Hispaniola. After that, the Spaniards began to settle here. The current capital of the Republic of Santo Domingo was previously the capital of all Spanish possessions in the New World. In 1697, the island was divided into the French part (west) and the Spanish (east), between these countries there was a constant struggle for borders. After the war between France, Spain and England in 1795, the entire territory was ceded to France. In 1794, slavery was abolished in Haiti, and the population, dissatisfied with the actions of the colonists, began to strike. In 1803 the French left the island, and in 1804 it gained independence. February 27, 1844 As a result of the uprising of one of the national movements, the Dominican Republic was proclaimed. In general, the country declared its independence 3 times. The United States immediately took advantage of such a precarious situation on the island – in 1916 they announced that the country was under their military control, after which their occupation began. It lasted until 1924, when American troops were withdrawn – Later, in 1930, the well-known dictator Trujillo was elected president, who eventually led the country to an economic crisis. Since 1961, after his assassination, the restructuring of the former regime began.
Religion in Dominican Republic
Catholics predominate among believers (95%), many residents are adherents of local cults.
Transport in Dominican Republic
There are no direct flights to the Dominican Republic from Russia. It is best to fly here with a change in Miami and New York, Madrid, Paris or Frankfurt, as well as in Lima. The country has 6 international airports.
Transport is well developed here. Modern luxury buses run between major cities and resort areas, while older buses and “gua-gua” minibuses run on local routes. This type of transport is quite cheap and convenient.
There are ferries between some coastal towns, such as between Samana and Sabana del Mar.
To rent a car, you must be over 25 years old, have a driver’s license and a credit card.
Plant and Animal World in Dominican Republic
Tropical forests grow in the coastal zone and mountain valleys. As a result of greater moisture, the northeastern slopes of the mountains are covered with tropical forests of red and logwood; mixed forests grow on the drier southern slopes. Giant cacti can be found in the southern part of the Dominican Republic.
Minerals in Dominican Republic
In the bowels of the country there are reserves of bauxite, nickel, gold and silver, deposits of copper ore and table salt are being developed.
Banks in Dominican Republic
Banks are open on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00.
Money in Dominican Republic
The official currency of the country is the Dominican peso. It is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesos and coins of 1 and 5 pesos and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. Tourists also accept US dollars as payment, but it is better to pay with local money. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at the hotel or at any exchange office (casas de cambio). Reverse exchange at the airport is possible with a certificate of currency exchange at a local bank, but usually no more than 30% of the original amount. The country also accepts credit cards.
Rate: 100 Dominican Peso (DOP) = 1.89 USD
Political State in Dominican Republic
According to politicsezine, the Dominican Republic is a democratic republic. The head of state and government is the president, the executive power is concentrated in the hands of the government, the legislative body is the National Congress.
Population in Dominican Republic
Most of the population is mulatto, the rest are either blacks or are of European origin.
Language:
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. On the border with Haiti, many people still speak French. English, German and Italian are common in tourist areas.
Cuisine in Dominican Republic
Legumes and a variety of vegetables are widely used in Dominican cuisine; rice, red beans, cassava, mashed wild bananas with mango onions and various salads are usually served as a side dish.
The national dishes that the locals eat on a daily basis are: thick soup with meat, rice and vegetables “asopao”, stew of meat, beans, rice, lettuce and fried bananas “bandera”, meat baked in banana leaves with vegetables “pastel-en- ojas”, fried pork “puerco en puya” or “puerco asado”, vegetable and meat stew “sancocho”, grilled pork with fried bananas. Rice and red beans in all sorts of combinations, cassava, wild banana puree with mangu onions and various salads are used as a side dish. Seafood dishes are less popular, you can try fish fried with coconut crumbs, fish in pescado con coco coconut milk sauce and crabs in cangrejo guisado sauce. For dessert, a variety of tropical fruits are mainly consumed. Rum is the national drink of the Dominican Republic. There are more than 15 of its varieties, the most popular are Brugal, Barcelo and Bermudez. Rum is consumed neat or added to cocktails. Of interest is the local alcoholic drink “pru” (fermentation product of the juice of the plant of the same name). Aromatic coffee is brewed everywhere.
