Dominicana - The Pearl of the Caribbean Sea
The Dominican Republic is fantastic people, an extraordinary history and modern resorts on azure coasts neighbouring primitive villages where you will discover the secrets of the local culture. It’s where everyone will answer the question “Vamos a la playa?” (Are we going to the beach?) with a resounding “YES!”.
The Dominican Republic – The Pearl of the Caribbean (by http2007)
Dominican Republic – its place in the world
The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean Sea after Cuba. It occupies the larger part of the island of Hispaniola, sharing it with Haiti. Although the histories of these two countries have common beginnings, they have developed in very different ways . As a result Hispaniola is inhabited by two separate, often hostile nations. The Dominican Republic and its splendid island neighbours Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the archipelago of the Lesser Antilles, constitute the truly heavenly, exotic and world-famous region known as the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic – history and culture
Before the Spanish appeared in 1492, the island was inhabited by the Taino and Carib “Amerindian” tribes, the latter giving the Caribbean heaven its name. The history of the Dominican Republic has been very turbulent, with violence, slavery and ruthless dictatorships. Throughout the centuries, Spanish and French settlers, as well as African slaves, have set foot on the island. Having survived a period of unrest , the local culture has become a true mosaic of beliefs, customs and rituals. The local traditions have blended with Spanish, African and American influences.
Natural Conditions
As many as 8 mountain ranges are located on the island, including the highest peak in the Caribbean – Pico Duarte at 1375 m. You can admire the charms of the flora and fauna in the splendid national parks of the Cordillera Central range. Here where springs the source of the longest river on the island, Yaque del Norte. Particularly enchanting are the coasts of the Dominican Republic, overgrown with thick mangrove forests, whose tangled submerged roots offer safe haven for exotic herons and pelicans. A rare curiosity - whales - sometimes appear in the Samana gulf.
The heavenly landscapes of the Dominican Republic (by itsallaboutmich )