Nestled in the Greater Antilles archipelago, on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, lies the beautiful nation of the Dominican Republic. East of Cuba and Jamaica, west of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola is the second largest island of the Greater Antilles. The Dominican Republic shares the island with the country of Haiti on it's western border at a landmass ratio of approximately 2:1. The capital city, Santo Domingo, carries a long, rich history, being the first European settlement in all of the Americas. With 3 mountain ranges, a vast, low-lying valley and expansive coastline, the landscape of the Dominican Republic leaves little to be desired.

With a central location in the Caribbean islands, the Dominican Republic shares only a single continental boarder with Haiti to the east. The nation's landmass covers 48,921 square kilometers, making it the second largest country in the Antilles, second only to Cuba.

The history of the Dominican Republic is flushed with political turmoil, having been once ruled by the Taínos, who are estimated to have arrived on the island around 600 A.D. In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived, claiming the territory for Spain. The French took control of the Dominican Republic for most of 1795 to 1808, switching hands back to the Spanish then French again several brief periods in between. Spain reclaimed full control of the country in 1808 up until 1821, when the people of the Dominican Republic declared independence. Sadly, this lasted only 9 weeks until Haiti invaded in 1822. It wasn't until 1844 that the nation declared and sustained independence, although it was handed back to the Spanish Crown as a colonial territory from 1861 to 1865, then once again declared independent.

The mainland of the Dominican Republic consists of three mountain ranges, the Cordillera Central, which begins in Haiti and runs eastward along the island, followed by the Cordillera Septentrional and the Cordillera Oriental in the east. The fertile Cibao valley lies between the Central and Septentrional mountain ranges, home to most of the nation's farming land as well as Santiago de los Caballeros. Santo Domingo, the economical hub and capital city, is located on the central southern coast.

The Dominican Republic boasts the largest lake in the Caribbean, Lake Enriquillo, along with the highest mountain peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte, soaring 3,087 miles (10,128 feet) above sea level. A host of rivers run through the Dominican Republic as well, including the Bajabonico, Higuamo, Romana (or 'Rio Dulce'), Soco, Yaque del Norte, Yaque del Sur, Yuna River and the Yuma River. Hydro-electric plants and dams have been developed along many of the rivers and streams to supply a natural electrical source.

There are 7 islands in the south and a string of keys to the northwest off the coast of Monte Cristi that help make up the Dominican Republic. The largest two islands are Beata Island in the southwest and Saona Island to the southeast. Two smaller islands, Alto Velo and Catalina, lie further west. The remaining 3 islands, Barbarita, Cabritos and Islita, make up Lago Enriquillo.

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with two primary seasons, the Wet Season and the Dry Season. The Wet Season lasts from May to November, with periodic hurricanes from June to November. The highest levels of precipitation during the Wet Season are found in the northern and eastern regions of the country. The average temperature is 25°C (77°F) in January and 30°C (86°F) in July.

It should be noted that Bajos de Haina, located 12 miles west of Santo Domingo, suffers extreme environmental issues due to lead poisoning caused by a battery recycling smelter that closed its doors in 1999. The site was never properly cleaned, therefore continues to cause birth defects, learning disabilities and other problems in children born in the area.

The Dominican Republic's economy is a thriving one, reliant mostly upon natural resources and government services. The agricultural sector remains the most important in domestic consumption, being the second highest revenue from exported goods, second to mining. Services, however, have recently taken over as the leading employment opportunity, attributed greatly to the expanding tourism industry, which accounts for more than $1.3 billion in the nation's annual revenue. In fact, the tourism industry is the main source of rebuilding a fallen economy that faltered in the late 1980's and though it has grown significantly since the turn of the century, is still recovering.

Vacationing In Dominican Republic

The breathtaking coastline of the Dominican Republic, with it's amazing sunsets and copacetic surfing conditions make for a spectacular Dominican Republic vacation. However, the majestic mountain ranges and rolling plains provide a whole other beauty that should not be missed. No matter the individual preference, there is something awaiting each and every vacationer in this spectacular region of the Caribbean.

For those interested in planning a Dominican Republic vacation, you will find Dominican Republic.Rica24 is the perfect starting point. We provide in-depth resources regarding every aspect of a Dominican Republic vacation. From travel agencies, accommodations, dining and tourist attractions to public and private transportation - anything you may need to know before and during your stay in the phenomenally diverse regions of the Dominican Republic can be found right here.

Moving to Dominican Republic

From quaint to luxurious, private to centralized, the Dominican Republic offers a wide range of homes, real estate and investment opportunities for all who desire to move to or retire here. The consistently warm, tropical climate is splendid year round. Whether you are looking for something along the vast coastline, throughout the rolling valley or within the expansive mountain regions, real estate in the Dominican Republic is always available, and surprisingly cost efficient in most areas.

Dominican Republic.Rica24 provides Dominican Republic Real Estate listings, along with a complete Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in the Dominican Republic, which includes in-depth descriptions of property rights and type, purchasing procedures and methods, taxes and fees and most importantly, how to protect your investment. You'll also find detailed materials describing how to buy a car, how to obtain a driver's license, a temporary or permanent residency visa, educational and employment opportunities - virtually everything you could possibly need to know before moving to the Dominican Republic.

At DominicanRepublic.Rica24, our number-one goal is to shepherd you towards, and assist in the completion, of a spectacular vacation or successful real estate acquisition in the Dominican Republic. With a little help and expertise from Rica24, you can make your dreams a reality, whether they be investing your way to a wealthy future, or retiring in the magnificent island nation of the Dominican Republic.