Description

The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries. Both by area and population, the Dominican Republic is the second largest Caribbean nation (after Cuba), with 48,442 square kilometres (18,704 sq mi) and an estimated 10 million people.

Inhabited by Taínos since the seventh century, the territory of the Dominican Republic was reached by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and became the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas, namely Santo Domingo, the country's capital and Spain's first capital in the New World. In Santo Domingo stand, among other firsts in the Americas, the first university, cathedral, and castle, the latter two in the Ciudad Colonial area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After three centuries of Spanish rule, with French and Haitian interludes, the country became independent in 1821 but was quickly taken over by Haiti. Victorious in the Dominican War of Independence in 1844, Dominicans experienced mostly political turmoil and a brief return to Spanish rule over the next 72 years. The United States occupation of 1916–1924, and a subsequent, calm and prosperous six-year period under Horacio Vásquez Lajara, were followed by the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina until 1961. The civil war of 1965, the country's last, was ended by a U.S.-led intervention, and was followed by the authoritarian rule of Joaquín Balaguer, 1966 – 1978. Since then, the Dominican Republic has moved toward representative democracy, and has been led by Leonel Fernández for most of the time after 1996.

Dreams Palm Beach
Description

Whether for adults or children, this beachfront resort offers a wealth of activities both by day and throughout the evenings, making it ideal for those...

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana
Description

Set on a beautiful bay overlooking the ocean, here you’ll enter an adults-only sanctuary of Spanish grand colonial style. With its elaborate fountains, brick pathways,...

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real
Description

Ultra luxurious and ultra private, The Reserve is an exclusive resort within a resort located in the magnificent Paradisus Palma Real. A first class tropical...

Tortuga Bay
Description

Stunning to look at and equally stunning inside, this fabulous hotel occupies a glorious beachfront setting within the exclusive Punta Cana Estate and is a...

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
Description

Peace and tranquillity reign at this simply stunning all-suite oasis of cane-thatched sanctuaries. Quietly tucked away amidst palms and pools on a secluded oceanfront setting,...