to Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean region. It occupies the eastern five-eighths of the island, which it shares with the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands, along with Saint Martin, that are shared by two sovereign states. The Dominican Republic is the second-largest Caribbean nation by area at 48,671 square kilometers (18,792 sq mi), and third by population with approximately 10.5 million people, of which approximately three million live in the metropolitan area of Santo Domingo, the capital city.

The Dominican Republic’s history and culture is a blend of indigenous, African, and European influences. The country’s musical heritage includes such folk genres as merengue, bachata, and son. The Dominican Republic is also home to a diverse population of animals, including the endangered Hispaniolan solenodon, the national bird, the paloma real, and the national mammal, the Hispaniolan hutia.

The Dominican Republic is a sovereign state governed by a representative democracy. It is a middle power in the international arena, and is the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central American region. The Dominican Republic is an active member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Organization of American States (OAS). The country is also a signatory to the Rio Group, the Paris Convention, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with year-round warm weather. It is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its beaches, resorts, and golf courses. The Dominican Republic is also a major exporter of sugar, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, and cigars.