Why not spend holidays or invest in the Dominican Republic? Among the various assets of this country, we have captured its best qualities for a pleasant stay or a profitable investment abroad.

GEOGRAPHY

The Dominican Republic is located in the heart of the West Indies. It is situated between Cuba on the west, and Puerto Rico on the east. It is the second largest country in the Caribbean (48,734 km2) next to Cuba. It occupies 2/3 of the Hispaniola island, leaving 1/3 to Haïti. It takes less than 2 hours from Miami and around 8 hours from Europe. There are 3 international airports with daily connections, and a growing number of international airlines fly to the Dominican Republic.

The climate is tropical. It's kept mild by the altitude of the mountains, and by the breeze from the sea. The island, was the location for the films Apocalypse Now and Jurassic Park. Its landscape is the most varied of the Caribbean : tropical forests, wild terrains, mountains, sandy beaches and beautiful rivers.

POLITICS AND ECONOMY

The Dominicain Republic is a politically stable country. The constitution of November 28th, 1966, has established a democratic regime : press and religion are free of influence, all political parties are accepted, and elections are liberal. Between 1986 and 1996, president Joaquim Balaguer has essentially developed the infrastructure of the country in order to open it for tourism, which became the main source of income for the economy. Since 1996, presidents Leonel Fernandez and Hipolito Mejia have strengthened this regime, especially in helping to facilitate more and more access for foreign investors.

Thanks to the stability of the national currency (the Dominican Peso), indexed to the American Dollar, the Dominican economy has provided long time positive results until the 2003 crisis. The last structural adjustment which was negociated in 2004 by the IMF, should help to throttle the inflation down, and to recover a regular growth. Although an early partner of the United States, the Dominican economy also managed partnerships with the European Union and other countries. Moreover, the population of more than 8 million inhabitants, has created a tremendous economic market.

TOURISM

The Dominican Republic is without a doubt one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world. In fact, every traveler is immediatly greated by its friendly people and by the diverstity of the attractions. The "todo incluido" system (all inclusive) is chosen by many, but there are a lot of alternatives. The north coast, for example, offers many smaller and much more personal lodgings. They all promote individual tours. Moreover, the country is large enough to allow for more growth in the tourism industry and the numerous advantages it brings to the local economy.

The Country

Poputation : 8.3 million inhabitants
Area : 48.734 km2
Capital : Santo Domingo (2.7 million inhabitants)
National Language : Spanish

History

1492 : Discovered by Christopher Colombus
1697 : Ryswick's Treaty which divides the island between France and Spain
1795 : Bâle's Treaty which gives the Spanish area to France
1844 : Island's Independence and Proclamation of a Republic
1865 : Spanish annexation
1865 : Republic restoration
1916 to 1924 : American occupancy
1930 to 1961 : Dictatorship from General Trujillo
1965 : American military intervention
Since 1966 : Presidential regime with elections every 4 years

Practical Information

Visa : not necessary for a less than 3 months stay
Taxes : 10 USD coming and 20 USD leaving
Vaccines : no vaccine is required
Currency : the national currency is the Dominicain Pesos but the American dollar and the Euro are frequently used