The population of Dominican Republic in 2007 was estimated by the United Nations at 9,760,000, which placed it as number 82 in population among the 193 nations of the world. It lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico, taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti.

Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim, island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island.

The Dominican Republic was discovered on December 5, 1492, by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World. At that time the island of Hispaniola (as Columbus named it) was called "Quisqueya" by the Taino Indians who occupied the land. With a population estimated around 600,000, the Tainos (meaning "the good") were peaceful and hospitable to Columbus and his crew of Spaniards. Columbus himself grew a particular fondness for Hispaniola, describing it in his journal as "a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys."

With a glance at the Dominican calendar, one sees month after month awash with holidays patriotic in nature. While some believe this stems from the Dominican people's love of a good fiesta, it's actually the country's long and storied history that is responsible. Holidays such as Juan Pablo Duarte's birthday and Restoration Day all point to the turbulent past of this now tranquil tropical getaway.

Dominican Republic climate is typical of the Caribbean. It is a tropical, maritime nation. It s wet season is from May to November, and periodic hurricanes occur between June and November. Most rain falls in the northern and eastern regions.

Currency

Name: Dominican Peso (Peso)
Exchange rate: Go to www.gocurrency.com

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo de Guzmán, or just Santo Domingo, is the capital of the Dominican Republic; it is also its largest city with a population of approximately 1 million. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River.

Founded in 1496, it is arguably the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Western Hemisphere. It was the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World.

The city's cathedral, begun in 1514, is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. A tomb in the cathedral was reputed to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, but the remains (the authenticity of which is disputed, with Spain also claiming to have a set of Columbus's bones) were moved to the Columbus Memorial Lighthouse in 1990.

The old section of the city is known as Zona Colonial ("Colonial Zone") or Ciudad Colonial ("Colonial City"). The Colonial Zone is bordered by the Ozama River. There are a number of attractions in the city, some of the more notable are; the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the first cathedral in America; Alcázar de Colón ("Diego Columbus' Palace") where Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Colombus, lived when he was governor of the Spanish colony; andFortaleza Ozama ("Ozama Fortress"), the oldest fort in America.

Santo Domingo is a city for shoppers, with several large shopping centers offering a wide selection of almost everything. The Mercado Modelo at Avenida Mella, a farmer's market turned into giant gift shop, offers the largest selection of handicrafts. Several gift shops are located on Arzobispo Merino and Isabel la Catolica in the Colonial City. Shopping venues are located in the 27 de Febrero to Gustavo Mejia Ricart environs, including Plaza Central, Plaza Lama, Plaza Naco, Americana Departamentos, Hache, Acropolis, Plaza Bolera, Cuesta, Bella Vista, Diamond large stores. There is a sprinkling of small shops located all along Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln avenues. Or visit the Conde Street pedestrian mall and the lively Duarte Avenue, or the Luperon Avenue shopping district, among others.

The city is served by the Las Americas International Airport which is located to the east of Santo Domingo, about 30 minutes away from the heart of the city.

More information when visiting Santo Domingo…

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. English is a secondary language in Santo Domingo.

The average temperature varies little in the city, because the tropical tradewinds help mitigate the heat and humidity throughout the year with average temperatures ranging from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. December and January are the coolest months and July and August are the warmest. Santo Domingo and the rest of the country are in the Caribbean and have a tropical climate, which makes them very vulnerable to hurricanes. 

Passport is required for entrance from the U.S.

Under Construction

Renaissance Jaragua Hotel

Located on the Malecon near Santo Domingo attractions, beaches, shopping & more, the Juragua has the most spacious hotel rooms in Santo Domingo, many of which overlook the Caribbean.

With its history and refined Caribbean charm, the Renaissance Jaragua Hotel & Casino is among the preferred Santo Domingo hotels, extending its unique brand of traditional service and contemporary style. Set in the heart of the Americas' oldest city, this Santo Domingo hotel features a sunlit pool, tennis club and indulgent spa. Our restaurants delight with an array of choices for dining in Santo Domingo, including sublime creations of Quisqueya. You can tempt Lady Luck in the casino, alive with the beat of Merengue music. Work out in the impressively equipped fitness center or retreat to a beautifully appointed guest room, designed for your comfort. Each features a workdesk, high-speed Internet to keep you productive and plush bedding to lull you to sleep.

Hotel Delta

Located in the heart of the city, just 25 minutes from the International Airport of Las Americas and with easy access to the main avenues of the metropolitan area, Hotel Delta is one of the most modern hotels in Santo Domingo. The hotel has 137 comfortable rooms fully equipped to make your stay a most memorable and pleasant one. Indulge in the best national and international recipes in our Restaurant Delta Café or relax in our pool and heated Jacuzzi on the terrace. In addition, the terrace provides a beautiful panoramic view of the city. At night, the views can be seen from our stylish bar. Internet access is available in our business center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and a gym equipped with the most modern equipment, both totally free for our guests.

CECILIP (Centro de Cirugia Plastica y Lipoescultura)

The Center for Plastic Surgery and Liposculpture, (CECILIP) located in The Dominican Republic, has the most distinguished and experienced staff in techniques to beautify the body.

CECILIP is a center that combines the new concept of modern cosmetic surgery, liposuction which traditional and innovative techniques to create a harmonious body silhouette.

Our Clinic is located in a modern building bestowed with a large surgery room and sophisticated equipment. Besides, each spacious room is equipped with: multi-positional beds, refrigerators, cable TV with remote control and individual bathrooms. Comfortable waiting rooms and neo-classical post modernist gardens have been designed to provide a relaxing ambiance during the patients' stay in the clinic.

Our team consists of highly qualified doctors and paramedics who have been carefully selected not only for their knowledge but also for their experience in patient treatment.