Hispaniola (the island shared by Haiti and Dominican Republic) is the second most biologically diverse island in the Antilles, after Cuba. Thanks to the variety of its relief and the trade winds that determine the climate of each zone of the country, the Dominican Republic boasts a significant bio-diversity, composed of a flora of more than 5,600 plant species, 1,800 of which are endemic. Its fauna includes approximately 70 fish species, 60 amphibian species, 141 reptile species, 254 bird species and 33 mammal species, a number of them endemic. Another important aspect of the country’s bio-diversity are the coral reefs that are found along the entire seaboard.

The Dominican Republic enjoys the most extensive network of national parks in the Antilles. Around 24% of the national territory is declared protected area, conserving a complete sample of the natural heritage.

Beautiful beaches bounded by a sea of striking blues and white sands shaded by waving palms are in good measure responsible for making the Dominican Republic the most important destination in the Caribbean region. The foremost Dominican beaches are Punta Cana, Bávaro, Bayahibe, Las Terrenas, Samaná, Puerto Plata, among others.

Until the beginning of the 1980s, the majority of the inhabitants of the Dominican Republic lived in rural areas. However, nowadays approximately 65% of the Dominican population is urbanized.

The city of Santo Domingo is the administrative capital and seat of government of the Dominican Republic. It currently has approximately 2.25 million inhabitants (2005).

The Dominican population is one of 8.95 million inhabitants (2005), the majority of which are mulattos and reside in the rural areas of the country. It is a young population (more than 60% are between 15 and 65 years old) whose official language is Spanish and whose religion is predominantly Catholic. Dominicans are known for their hospitality, joy and charming culture.