Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic: Island Geography and Coastal Life
The Dominican Republic occupies two-thirds of Hispaniola, featuring Duarte Peak at 10,417 ft and Lake Enriquillo below sea level. Santo Domingo anchors the south coast, while Punta Cana draws most beach tourists to the east.
Fast facts
- Country
- Dominican Republic
- Region
- Caribbean
- Population
- Approx. 11 million
- Currency
- Dominican Peso (DOP)
- Known for
- beaches, merengue music, cigars, colonial architecture
The Dominican Republic covers the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, sharing the island with Haiti.
It features both the Caribbean’s highest point, Duarte Peak, and the lowest, Lake Enriquillo, providing diverse landscapes.
Santo Domingo, the capital, sits on the southern coast as its own National District. The fertile Cibao Valley stretches inland, while Punta Cana and Bávaro on the eastern tip serve as the primary hubs for international visitors, especially in winter months.
Duarte Peak & Lake Enriquillo
Visit Duarte Peak at 10,417 ft for the highest Caribbean altitude, or see Lake Enriquillo, the region’s largest lake at 144 ft below sea level.
Santo Domingo District
The capital lies on the southern coast, distinct as a National District separate from the country’s 31 provinces.
Punta Cana & Bávaro Beaches
Most international visitors arrive through Punta Cana International Airport and focus on beach resorts at Punta Cana and Bávaro.
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