The Dominican Republic was a Spanish colony until 1821. It was then part of a unified Hispaniola with Haiti until 1844. On 27 February in 1844, the Dominican Republic gained independence from Haiti.
Of note; in 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the island during his first voyage across the Atlantic in search of a new route to India for the trade of spices. The Dominican Republic became the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas.
Interesting facts about the Dominican Republic (D.R.):
– Before independence, the country was known as Santo Domingo, and Haiti ruled over Santo Domingo until 1844 when the region became independent and was named the Dominican Republic.
– The D.R. is the only country in the world to have an image of the Holy Bible on its national flag.
– People of the D.R. nation prefer living in joint families, and are very loyal to their families.
– Drinking during the day, at night and on Sundays is completely normal. The D.R. is also known for producing excellent rum.
– Coffee is their national drink though.
– Baseball is their national sport. The D.R. has the second-largest number of Major League Baseball players. It stands second only to the United States. They have produced many world-famous baseball players.
– The country is also known for its golf courses that are set along the breathtaking coast.
– Lake Enriquillo is the largest lake and the lowest elevation in the Caribbean.
– The D.R. has two unique endemic stones that can’t be found anywhere else in the world: Dominican Amber and Larimar.
– More than 50% of the land is used for agriculture, while 40% is covered by forests.
– Over 55% of the global banana market depends on the D.R.
– Coffee, sugar, and tobacco are the country’s main sources of income. Tourism is also an important part in supporting the economy now.
– It is the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central American region, and the tenth-largest economy in Latin America.
– The D.R. is the most visited destination in the Caribbean.
– During World War II, the Dominican Republic welcomed Jewish refuges that ran away from Nazi Germany.
Happy independence day Dominican Republic
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