Moving to Dominican Republic: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

10,815,857

Population Growth Rate

0.76%

Population Distribution

Coastal development is significant, especially in the southern coastal plains and the Cibao Valley, where population density is highest

smaller population clusters exist in the interior mountains (Cordillera Central)

Urban Population

• population: 84.4% of total population Rate of
• urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change

Population in Major Urban Areas

3.524 million SANTO DOMINGO

Population: Male/Female

• Male: 5,465,776
• Female: 5,350,081

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Age Structure

• years: 25.5% (male 1,402,847/female 1,358,833) 15-64
• years: 66.9% (male 3,667,584/female 3,563,848) 65 years and
• over: 7.6% (male 395,345/female 427,400)

Median Age

• Total: 29.2 years
• Male: 29.1 years
• Female: 29.4 years

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

17

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.1

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.15

Gross reproduction rate

1

Child Marriage

Women married by age 15: 9.4% Women married by age 18: 31.5%

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

62.8%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

62.8%

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

52.1%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

20.9

Mother's mean age at first birth

20.9

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

• birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14
• years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64
• years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and
• over: 0.93 male(s)/female Total
• population: 1.02 male(s)/female

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-2.7

Ethnic Groups

Mixed 70.4% (Mestizo/Indio 58%, Mulatto 12.4%), Black 15.8%, White 13.5%, other 0.3%

Language Note

Spanish (official)

Nationality Noun

• Noun: Dominican(s)
• Adjective: Dominican

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Literacy - total population

95.5%

Literacy - male

95.4%

Literacy - female

95.6%

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.6%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

• Total: 14 years
• Male: 13 years
• Female: 15 years

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Life Expectancy at Birth

• population: 72.6 years
• Male: 71 years
• Female: 74.3 years

Infant Mortality Rate

• Total: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births
• Male: 24.3 deaths/1,000 live births
• Female: 19 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

• Total: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births
• Male: 24.3 deaths/1,000 live births
• Female: 19 deaths/1,000 live births

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

107

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.45

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.6

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.9%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

• risk: High Food or waterborne
• diseases: Bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever Vectorborne
• diseases: Dengue fever

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

27.6%

Tobacco Use

• Total: 10.6%
• Male: 14.6%
• Female: 6.5%

Alcohol consumption per capita

• Total: 5.56 liters of pure alcohol
• Beer: 3.15 liters of pure alcohol
• Wine: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol
• Spirits: 2.18 liters of pure alcohol Other
• alcohols: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

• Improved: urban: 98.3% of population
• Rural: 91.7% of population
• Total: 97.2% of population
• Unimproved: urban: 1.7% of population
• Rural: 8.3% of population
• Total: 2.8% of population

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

• Improved: urban: 97.4% of population
• Rural: 91.3% of population
• Total: 96.3% of population
• Unimproved: urban: 2.6% of population
• Rural: 8.7% of population
• Total: 3.7% of population

Underweight - percent of children under five years

3%

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Economic Overview

The Dominican Republic was for most of its history primarily an exporter of sugar, coffee, and tobacco, but over the last three decades the economy has become more diversified as the service sector has overtaken agriculture as the economy's largest employer, due to growth in construction, tourism, and free trade zones.

The mining sector has also played a greater role in the export market since late 2012 with the commencement of the extraction phase of the Pueblo Viejo Gold and Silver mine, one of the largest gold mines in the world.

For the last 20 years, the Dominican Republic has been one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America.

The economy rebounded from the global recession in 2010-16, and the fiscal situation is improving.

A tax reform package passed in November 2012, a reduction in government spending, and lower energy costs helped to narrow the central government budget deficit from 6.6% of GDP in 2012 to 2.6% in 2016, and public debt is declining.

Marked income inequality, high unemployment, and underemployment remain important long-term challenges; the poorest half of the population receives less than one-fifth of GDP, while the richest 10% enjoys nearly 40% of GDP.

The economy is highly dependent upon the US, the destination for approximately half of exports and the source of 40% of imports.

Remittances from the US amount to about 7% of GDP, equivalent to about a third of exports and two-thirds of tourism receipts.

The Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement came into force in March 2007, boosting investment and manufacturing exports.

Industries

Tourism, sugar processing, gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco, electrical components, medical devices

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$15,900.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

5.9%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$184,450,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$15,900.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

5.9%

GDP - official exchange rate

$71,460,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 67.4% Government
• consumption: 10.7% Investment in fixed
• capital: 24.8% Investment in
• inventories: -0.1% Exports of goods and
• services: 24% Imports of goods and
• services: -26.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

5.1%

GDP by Sector- Industry

32.8%

GDP by Sector- services

62.2%

Industrial Growth Rate

7%

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Inflation Rate

1.9%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

46.2

Currency Name and Code

Dominican pesos (DOP)

Fiscal Year

Calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

15.2%

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Labor Force

5,113,000

Unemployment Rate

13.8%

Major Industries

Tourism, sugar processing, gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco, electrical components, medical devices

Agriculture Products

Cocoa, tobacco, sugarcane, coffee, cotton, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef, eggs

Population Below Poverty Line

41.1%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

180,423

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

10%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

14.4%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

20.8%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

64.7%

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Annual Budget

$11,170,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

44%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.6%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

15.6%

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Full Country Name

Dominican Republic

Country Name

The Dominican

Local - Long

República Dominicana

Local - Short

La Dominicana

Former Name

Santo Domingo (the capital city's name formerly applied to the entire country)

Etymology- history of name

The country name derives from the capital city of Santo Domingo (Saint Dominic)

Independence

27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 27 February (1844)

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Government Type

Presidential republic

Constitution

• History: Many previous (38 total); latest proclaimed 13 June 2015
• Amendments: Proposed by a special session of the National Congress called the National Revisory Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval by at least one-half of those present in both houses of the Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as fundamental rights and guarantees, territorial composition, nationality, or the procedures for constitutional reform, also requires approval in a referendum

Legal System:

Civil law system based on the French civil code; Criminal Procedures Code modified in 2004 to include important elements of an accusatory system

Executive Branch:

• Chief of State: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020); Vice President Raquel PENA de Antuna (since 16 August 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• Head of Government: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020); Vice President Raquel PENA de Antuna (since 16 August 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• Cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president
• Elections/Appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a maximum of two consecutive terms); election last held on 5 July 2020 (next to be held on 19 May 2024); note - the 2020 election was rescheduled from 17 May to 5 July 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic
• Election results: 2020: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona elected president in first round; percent of vote - Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 52.5%, Gonzalo CASTILLO Terrero (PLD) 37.5%, Leonel Antonio FERNANDEZ Reyna (FP) 8.9% other 1.1% 2016: Danilo MEDINA Sanchez reelected president; percent of vote - Danilo MEDINA Sanchez (PLD) 61.7%, Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 35%, other 3.3%; Margarita CEDENO DE FERNANDEZ (PLD) reelected vice president

Legislative Branch:

• Description: Bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of: Senate or Senado (32 seats; 26 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, and 6 members indirectly elected based upon province-wide party plurality votes for its candidates to the Chamber of Deputies; all members serve 4-year terms;
• Note: in 2019, the Central Election Commission changed the electoral system for seats in26 constituencies to direct simple majority but retained indirect election for the remaining 6 constituencies; previously all 32 members were indirectly elected; the change had been challenged by the ruling and opposition parties) House of Representatives or Camara de Diputados (190 seats; 178 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote using the D'Hondt method, 5 members in a nationwide constituency and 7 diaspora members directly elected by simple majority vote; members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: - Senate - last held on 5 July 2020 (next to be held 2024) House of Representatives - last held on 5 July 2020 (next to be held in 2024);
• Note: the 2020 election was rescheduled from 17 May to 5 July 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRM 17, PLD 6, PRSC 6, BIS 1, DXC 1, FP 1;
• Composition: men 28, women 4, percent of women 12.5% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRM 86, PLD 75, PRSC 6, PRD 4, Broad Front 3, FP 3, AP 2, APD 2, BIS 2, DXC 2, other 5;
• Composition: men 137, women 53, percent of women 27.9%;
• Note: total National Congress percent of women 25.7%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary comprised of the president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president of the Supreme Court, and a non-governing party congressional representative; Supreme Court judges appointed for 7-year terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed for 9-year terms
• Subordinate courts: courts of appeal; courts of first instance; justices of the peace; special courts for juvenile, labor, and land cases; Contentious Administrative Court for cases filed against the government

Regions or States:

10 regions (regiones, singular - region); Cibao Nordeste, Cibao Noroeste, Cibao Norte, Cibao Sur, El Valle, Enriquillo, Higuamo, Ozama, Valdesia, Yuma

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Alliance for Democracy or APD Broad Front (Frente Amplio) [Fidel SANTANA]
• Country Alliance or AP [Guillermo Antonio MORENO Garcia]
• Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Danilo MEDINA Sánchez]
• Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD [Miguel VARGAS Maldonado]
• Dominicans For Change or DXC [Manuel OVIEDO Estrada]
• Institutional Social Democratic Bloc or BIS Liberal Reformist Party or PRL (formerly the Liberal Party of the Dominican Republic or PLRD)
• Modern Revolutionary Party or PRM [Luis ABINADER]
• National Progressive Front or FNP [Vinicio CASTILLO, Pelegrin CASTILLO]
• People's Force or FP [Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna]
• Social Christian Reformist Party or PRSC [Federico Augusto "Quique" ANTUN Batile]

Suffrage:

• 18 years of age
• universal and compulsory
• married persons regardless of age can vote
• note - members of the armed forces and national police by law cannot vote

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: No Citizenship by descent
• only: At least one parent must be a citizen of the Dominican Republic Dual citizenship
• recognized: Yes Residency requirement for
• naturalization: 2 years

Capital Name

Santo Domingo

Capital - geographic coordinate

18 28 N, 69 54 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AOSIS
• BCIE
• Caricom (observer)
• CD
• CELAC
• FAO
• G-77
• IADB
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LAES
• LAIA
• MIGA
• MINUSMA
• NAM
• OAS
• OIF (observer)
• OPANAL
• OPCW
• Pacific Alliance (observer)
• PCA
• Petrocaribe
• SICA (associated member)
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• Union Latina
• UNOOSA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

Accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Alexander TITOLO
• Embassy: Av. Republica de Colombia #57, Santo Domingo
• Mailing Address: 3470 Santo Domingo Place, Washington DC 20521-3470
• Telephone: (809) 567-7775
• Email: SDOAmericans@state.gov
• Website: https://do.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Sonia GUZMÁN DE HERNÁNDEZ (since 18 January 2021)
• Chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280
• FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057
• Email: embassy@drembassyusa.org
• Website: http://drembassyusa.org/
• Consulate(s) General: Boston, Chicago, Glendale (CA), Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico) Consulate(s): San Francisco

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Geographic Location

The Caribbean

Geographic Coordinates

19 00 N, 70 40 W

Total Area

18,791 Square Miles 48,670 Square Kilometers

Land Area

18,656 Square Miles 48,320 Square Kilometers

Water Area

135 Square Miles 350 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

224 Miles 360 Kilometers

Border Countries

Haiti 360 km

Coastline

800 Miles 1,288 Kilometers

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Terrain

Rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed

Highest Point

3,175 Meters

Highest Point Location

Pico Duarte 3,175 m

Lowest Point

-46 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Lago Enriquillo -46 m

Natural Resources

Nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

Irrigated Land

1,183 Square Miles 3,065 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

The climate varies little year round.

Although the country is in the tropics, constant trade winds keep temperatures from frequently exceeding 90°F.

Temperatures in its coastal cities average about 78°F, with seasonal variations of 5-8 degrees.

Rainfall varies regionally with about two-thirds of the annual 57 inches in the capital falling in the rainy season from May to November.

Hurricanes are a significant weather threat, particularly from June through October, and have caused serious damage in the past.

Terrain

Rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed

Location

Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti

Total Area

18,791 Square Miles 48,670 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Haiti 360 km

Environment - Current Issues

Water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation

Environment - International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands Signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

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Exports

$9,822,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$16,670,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

Gold, silver, cocoa, sugar, coffee, tobacco, meats, consumer goods

Major Imports

Petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Top Export Partners

US 42.5%, Haiti 16.5%, Canada 8.1%, India 4.8%

Top Import Partners

US 42%, China 9.2%, Venezuela 5.6%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.5%, Mexico 4.4%

Export Partners

US 42.5%, Haiti 16.5%, Canada 8.1%, India 4.8%

Import Partners

US 42%, China 9.2%, Venezuela 5.6%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.5%, Mexico 4.4%

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Country Description

The Dominican Republic covers the eastern two-thirds of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.

The capital city is Santo Domingo, located on the south coast of the island.

Tourist facilities vary according to price and location.

Spanish is the official language.

Though English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas, it is much less common outside these areas.

Safety & Security

Foreign tourists are often considered attractive targets for criminal activity and you should maintain a low profile to avoid becoming a victim of violence or crime.

In dealing with local police, you should be aware that the standard of professionalism might vary.

Police attempts to solicit bribes have been reported, as have incidents of police using excessive force.

Protests, demonstrations, and general strikes occur periodically.

Previous political demonstrations have sometimes turned violent, with participants rioting and erecting roadblocks, and police sometimes using deadly force in response.

Political demonstrations do not generally occur in areas frequented by tourists and are generally not targeted at foreigners.

However, it is advisable to exercise caution when traveling throughout the country.

Street crowds should be avoided.

In urban areas, travel should be conducted on main routes whenever possible.

Power outages occur frequently throughout the Dominican Republic, and travelers should remain alert during blackout periods, as crime rates often increase during these outages.

If you are considering overland travel between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, you should first consult the Country Specific Information page, the Travel Warning for Haiti, and the Messages for U.S. citizens page on the U.S.

Embassy in Port-au-Prince's website for information about travel conditions in Haiti.

While Santo Domingo and the majority of the tourist destinations within the Dominican Republic are located several hours from the Haitian border, the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti has contributed to increased congestion in the area between Barahona, Dominican Republic, and the Haitian border along route 44.

There were two incidents involving attacks against U.S. citizen relief workers as they traveled from Haiti to Santo Domingo.

In both cases, the U.S. citizens observed common safety practices such as traveling in a large group and in conjunction with other vehicles.

Despite the extra precautions, the groups were attacked.

In one incident, armed men blocked the highway with burning tires and opened fire on a passing bus.

The armed men also shattered a bus window with a rock and the bus driver was forced to ram the burning blockade in order to escape to safety.

In another incident, armed gunmen and men with machetes detained a group of U.S. citizen relief workers for several hours.

The U.S.

Embassy cautions its staff to use extreme caution while in Haiti.

Other than official business, travel to Haiti for U.S.

Embassy personnel is discouraged.

The Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for Haiti.

U.S. citizens who travel to Haiti despite this Warning, especially in the area along route 44 near the border of Haiti, should travel in groups during daylight hours and use caution.

Drivers who encounter illegal roadblocks should stop a significant distance away, drive in reverse or turn around, and drive to the nearest town to report the blockade to local authorities.

Drivers should do their best to leave the danger zone and get to safety.

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Crime

Crime continues to be a problem throughout the Dominican Republic.

Street crime and petty theft involving U.S. tourists does occur, and you should take precautions to avoid becoming a target.

While pick pocketing and mugging are the most common crimes against tourists, reports of violence against both foreigners and locals are growing.

Valuables left unattended in parked automobiles, on beaches, and in other public places are vulnerable to theft, and car theft remains a problem.

Travelers to the Dominican Republic should strongly consider leaving valuable property at home.

We recommend bringing no item on your trip that cannot be easily replaced, and to make contingency plans in case of theft.

These precautions include: making photocopies of all credit cards and licenses which include the numbers to call in order to report theft; photocopies of passports and birth certificates; and leaving emergency funds with someone at home in case it is necessary for money to be sent on short notice.

Carry cellular telephones in a pocket rather than on a belt or in a purse.

Avoid wearing headphones, which make the bearer more vulnerable and readily advertise the presence of a valuable item.

Limit or avoid display of jewelry; it attracts attention and could prompt a robbery attempt.

Limit cash and credit cards carried on your person.

Be sure to store valuables, wallet items, and passports in a safe place.

There are continuing reports of thefts that target tourists en route from the airport to their hotel or home.

Some U.S. citizens have been victimized in taxis.

In a typical case, a taxi with rolled-down windows stops at a traffic light, and a motorcyclist reaches in and steals a purse or other valuables.

You are advised to utilize the taxi service authorized by the airport if you did not make arrangements before arrival.

Even when using such an authorized taxi service, you should always be aware of the potential for a criminal to stalk travelers leaving the airport parking area.

Motorcyclists have also been known to steal purses or jewelry of pedestrians.

U.S. citizens in privately owned vehicles have also been targeted, and you should always keep doors and windows locked and be aware of your surroundings to deter criminals.

Some travelers returning to local residences in privately owned vehicles have been followed, assaulted, and robbed upon arrival at their home.

Several U.S. citizens have also been targeted and robbed at bus stations, possibly as a result of gang activity.

Take measures to safeguard your personal security at all times.

The dangers present in the Dominican Republic are similar to those of many major U.S. cities.

Criminals can be dangerous -- many have weapons and are likely to use them if they meet resistance.

Visitors walking the streets should always be aware of their surroundings.

Be wary of strangers, especially those who seek you out at celebrations or nightspots.

Travel with a partner or in a group if possible.

Many public transportation vehicles are unsafe, especially the route taxis or “carros publicos” in urban areas.

These are privately owned cars that run along certain routes, can take up to six or more passengers, and are inexpensive.

Passengers in “carros publicos” are frequently the victims of pick pocketing, and passengers have on occasion been robbed by “carro publico” drivers.

Urban buses (“guaguas”) are only marginally better.

We are also aware of at least one incident in which the driver of a “motoconcho” (motorcycle taxi) robbed a U.S. citizen passenger.

The U.S.

Embassy cautions its staff not to use these modes of transportation.

As an alternative, some scheduled interurban bus services use modern buses and run on reliable timetables.

These are generally the safest means of intercity travel.

With respect to taxis, visitors to the Dominican Republic are strongly advised to take only hotel taxis or taxis operated by services whose cabs are arranged in advance by phone and can subsequently be identified

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the Dominican Republic, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be questioned if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States as well as the Dominican Republic.

If you break local laws in the Dominican Republic, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Persons violating laws of the Dominican Republic, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Dominican Republic are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Arrest notifications in host country: Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in the Dominican Republic, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S.

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Medical Facilities

• Dengue: Dengue is endemic to the Dominican Republic. To reduce the risk of contracting dengue, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing clothing that exposes as little skin as possible and applying a repellent containing the insecticide DEET (concentration 30 to 35 percent) or Picaridin (concentration 20 percent or greater for tropical travelers). Because of the increased risk of dengue fever and the ongoing risk of malaria in the Dominican Republic (see below), practicing preventative measures is recommended by the CDC. Forfurther information on dengue fever, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
• Cholera: According to the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Health, more than 15,000 suspected cases of cholera and 262 related deaths have been reported throughout the country from November 2010 to early 2013. Several cases have been reported in travelers returning from Punta Cana resorts. Cholera vaccine, available in many countries, but not in the U.S., is recommended for aid and refugee workers only. Extreme care in hygiene and food habits for travel to risk areas, including resort areas, is advised. Carry oral rehydration salts in case of severe watery diarrhea. Azithromycin is recommended for diarrhea self-treatment; the epidemic strain of Vibrio cholerae has reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and other quinolones.
• Malaria: There are occasional reports of cases of malaria in areas frequented by U.S. and European tourists including La Altagracia Province, the easternmost province in which many beach resorts are located. Malaria risk is significantly higher for travelers who go on some of the excursions to the countryside offered by many resorts. Prior to visiting the Dominican Republic, travelers should consult the CDC web site for more information on malaria. Sexually Transmitted
• Diseases: Be aware that sexually transmitted diseases are common in the Dominican Republic. Please take appropriate precautions to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Cosmetic
• Surgery: The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo and the CDC are aware of several cases in which U.S. citizens experienced serious complications or died following elective cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic. The CDC's W

Traffic Safety

While in the Dominican Republic, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning the Dominican Republic is provided for general reference only.

Traffic in the Dominican Republic moves on the right side of the road.

Speed limits vary from 25 mph in the city to 60 mph on rural roads, but they are generally not enforced.

Drivers are required to carry liability insurance.

If you do drive in the Dominican Republic, you should be aware that the utmost caution and defensive driving are necessary.

Traffic laws are similar to those in the United States, but undisciplined driving is common, due to a lack of adequate traffic controls.

Many drivers will not use turn indicators.

It is common for a vehicle operator to stick his hand out the window to signal a turn.

Drivers can also be aggressive and erratic, often failing to yield the right-of-way even when road signs or signals indicate that they should.

Turning right on red lights is permitted, but should be done with caution.

Travel at night on intercity highways and in rural areas should be avoided, due to animals on the road, poor road conditions, poor lane markers, missing manhole covers, large potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and other vehicles being driven at excessive speeds, often with malfunctioning headlights or taillights.

Drivers should be aware that road hazards and closures are often indicated by piles of debris littered across the roadway, without any lettered signs or reflective surfaces to help call attention to the road condition.

Often times, there is no indication of the road hazard whatsoever.

Blackouts also increase the danger of night travel.

Mudslides and bridge washouts can be a problem during and after heavy rains.

The distances between reliable roadside services or major population centers can be considerable, which also increases the risk involved in driving after dark.

Traffic accidents often result in serious injury or death.

This is often the case when heavy vehicles, such as buses or trucks, are involved.

Traditionally, vehicles involved in accidents in the Dominican Republic are not moved (even to clear traffic), until authorized by a police officer.

Drivers who violate this norm may be held legally liable for the accident.

Dominican law requires that a driver be taken into custody for driving under the influence or being involved in an accident that causes serious injury or death, even if the driver is insured and appears not to have been at fault.

The minimum detention period is 48 hours; however, detentions frequently last until a judicial decision is reached (often weeks or months), or until a waiver is signed by the injured party (usually as the result of a cash settlement).

Visitors to the Dominican Republic might want to consider hiring a professional driver during their stay in lieu of driving themselves.

Licensed drivers who are familiar with local roads can be hired through local car rental agencies.

In case of accidents, only the driver will be taken into custody.

Pedestrians tend to step out into traffic without regard to corners, crosswalks, or traffic signals.

Many pedestrians die every year crossing the street (including major, multi-lane highways) at seemingly random locations.

Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way, and walking along or crossing busy streets – even at intersections with traffic lights or traffic police present – can be very dangerous.

Seat belts are required by law, and those caught not wearing them will be fined.

There are no child car seat laws.

The law also requires the use of hands-free cellular devices while driving.

Police stop drivers using cell phones without the benefit of these devices.

Penalties for those driving under the influence and those involved in accidents resulting in injury or death can be severe.

Motorcycles and motor scooters are common in the Dominican Republic, and they are often driven erratically.

Dominican law require

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Airports - total

36

Airports with Paved Runways

16

Heliports

1

Railways

88 Miles 142 Kilometers

Roadways- total

12,244 Miles 19,705 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

6,134 Miles 9,872 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Barahona, La Romana, Manzanillo, Puerto Plata, San Pedro de Macoris, Santo Domingo

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Pipelines: Gas

17 Miles 27 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

64 Miles 103 Kilometers

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Telephones

965,400

Cell Phones

5,513,000

Internet Users

1,677,000

Internet Country Code

.do

Internet Hosts

283,298

Broadcast Media

• Combination of state-owned and privately owned broadcast media
• 1 state-owned TV network and a number of private TV networks
• networks operate repeaters to extend signals throughout country
• combination of state-owned and privately owned radio stations with more than 300 radio stations operating

Telephone System

• assessment: Relatively efficient system based on island-wide microwave radio relay network
• Domestic: Fixed-line teledensity is about 10 per 100 persons; multiple providers of mobile-cellular service with a subscribership of nearly 90 per 100 persons
• International: Country code - 1-809; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), Antillas 1, and the Fibralink submarine cables that provide links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

6 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

12,700,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

14,020,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

820,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

930,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

122,300

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

27,260

2 facts — expand for details.

Anthem Lyrics

I Quisqueyanos valientes, alcemos Nuestro canto con viva emoción, Y del mundo a la faz ostentemos Nuestro invicto glorioso pendón. ¡Salve! el pueblo que, intrépido y fuerte, A la guerra a morir se lanzó, Cuando en bélico reto de muerte Sus cadenas de esclavo rompió.

Ningún pueblo ser libre merece Si es esclavo indolente y servil; Si en su pecho la llama no crece Que templó el heroísmo viril, Mas Quisqueya la indómita y brava Siempre altiva la frente alzará; Que si fuere mil veces esclava Otras tantas ser libre sabrá.

II Que si dolo y ardid la expusieron De un intruso señor al desdén, ¡Las Carreras! ¡Beler!, campos fueron Que cubiertos de gloria se ven.

Que en la cima de heroíco baluarte De los libres el verbo encarnó, Donde el genio de Sánchez y Duarte A ser libre o morir enseñó.

Y si pudo inconsulto caudillo De esas glorias el brillo empañar, De la guerra se vio en Capotillo La bandera de fuego ondear.

Y el incendio que atónito deja De Castilla el soberbio león, De las playas gloriosas le aleja Donde flota el cruzado pendón.

III Compatriotas, mostremos erguida Nuestra frente, orgullosos de hoy más; Que Quisqueya será destruida Pero sierva de nuevo, ¡jamás!

Que es santuario de amor cada pecho Do la patria se siente vivir; Y es su escudo invencible el derecho; Y es su lema ser libre o morir. ¡Libertad! que aún se yergue serena La Victoria en su carro triunfal, Y el clarín de la guerra aún resuena Pregonando su gloria inmortal. ¡Libertad!

Que los ecos se agiten Mientras llenos de noble ansiedad Nuestros campos de gloria repiten ¡Libertad! ¡Libertad! ¡Libertad!

Anthem Lyrics English

I Brave Quisqueyans, let us raise Our song with vivid emotion, And let’s show to the face of the Earth Our unconquered, glorious banner.

Hail, the people who strong and intrepid, Into war launched itself set to die When in a warring challenge to the death Its chains of slavery cut off.

No people deserves to be free If it’s an indolent and servile slave; If in its chest doesn't grow the flame that forged the virile heroism.

But Quisqueya the brave and indomitable Always proudly her forehead will raise For if she were a thousand times a slave This many times will she be free.

II And if fraud and cunning exposed her To disdain of an intrusive man, Las Carreras!

Beler!...were fields Which covered in glory were seen.

At the top of heroic bastion, Word of the free was materialized, Where the genius of Sanchez and Duarte Taught to be free or to die.

And if an inconsiderate ruler Could tarnish the glow of such glories, The war banner of fire was seen Waving over Capotillo.

And the fire that leaves stunned The arrogant lion from Castile, Pulls it away from the glorious beaches Where the crossed banner floats.

III Compatriots, let’s hold our Forehead high, like never before; For Quisqueya will be destroyed But it will never again be enslaved.

That every chest is a shrine of love Where one feels the homeland alive; It is the law her invincible shield; It is her motto be free or die.

Liberty that serenely stands up Victory in her triumphal carriage.

The trumpet of war still resounds Proclaiming her immortal glory Freedom!

Let the echoes agitate While full of noble anxiety Our battlefields of glory reverb these words - Freedom!

Freedom!

Freedom!