COUNTRY NAME:     Dominican Republic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Fun Facts about the Country:

          One of the First Countries Explored by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

          Achieved independence in 1844, but voluntarily  became part of Spain in 1861.   Restored independence in 1865.

          472 major league baseball players have been born in the Dominican Republic.

          The resort of Punta Cana is a vacation home to celebrities like:  Shakira, Julio Inglesias, and Oscar De La Renta    

 

Natural Resources

nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

 

Topographical Features

           1,288 km of coastline

          rugged mountains, fertile valleys

 

 

Map of the Country:

 

Coordinates:   19 00 N, 70 40 W

 

 

Demographic Information

Population:  9,507,000

          Ethnic Groups:       mixed  73%

                                       white   16%

                                       black   11%   

          Religion:     Roman Catholic:  95%

 

Languages Spoken:

Spanish, English

 

 

Foods to Try:     

Mangu:  a breakfast food which is a mix of plantains, cheese & bacon

     La Bandera Dominicana:  lunch is meat, rice, beans, & fried plaintains

     pastelitos--Dominican empanadas (or meat or cheese filled pastries)

 

Great Places for Kids/Teens to go or things to do:

 

          Ocean World Adventure Park

          Whale Watching in Semana Bay

          Manati Park

          Monster Truck Safari

 

 

Major Metropolitan Areas

Santo Domingo--Population about 3,000,000.

 

Pictures of the Country/People 

 

 

 

 

Picture Sources:

#1:  Domican Republic Beach.  [online image] Available http://www.destination360.com/caribbean/images/s/caribbean-dominican-republic.jpg December 7, 2008.

#2  Domincan family.  [online image]  Available  http://cache.virtualtourist.com/2293166-Dominican_smiles-Dominican_Republic.jpg  December 7, 2008.

#3. Meringue dancer.  [online image] Available http://www.thebigday.com/i/TravelGuides/merengue.jpg  December 7, 2008.

#4.  Domincan North Coast beach.  Available http://www.globalsurfers.com/images/surfing-dominican_republic.jpg  December 7, 2008.

 

Sources used:

CIA World Factbook

"Dominican Republic." CIA World Factbook. 04 Dec. 2008. . 07 Dec 2008 <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/dr.html>. 

Baseball Reference.Com

"Baseball Reference." . 30 Oct 2008. . 07 Dec 2008 <http://www.baseball-reference.com/bio/D-R-_born.shtml>.  

 

 

Page created by:  Student Jones