Country Profile: Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, located on the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, is rich in natural resources, with a mix of rugged highlands and fertile valleys. Its population is approximately 10.9 million, predominantly urban and diverse in ethnic backgrounds. The economy is driven by tourism, construction, and services, with a growing focus on sustainable development. The country's governance operates as a presidential republic, characterized by competitive elections and a history of political turbulence.

Geography

The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical maritime climate with minimal seasonal temperature variation and varying rainfall throughout the year. It shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, featuring diverse terrains including the Caribbean's tallest mountain, Pico Duarte, and the largest lake, Lago Enriquillo.

Total Area: 48,670 sq km
Coastline: 1,288 km
Highest Point: Pico Duarte (3,098 m)
Lowest Point: Lago Enriquillo (-46 m)
Natural Hazards: Subject to severe storms, flooding, and droughts.
Natural Resources: Includes nickel, bauxite, gold, and arable land.

People and Society

The Dominican Republic's population is estimated at 10,899,292 as of 2025, with a mix of ethnic groups, mainly of mixed descent. The predominant language is Spanish, and the country has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse background. The society is largely urbanized, with over 84% of the population living in cities.

Urban Population: 84.4% (2023)
Life Expectancy: 72.6 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate: 94% (2024 est.)
Median Age: 29.6 years (2025 est.)
Birth Rate: 17.4 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Ethnic Composition: 70.4% mixed, 15.8% Black, 13.5% White (2014 est.)

Economy

The Dominican Republic's economy is characterized by a growing middle class, with GDP per capita reaching $24,200 in 2024. Key sectors include tourism, construction, telecommunications, and agriculture, particularly sugar and bananas. Economic growth is aided by foreign investment and the presence of free-trade zones.

Real GDP (PPP): $276.884 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 5% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (2024 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line: 23% (2023 est.)
Exports: $28.563 billion (2024 est.)
Major Exports: Medical instruments, tobacco, gold.

Government

The Dominican Republic operates as a presidential republic, with both President Luis Rodolfo Abinader and Vice President directly elected. The government has made strides in establishing a democratic system, with regular competitive elections since 1996.

Capital: Santo Domingo
Independence: 27 February 1844 (from Haiti)
Current Governance: President since 2020: Luis Rodolfo Abinader
Legislature: Bicameral National Congress
Voting Age: 18 years

Military and Security

The Dominican Republic's military is responsible for national defense while also assisting in internal security operations. It comprises the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with a total personnel strength of approximately 55,000-60,000.

Military Expenditures: 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
National Police Strength: Up to 35,000 personnel (2025)
Military Service Age: Begins at 17 years (voluntary)
Specialized Security Forces: Includes border, port, and civil aviation security.

Energy

The Dominican Republic has made significant advancements in electricity access, with 98.1% of the population having electricity. The energy sector is largely dependent on fossil fuels, accounting for 82.7% of total installed capacity.

Installed Capacity: 6.581 million kW (2023 est.)
Energy Consumption: 22.193 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 39.329 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity Access: 98.1% (2022 est.)

Environment

Environmental challenges include deforestation and soil erosion, which pose threats to the country's biodiversity. The Dominican Republic is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainability.

Urbanization Rate: 1.64% annual increase (2020-25 est.)
Total Water Withdrawal: 8.077 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
CO2 Emissions: 29.713 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Recycling Rate: 11.6% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes 32 airports and a network of roads and railways. The Dominican Republic boasts several key ports with capabilities for both commercial and passenger transport.

Airports: 32 (2025)
Total Railways: 496 km (2014)
Merchant Marine: 40 vessels (2023)
Total Ports: 17 (2024)

Communications

The Dominican Republic has a growing telecommunications sector, with significant mobile and internet connectivity among its population.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 10.7 million (2024 est.)
Internet Users: 85% of population (2023 est.)
Fixed-Line Telephones: 1.15 million subscriptions (2024 est.)
Broadband Fixed Subscriptions: 1.26 million (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,899,292 (2025 est.)	Total population estimate
Area	48,670 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$276.884 billion (2024 est.)	Real GDP at purchasing power parity
GDP per capita	$24,200 (2024 est.)	GDP per capita based on purchasing power
Unemployment rate	5.5% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force seeking employment
Birth rate	17.4 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)	Annual birth rate per 1,000 residents
Life expectancy	72.6 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy
Electricity access	98.1% (2022 est.)	Percentage of population with electricity
Urban population	84.4% (2023)	Percentage of population living in urban areas
Literacy rate	94% (2024 est.)	Total population literacy rate