Country Profile: Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea, sharing a border with Haiti. With a population of nearly 10.9 million, it is a diverse nation characterized by a mix of ethnicities and cultures. The economy is vibrant and growing, heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, mining, and telecommunications, while a presidential republic governs the country. Since achieving independence in 1844, the Dominican Republic has navigated various political landscapes, culminating in regular competitive elections since the late 1990s.
Geography
The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean, covering an area of approximately 48,670 square kilometers, making it slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey. Its rugged highlands are punctuated by fertile valleys and stunning coastlines stretching 1,288 kilometers. The country has a tropical maritime climate and is subject to seasonal variations in rainfall and hurricanes.
- Highest Point: Pico Duarte at 3,098 m
- Lowest Point: Lago Enriquillo at -46 m
- Total Area: 48,670 sq km
- Coastline: 1,288 km
- Natural Hazards: Prone to severe storms and occasional flooding
People and Society
As of 2025, the population of the Dominican Republic is estimated to be 10,899,292, with a slight female majority. The society is culturally rich and diverse, with mixed ethnicities forming about 70.4% of the populace. Spanish is the official language, and a variety of religions are practiced, with evangelical and Roman Catholic beliefs predominating.
- Urban Population: 84.4% of total population (2023)
- Literacy Rate: 94% (2024)
- Life Expectancy: 72.6 years (2024)
- Median Age: 29.6 years (2025)
- Population Growth Rate: 0.78% (2025)
Economy
The Dominican Republic's economy is characterized by rapid growth and a focus on tourism, agriculture, and mining. As of 2024, the Real GDP is estimated to be $276.884 billion, with a GDP per capita of $24,200. The economic landscape is bolstered by significant foreign investment and a developing local financial market.
- Real 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.)
- Remittances: 9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Government
The Dominican Republic is a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature. The capital, Santo Domingo, serves as a cultural and political hub. Citizens are entitled to vote at 18, and the latest presidential election was held on 19 May 2024.
- Current President: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020)
- Constitution: Last updated on 13 June 2015
- Administrative Divisions: 31 provinces and 1 district
- Suffrage: Universal and compulsory at 18 years
Military and Security
The Dominican Republic maintains a military force comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supplemented by specialized security corps. The military plays a vital role in internal security and natural disaster response, with approximately 55,000-60,000 personnel in the armed forces.
- Military Expenditures: 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
- National Police: Up to 35,000 personnel
- Military Service Age: Generally 17-early 20s
- Border Security Focus: Significant efforts along the 350 km border with Haiti
Energy
Electricity access in the Dominican Republic is robust, with 98.1% of the population having access as of 2022. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels for energy production, comprising 82.7% of its installed capacity.
- Installed Capacity: 6.581 million kW (2023 est.)
- Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 39.329 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- Electricity Consumption: 22.193 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Rural Electrification: 95% (2022 est.)
Environment
Environmental challenges include soil erosion and deforestation, but the country is active in international environmental agreements. The climate is tropical maritime, with significant variability in rainfall.
- Arable Land: 20.2% of total land (2023 est.)
- Urban Population: 84.4% of total population (2023)
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 29.713 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Transportation
The Dominican Republic features a network of 32 airports and numerous ports, facilitating both commercial and domestic transportation. The railway system encompasses 496 km, primarily standard gauge.
- Ports: 17 total (2024)
- Merchant Marine: 40 vessels (2023)
- Airports: 32 (2025)
Communications
The country's communication infrastructure is well-developed, with high mobile phone subscription rates and a growing number of internet users.
- Mobile Subscriptions: 10.7 million (2024)
- Internet Users: 85% of the population (2023)
- Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 1.15 million (2024)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,899,292 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 48,670 sq km | |
| GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) | $276.884 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.6 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 17.4 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Urban Population | 84.4% | Total population (2023) |
| Military Expenditures | 0.8% of GDP | Estimated for 2024 |
| Electricity Access | 98.1% | Total population (2022 est.) |
| Total Energy Consumption per Capita | 39.329 million Btu/person | Estimated for 2023 |
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