Country Profile: Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is situated in the Caribbean, occupying the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola island, sharing a border with Haiti. With a population exceeding 10 million, the country has seen significant growth in its economy driven by tourism, construction, and telecommunications. The Dominican Republic operates as a presidential republic, with a history marked by periods of foreign intervention and dictatorship, but has transitioned to regular competitive elections since the late 1990s.
Geography
The Dominican Republic features diverse geographical landscapes, including rugged highlands, fertile valleys, and a tropical maritime climate. It spans 48,670 square kilometers, making it slightly larger than New Jersey, and is characterized by a long coastline of 1,288 kilometers. The terrain is marked by the Caribbean's tallest mountain, Pico Duarte, at 3,098 meters, and includes 44.8% forest cover.
- 376 kilometers shared border with Haiti
- Coastal development is significantly dense in southern coastal plains and the Cibao Valley
- Subject to hurricanes and severe storms from June to October
- 50.6% of land is used for agriculture (2022)
People and Society
As of 2024, the Dominican Republic's estimated population stands at 10,815,857, with a demographic distribution that includes a majority of mixed ethnicity. The country has a rich cultural mosaic influenced by its indigenous, African, and European roots. The official language is Spanish, and the society exhibits a high urbanization rate, with 84.4% of its population residing in urban areas.
- 50.2% of the population identifies as Evangelical (2023)
- Median age is 29.2 years (2024)
- 72.6 years life expectancy at birth (2024)
- Literacy rate of 94% (2016)
Economy
The Dominican Republic's economy is growing rapidly, with a GDP (PPP) of $276.884 billion projected for 2024. Tourism, agriculture, and services primarily drive its economic activities. The government is focusing on improving debt management and fostering local financial markets, while foreign investments continue to play a substantial role.
- 5% projected GDP growth rate (2024)
- 23% of the population is estimated to live below the poverty line (2023)
- Unemployment rate is 5.5% (2024)
- 67.7% of GDP attributed to household consumption (2024)
Government
The Dominican Republic functions as a presidential republic, with a president serving as both the chief of state and head of government. The country has a history marked by changes in governance, notably moving from dictatorship to a stable electoral democracy. The National Congress is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
- Independence declared on 27 February 1844
- Current president is Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona (since 16 August 2020)
- 31 provinces and 1 district
- 18 years as the voting age, with universal and compulsory suffrage
Military and Security
The Dominican Republic maintains organized armed forces comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, collectively numbering approximately 55,000-60,000 personnel. The military plays a critical role in national security, especially regarding its border with Haiti and countering drug trafficking.
- Military expenditures at 0.8% of GDP (2024)
- Voluntary military service is available from ages 16-23
- National Police force of around 35,000 personnel (2025)
Energy
As of 2022, 98.1% of the Dominican Republic's population has access to electricity, with the majority of generation coming from fossil fuels. The country is working to diversify its energy sources, including solar and wind.
- Total installed generating capacity of 6.581 million kW (2023)
- 82.7% of electricity from fossil fuels (2023)
- Total electricity consumption reached 22.193 billion kWh (2023)
Environment
The Dominican Republic faces environmental challenges like deforestation and soil erosion. It is party to multiple international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and climate change. Climate conditions tend to be tropical with little seasonal variation.
- 50.6% of land used for agriculture (2022) and 44.8% forest cover
- Urban population constitutes 84.4% of the total (2023)
- Major environmental issues include soil erosion and damage to coral reefs
Transportation
The country has a well-developed transportation network with 32 airports and 496 kilometers of railways. Key ports support its commerce, with a mix of container, general cargo, and oil tanker facilities.
- 17 ports including significant ones like Puerto de Haina and Santo Domingo
- 40 merchant marine vessels (2023)
Communications
The Dominican Republic enjoys extensive telecommunications infrastructure, marked by widespread mobile phone usage. Approximately 85% of the population are internet users, with a growing number of broadband subscriptions.
- 10.4 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- Fixed-line telephony subscriptions at 1.144 million (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,815,857 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 48,670 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $276.884 billion | Projected for 2024 |
| Electricity Access | 98.1% | Percentage of population with access (2022) |
| Birth Rate | 17.3 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 72.6 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Urban Population | 84.4% | Percentage of total population (2023) |
| Military Expenditures | 0.8% of GDP | Projected for 2024 |
| Literacy Rate | 94% | Estimated for 2016 |
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