Country Profile: Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, bordered by Haiti to the west and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. With a population of approximately 10.9 million people, it features a diverse cultural heritage influenced by Indigenous, African, and European traditions. The country's economy is primarily driven by services, particularly tourism, followed by industry and agriculture, making it a middle-income nation. Governed as a presidential republic, the Dominican Republic has established a functioning democracy since the late 20th century, characterized by regular competitive elections.
Geography
The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean, comprising rugged terrains and fertile valleys with a tropical maritime climate. It has a total area of 48,670 sq km, making it slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey, with 1,288 km of coastline. The country features Pico Duarte, the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, at 3,098 m and Lago Enriquillo, the lowest point at -46 m.
- 376 km: Total land border with Haiti
- 55.4%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023)
- 46.6%: Forested area (2023)
- 2,981 sq km: Irrigated land (2018)
People and Society
The Dominican Republic has an estimated population of 10,899,292 (2025) with a median age of 29.6 years. The society is predominantly mixed (70.4%), with a significant portion identifying as Black (15.8%) or White (13.5%). Spanish is the official language, while the country’s major religions include Evangelical (50.2%) and Roman Catholic (30.1%).
- 84.4%: Urban population (2023)
- 17.4 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025)
- 72.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 94%: Literacy rate (2024)
Economy
The Dominican Republic's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, with a projected Real GDP of $276.884 billion (2024). The services sector represents 59.8% of GDP, while the economy is also supported by significant expatriate remittances and free trade zones.
- 5.5%: Unemployment rate (2024)
- 23%: Population below the poverty line (2023)
- $28.563 billion: Exports (2024)
- $36.144 billion: Imports (2024)
Government
The Dominican Republic operates as a presidential republic with a strong legislative framework, featuring a bicameral National Congress. The current president is Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, in office since August 16, 2020. The country has a history of frequent political changes, with its latest constitution promulgated in 2015.
- 31: Administrative provinces
- 18 years: Age of suffrage
- 0.8% of GDP: Military expenditures (2024)
Military and Security
The Dominican Republic maintains an organized military force composed of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, totaling approximately 55,000 personnel. The military is tasked with national defense, public order, and disaster relief, particularly along the border with Haiti. The military budget reflects 0.8% of GDP (2024).
- 17%: Approximate representation of women in active duty (2024)
- 35,000: National Police personnel (2025)
Energy
Electricity access in the Dominican Republic is robust, with 98.1% of the population having access as of 2022. The primary sources of electricity generation include fossil fuels (82.7%) and renewable sources such as solar and wind.
- 22.193 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023)
- 6.581 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023)
Environment
The Dominican Republic faces various environmental challenges, including soil erosion and deforestation. It is party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.
- 11.6%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
- 29.713 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023)
Transportation
The country has an extensive transportation network, including 32 airports and 496 km of railways. The merchant marine fleet consists of 40 vessels as of 2023, primarily focused on cargo transport.
- 17: Total ports (2024)
Communications
The Dominican Republic has a growing communication sector, with 85% of the population using the Internet. In 2024, there are 10.7 million mobile cellular subscriptions.
- 1.15 million: Fixed line subscriptions (2024)
- 1.26 million: Broadband fixed subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,899,292 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 48,670 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) | $276.884 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 17.4 births/1,000 people | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 72.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 94% | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 84.4% | 2023 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 0.8% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 98.1% | 2022 estimate |
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