Dominican Republic
Central America and the CaribbeanDR December 16, 2025
Background
The Taino -- indigenous inhabitants of Hispaniola prior to the arrival of Europeans -- divided the island now known as the Dominican Republic and Haiti into five chiefdoms and territories. Christopher COLUMBUS explored and claimed the island on his first voyage in 1492; it became a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in 1821, but the Haitians conquered and ruled it for 22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but two years later, they launched a war that restored independence in 1865.
A legacy of unsettled and mostly non-representative rule followed, capped by the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas TRUJILLO from 1930 to 1961. Juan BOSCH was elected president in 1962 but was deposed in a military coup in 1963. In 1965, the US led an intervention in the midst of a civil war sparked by an uprising to restore BOSCH. In 1966, Joaquin BALAGUER defeated BOSCH in the presidential election. BALAGUER maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years, until international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held.
A legacy of unsettled and mostly non-representative rule followed, capped by the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas TRUJILLO from 1930 to 1961. Juan BOSCH was elected president in 1962 but was deposed in a military coup in 1963. In 1965, the US led an intervention in the midst of a civil war sparked by an uprising to restore BOSCH. In 1966, Joaquin BALAGUER defeated BOSCH in the presidential election. BALAGUER maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years, until international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held.
Geographic coordinates
19 00 N, 70 40 W
Natural hazards
lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding; periodic droughts
Area - comparative
slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey
Environmental issues
soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall
Coastline
1,288 km
Land boundaries
Total: 376 km
Border countries (1): Haiti 376 km
Border countries (1): Haiti 376 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 55.4% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 20.2% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 11.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 23.8% (2023 est.)
Forest: 46.6% (2023 est.)
Other: 0% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 20.2% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 11.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 23.8% (2023 est.)
Forest: 46.6% (2023 est.)
Other: 0% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Note: Measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Note: Measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
Natural resources
nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, arable land
Geography - note
shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (eastern two-thirds makes up the Dominican Republic, western one-third is Haiti); the second largest country in the Antilles (after Cuba); geographically diverse with the Caribbean's tallest mountain, Pico Duarte, and lowest elevation and largest lake, Lago Enriquillo
Terrain
rugged highlands and mountains interspersed with fertile valleys
Location
Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Irrigated land
2,981 sq km (2018)
Total renewable water resources
23.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
coastal development is significant, especially in the southern coastal plains and the Cibao Valley, where population density is highest; smaller population clusters exist in the interior mountains (Cordillera Central)
Elevation
Highest point: Pico Duarte 3,098 m
Lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m
Mean elevation: 424 m
Lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m
Mean elevation: 424 m
Major lakes (area sq km)
Salt water lake(s): Lago de Enriquillo - 500 sq km
Area
Total : 48,670 sq km
Land: 48,320 sq km
Water: 350 sq km
Land: 48,320 sq km
Water: 350 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 25.5% (male 1,402,847/female 1,358,833)
15-64 years: 66.9% (male 3,667,584/female 3,563,848)
65 years and over: 7.6% (2024 est.) (male 395,345/female 427,400)
15-64 years: 66.9% (male 3,667,584/female 3,563,848)
65 years and over: 7.6% (2024 est.) (male 395,345/female 427,400)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 94% (2024 est.)
Male: 93.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 94.4% (2024 est.)
Male: 93.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 94.4% (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Dominican(s)
Adjective: Dominican
Adjective: Dominican
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 14 years (2022 est.)
Male: 13 years (2022 est.)
Female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Male: 13 years (2022 est.)
Female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 84.4% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 97.8% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 91.4% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 96.8% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 2.2% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 8.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 3.2% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 97.8% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 91.4% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 96.8% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 2.2% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 8.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 3.2% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.524 million SANTO DOMINGO (capital) (2023)
Physician density
2.43 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
1.4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.9 years (2013 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 49.6 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 38.2 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 11.4 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 8.8 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 38.2 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 11.4 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 8.8 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 97.4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 91.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 96.5% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 2.6% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 8.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 3.5% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 97.4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 91.9% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 96.5% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 2.6% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 8.1% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 3.5% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
mixed 70.4% (Mestizo/Indio 58%, Mulatto 12.4%), Black 15.8%, White 13.5%, other 0.3% (2014 est.)
Note: Respondents self-identified their race; the term "indio" in the Dominican Republic is not associated with people of indigenous ancestry but people of mixed ancestry or skin color between light and dark
Note: Respondents self-identified their race; the term "indio" in the Dominican Republic is not associated with people of indigenous ancestry but people of mixed ancestry or skin color between light and dark
Religions
Evangelical 50.2%, Roman Catholic 30.1%, none 18.5%, unspecified 1.2% (2023 est.)
Languages
Spanish (official)
Major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Health expenditure
4.9% of GDP (2021)
14.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
14.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.06 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.2% (2019 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 9.4% (2019)
Women married by age 18: 31.5% (2019)
Women married by age 18: 31.5% (2019)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 11.7% (2024 est.)
Male: 9.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 15.5% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 9.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 15.5% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-2.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 29.2 years (2024 est.)
Male: 29.1 years
Female: 29.4 years
Male: 29.1 years
Female: 29.4 years
Maternal mortality ratio
124 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.15 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 10,815,857 (2024 est.)
Male: 5,465,776
Female: 5,350,081
Male: 5,465,776
Female: 5,350,081
Infant mortality rate
Total: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 24.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 19 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 24.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 19 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 9.7% (2025 est.)
Male: 13.5% (2025 est.)
Female: 5.9% (2025 est.)
Male: 13.5% (2025 est.)
Female: 5.9% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
27.6% (2016)
Death rate
7.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
17.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3% (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 5.56 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 2.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 2.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 72.6 years (2024 est.)
Male: 71 years
Female: 74.3 years
Male: 71 years
Female: 74.3 years
Education expenditure
3.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
20.9% national budget (2025 est.)
20.9% national budget (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
0.76% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 855 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 659.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 7.563 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 659.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 7.563 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.064 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11.6% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11.6% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
29.713 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 5.374 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 19.872 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 4.467 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 5.374 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 19.872 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 4.467 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
39.329 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Leah F. CAMPOS (since 19 November 2025)
Embassy: Av. Republica de Colombia #57, Santo Domingo
Mailing address: 3470 Santo Domingo Place, Washington DC 20521-3470
Telephone: (809) 567-7775
Email address and website:
SDOAmericans@state.gov
https://do.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: Av. Republica de Colombia #57, Santo Domingo
Mailing address: 3470 Santo Domingo Place, Washington DC 20521-3470
Telephone: (809) 567-7775
Email address and website:
SDOAmericans@state.gov
https://do.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabón, Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, Elías Piña, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Hermanas Mirabal, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, María Trinidad Sánchez, Monseñor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Samaná, Sánchez Ramírez, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macorís, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Santo Domingo, Valverde
Capital
Name: Santo Domingo
Geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 69 54 W
Time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: Named after Saint Domingo de GUZMAN (1170-1221), founder of the Dominican Order; the city's full name was originally Santo Domingo de Guzman
Geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 69 54 W
Time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: Named after Saint Domingo de GUZMAN (1170-1221), founder of the Dominican Order; the city's full name was originally Santo Domingo de Guzman
Constitution
History: Many previous (38 total); latest proclaimed 13 June 2015
Amendment process: Proposed by a special session of the National Congress called the National Revisory Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval by at least one half of those present in both houses of the Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as fundamental rights and guarantees, territorial composition, nationality, or the procedures for constitutional reform, also requires approval in a referendum
Amendment process: Proposed by a special session of the National Congress called the National Revisory Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval by at least one half of those present in both houses of the Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as fundamental rights and guarantees, territorial composition, nationality, or the procedures for constitutional reform, also requires approval in a referendum
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020)
Head of government: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020)
Cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president
Election/appointment process: President and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a maximum of two consecutive terms)
Most recent election date: 19 May 2024
Election results:
2024: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona reelected president; percent of vote - Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 57.5%, Leonel Antonio FERNÁNDEZ Reyna (FP) 28.8%, Abel MARTÍNEZ (PLD) 10.4%, other 3.3%
2020: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona elected president in first round; percent of vote - Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 52.5%, Gonzalo CASTILLO Terrero (PLD) 37.5%, Leonel Antonio FERNÁNDEZ Reyna (FP) 8.9%, other 1.1%
Expected date of next election: 21 May 2028
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Head of government: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020)
Cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president
Election/appointment process: President and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a maximum of two consecutive terms)
Most recent election date: 19 May 2024
Election results:
2024: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona reelected president; percent of vote - Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 57.5%, Leonel Antonio FERNÁNDEZ Reyna (FP) 28.8%, Abel MARTÍNEZ (PLD) 10.4%, other 3.3%
2020: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona elected president in first round; percent of vote - Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 52.5%, Gonzalo CASTILLO Terrero (PLD) 37.5%, Leonel Antonio FERNÁNDEZ Reyna (FP) 8.9%, other 1.1%
Expected date of next election: 21 May 2028
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Flag
Description: A centered white cross extends to the edges and divides the flag into four rectangles; the top ones are ultramarine blue (left side) and vermilion red, and the bottom ones are vermilion red (left side) and ultramarine blue; a small coat of arms with a shield supported by a laurel branch and a palm branch is at the center of the cross; above the shield, a blue ribbon displays the motto DIOS, PATRIA, LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty); below the shield, REPUBLICA DOMINICANA is on a red ribbon; on the shield, a Bible is opened to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth shall set you free)
Meaning: Blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes
Meaning: Blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes
Independence
27 February 1844 (from Haiti)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia (consists of a minimum of 16 magistrates); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional (consists of 13 judges)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary composed of the president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president of the Supreme Court, and a non-governing party congressional representative; Supreme Court judges appointed for 7-year terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed for 9-year terms
Subordinate courts: Courts of appeal; courts of first instance; justices of the peace; special courts for juvenile, labor, and land cases; Contentious Administrative Court for cases filed against the government
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary composed of the president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president of the Supreme Court, and a non-governing party congressional representative; Supreme Court judges appointed for 7-year terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed for 9-year terms
Subordinate courts: Courts of appeal; courts of first instance; justices of the peace; special courts for juvenile, labor, and land cases; Contentious Administrative Court for cases filed against the government
Legal system
civil law system based on the French civil code; Criminal Procedures Code modified in 2004 to include important elements of an accusatory system
Legislative branch
Legislature name: National Congress of the Republic (Congreso Nacional de la República)
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Legislative structure: Bicameral
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 27 February (1844)
Political parties
Alliance for Democracy or APD
Broad Front (Frente Amplio)
Country Alliance or AP
Dominican Liberation Party or PLD
Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD
Dominicans For Change or DXC
Independent Revolutionary Party or PRI
Institutional Social Democratic Bloc or BIS
Liberal Reformist Party or PRL (formerly the Liberal Party of the Dominican Republic or PLRD)
Modern Revolutionary Party or PRM
National Progressive Front or FNP
People's First Party or PPG
People's Force or FP
Social Christian Reformist Party or PRSC
Broad Front (Frente Amplio)
Country Alliance or AP
Dominican Liberation Party or PLD
Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD
Dominicans For Change or DXC
Independent Revolutionary Party or PRI
Institutional Social Democratic Bloc or BIS
Liberal Reformist Party or PRL (formerly the Liberal Party of the Dominican Republic or PLRD)
Modern Revolutionary Party or PRM
National Progressive Front or FNP
People's First Party or PPG
People's Force or FP
Social Christian Reformist Party or PRSC
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory; married persons can vote, regardless of age
Note: members of the armed forces and national police by law cannot vote
Note: members of the armed forces and national police by law cannot vote
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Dominican Republic
Conventional short form: The Dominican
Local long form: República Dominicana
Local short form: La Dominicana
Former: Santo Domingo (the capital city's name formerly applied to the entire country)
Etymology: The name is a latinized form of the Spanish term Santo Domingo, meaning "holy Sunday;" Spanish explorers originally settled the island on a Sunday in 1496, and the name was first given to the island of Hispaniola as a whole in 1697
Conventional short form: The Dominican
Local long form: República Dominicana
Local short form: La Dominicana
Former: Santo Domingo (the capital city's name formerly applied to the entire country)
Etymology: The name is a latinized form of the Spanish term Santo Domingo, meaning "holy Sunday;" Spanish explorers originally settled the island on a Sunday in 1496, and the name was first given to the island of Hispaniola as a whole in 1697
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador María Isabel CASTILLO BÁEZ (since 11 June 2025)
Chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280
FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057
Email address and website:
Embassy@drembassyusa.org
http://drembassyusa.org/
Consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angelos, Miami, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia
Chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280
FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057
Email address and website:
Embassy@drembassyusa.org
http://drembassyusa.org/
Consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angelos, Miami, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia
National anthem(s)
Title: "Himno Nacional" (National Anthem)
Lyrics/music: Emilio PRUD'HOMME/Jose REYES
History: Adopted 1934; also known as "Quisqueyanos valientes" (Valiant Sons of Quisqueye); the anthem refers to the Dominican people as Quisqueyanos, which comes from the ethnic name for the island
Lyrics/music: Emilio PRUD'HOMME/Jose REYES
History: Adopted 1934; also known as "Quisqueyanos valientes" (Valiant Sons of Quisqueye); the anthem refers to the Dominican people as Quisqueyanos, which comes from the ethnic name for the island
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
palmchat (bird)
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of the Dominican Republic
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of the Dominican Republic
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Colonial City of Santo Domingo
National color(s)
red, white, blue
Population below poverty line
23% (2023 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.3% (2023 est.)
Highest 10%: 29.1% (2023 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 29.1% (2023 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
medical instruments, tobacco, gold, garments, power equipment (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 52%, Switzerland 7%, Haiti 6%, China 5%, India 3% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
sugarcane, bananas, papayas, plantains, avocados, rice, milk, watermelons, vegetables, pineapples (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $20.418 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $24.348 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $24.348 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, natural gas, plastic products, crude petroleum (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Dominican pesos (DOP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
59.565 (2024 est.)
56.158 (2023 est.)
55.141 (2022 est.)
57.221 (2021 est.)
56.525 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
59.565 (2024 est.)
56.158 (2023 est.)
55.141 (2022 est.)
57.221 (2021 est.)
56.525 (2020 est.)
Industries
tourism, sugar processing, gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco, electrical components, medical devices
Economic overview
surging middle-income tourism, construction, mining, and telecommunications OECS economy; major foreign US direct investment and free-trade zones; developing local financial markets; improving debt management; declining poverty
GDP (official exchange rate)
$124.282 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 67.7% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 11.5% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 26.1% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.9% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 22.8% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -29% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 11.5% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 26.1% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.9% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 22.8% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -29% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
USA 40%, China 18%, Brazil 4%, Spain 4%, Mexico 3% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 28.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
9% of GDP (2024 est.)
8.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
9.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
8.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
9.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
5.413 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$35.044 billion (2023 est.)
Note: Present value of external debt in current US dollars
Note: Present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$13.471 billion (2024 est.)
$15.547 billion (2023 est.)
$14.523 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$15.547 billion (2023 est.)
$14.523 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
5.5% (2024 est.)
5.6% (2023 est.)
5.6% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
5.6% (2023 est.)
5.6% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
14.5% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$276.884 billion (2024 est.)
$263.82 billion (2023 est.)
$258.16 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$263.82 billion (2023 est.)
$258.16 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
3.3% (2024 est.)
4.8% (2023 est.)
8.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
4.8% (2023 est.)
8.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$4.167 billion (2024 est.)
-$4.418 billion (2023 est.)
-$6.549 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$4.418 billion (2023 est.)
-$6.549 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$24,200 (2024 est.)
$23,300 (2023 est.)
$23,000 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$23,300 (2023 est.)
$23,000 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$36.144 billion (2024 est.)
$34.45 billion (2023 est.)
$36.838 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$34.45 billion (2023 est.)
$36.838 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$28.563 billion (2024 est.)
$25.79 billion (2023 est.)
$25.169 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$25.79 billion (2023 est.)
$25.169 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
5% (2024 est.)
2.2% (2023 est.)
5.2% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
2.2% (2023 est.)
5.2% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
3% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 4.5% (2024 est.)
Industry: 28.7% (2024 est.)
Services: 59.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 28.7% (2024 est.)
Services: 59.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 98.1% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 98.8%
Electrification - rural areas: 95%
Electrification - urban areas: 98.8%
Electrification - rural areas: 95%
Coal
Consumption: 2.356 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.356 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.356 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 82.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 5.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 4.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 5.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 4.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Consumption: 2.277 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 1.997 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.279 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 1.997 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.279 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 146,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 6.581 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 22.193 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 2.369 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 22.193 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 2.369 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 85% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.do
Broadcast media
combination of state-owned and privately owned broadcast media; 1 state-owned TV network and a number of private TV networks; networks operate repeaters to extend signals throughout country; over 300 state-owned and privately owned radio stations (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 10.4 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 90 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 90 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 1.26 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 1.144 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 496 km (2014)
Standard gauge: 354 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Narrow gauge: 142 km (2014) 0.762-m gauge
Standard gauge: 354 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Narrow gauge: 142 km (2014) 0.762-m gauge
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
HI
Airports
32 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 40 (2023)
By type: Container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 1, other 36
By type: Container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 1, other 36
Heliports
8 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
16-23 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (ages vary slightly according to the military service; under 18 admitted with permission of parents); recruits must have completed primary school and be Dominican Republic citizens (2024)
Note: As of 2023, women made up approximately 18% of the active duty military
Note: As of 2023, women made up approximately 18% of the active duty military
Military expenditures
0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military - note
the military is responsible for defending the independence, integrity, and sovereignty of the Dominican Republic; it also has an internal security role, which includes assisting with airport, border, port, tourism, and urban security, supporting the police in maintaining or restoring public order, countering transnational crime, and providing disaster or emergency relief/management; a key area of focus is securing the country’s 217-mile (350-kilometer) long border with Haiti, where the Army in recent years has assigned thousands of troops to assist with security; these forces complement the personnel of the Border Security Corps permanently deployed along the border; the Air Force and Navy also provide support to the Haitian border mission; the Army has a brigade dedicated to managing and providing relief during natural disasters; the military also contributes personnel to the National Drug Control Directorate, and both the Air Force and Navy devote assets to detecting and interdicting narcotics trafficking; the Navy conducts regular bilateral maritime interdiction exercises with the US Navy (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 55-60,000 Armed Forces; up to 35,000 National Police (2025)
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic: Army of the Dominican Republic (Ejercito de la República Dominicana, ERD), Navy (Armada de República Dominicana or ARD; includes naval infantry), Dominican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de la República Dominicana, FARD) (2025)
Note 1: In addition to the three main branches of the military, the Ministry of Defense directs the Specialized Border Security Corps (CESFRONT), the Specialized Corps in Port Security (CESEP), and the Specialized Corps in Airport and Civil Aviation Safety (CESAC); these specialized corps are joint forces, made up of civilians and personnel from all the military branches; they may also assist in overall citizen security working together with the National Police, which is under the Ministry of Interior
Note 1: In addition to the three main branches of the military, the Ministry of Defense directs the Specialized Border Security Corps (CESFRONT), the Specialized Corps in Port Security (CESEP), and the Specialized Corps in Airport and Civil Aviation Safety (CESAC); these specialized corps are joint forces, made up of civilians and personnel from all the military branches; they may also assist in overall citizen security working together with the National Police, which is under the Ministry of Interior
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's equipment inventory comes largely from the US, with smaller quantities from such suppliers as Brazil and Spain (2025)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
Major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
Major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 1,004 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 390 (2023 est.)
IDPs: 390 (2023 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 17 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 2
Small: 7
Very small: 6
Size unknown: 2
Ports with oil terminals: 7
Key ports: Andres (Andres Lng Terminal), Las Calderas, Puerto de Haina, Puerto Plata, Punta Nizao Oil Terminal, San Pedro de Macoris, Santa Barbara de Samana, Santa Cruz de Barahona, Santo Domingo
Large: 0
Medium: 2
Small: 7
Very small: 6
Size unknown: 2
Ports with oil terminals: 7
Key ports: Andres (Andres Lng Terminal), Las Calderas, Puerto de Haina, Puerto Plata, Punta Nizao Oil Terminal, San Pedro de Macoris, Santa Barbara de Samana, Santa Cruz de Barahona, Santo Domingo
Legislative branch - lower chamber
Chamber name: Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados)
Number of seats: 190 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 5/19/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) and its allies (146); People’s Force (FP) and its allies (28); Other (16)
Percentage of women in chamber: 37.4%
Expected date of next election: May 2028
Number of seats: 190 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 5/19/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) and its allies (146); People’s Force (FP) and its allies (28); Other (16)
Percentage of women in chamber: 37.4%
Expected date of next election: May 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
Chamber name: Senate (Senado)
Number of seats: 32 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 5/19/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) and its allies (24); People’s Force (FP) and its allies (3); Other (5)
Percentage of women in chamber: 12.5%
Expected date of next election: May 2028
Number of seats: 32 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 5/19/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) and its allies (24); People’s Force (FP) and its allies (3); Other (5)
Percentage of women in chamber: 12.5%
Expected date of next election: May 2028
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
38.4 (2023 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
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