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History of the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic was first recognized as an independant nation in 1844 when a group of revolutionaries and outlaws basically beat the rulers of the island of Hispaniola, or better known as the Haitians. When the most famous Mr. Christopher Columbus first stumbled upon the island in 1492, he called it La Isla Española. They eventually changed the name to Santo Domingo, and quickly became the Spanish hub of the new found world. It gained popularity and rose to prominence so quickly because of its convenient  location in the ocean, right in the trade winds. France somehow got a hold on the western end of the island, and by the time 1795 rolled around, Spain just went ahead and deeded the entire island to France. By 1804,  African slaves on the part of the island known as Haiti, rebelled against the new French rulers and took over the whole island. This was a major undertaking for the captured slaves as they were often separated from their families and friends. French troops eventually stormed back onto the island, but were only able to capture back the western part. In 1838 a small group of  Dominican scholars from Santo Domingo,the popular city, devised a plan to form a  secret society. The purpose of the society ,La Trinitaria, was to basically overthrow the current rulers. The society was thought up and headed by Juan Pablo Duarte, who was the the son of a rich Dominican family. After the  rulers were overthrown, Pedro Santana, one of the members of the secret society and leaders of the Dominican revolution, became the first full on president of the now people led and people governed Dominican Republic.

Sports in Dominican Republic

Baseball in the Dominican Republic is more than a sport and national pastime it is a passion. After U.S. marines introduced the sport there, it slowly gained popularity until the 1960's. The success of the sport made North American teams  increase their local scouting, recruiting, and financial investments, and by the 1990s major league teams had drafted scores of Dominican players, including the outfielder Sammy Sosa.
Several Dominicans have become successful amateur or professional athletes in basketball, volleyball, and boxing, such as the bantamweight boxer Pedro Nolasco, who won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympic Games.
Soccer is also played in the Dominican Republic, though not as widely as in other Caribbean countries. Cockfighting remains a traditional and popular spectator sport, although it is illegal and most certainly frowned upon in many areas of the country.

Music of the Dominican Republic.

There are a many different genres of Dominican music. Among those that arose out of the Dominican African heritage are plena, a metered, responsorial work song. Salve which is often ceremonial either sung acapella or accompanied by panderos. And Gaga, a form of music tied to the Haitian-Dominican gaga societies. But the most popular musical genres in the Dominican Republic, the music for which the country is known, are merengue and bachata. In today's modern society. R&b, hip hop, club music, and Latin genres have played a role in the music industries. Especially song spoken or sung in Spanish. Many famous musicians from the Dominican Republic are Ruby Perez, Anais(who won reality show Objectivo fama), and Cristal Marie(pop singer). 

Things to Do!

Ocean World- A theme park in Puerto Plata that is equivalent to a Sea World in the United States. Fun for the family!

Iguana Mama- If you feel the need for nature, Iguana Mama offers biking, canyoning, and hiking in Cabarete!
Visit their site for more info! http://www.activecabarete.com/mountainbiking

Punta Cana Explorer- If the Ocean World theme park didn't satisfy your appetite for the waters of the Dominican Republic, the Punta Cana Explorer offers ocean excursions, fishing, speed-boating, and much, much more!
Visit their site for more info! http://www.hispaniola.com/dominican_republic/external/index.php?http://www.puntacanaexplorer.com


Isla Saona- Isla Saona is a a company that organizes day trips for tourists to explore and learn about the Dominican Republic. The trips include things such as riding and helping sail a catamaran, speed boat riding, learning about ocean life and trips just to see the sights and beauty of the coast. Take a look!
http://www.colonialtours.com.do/saona.htm

Places to Stay!

Casa Veintiuno: $100-$130 per night, 5 stars for excellent service and perfection. #1 Hotel in the Dominican Republic!
Visit their website for more information!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUrl?&excludeFromVS=false&odc=BusinessListingsUrl&d=1087017&url=1

Jasmine Spa and Wellness Holistic Health: $125 per night, 4 and a half stars for extreme beauty, simplicity and relaxing spas. #9 Hotel in the Dominican Republic!
Visit their Website for more information!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUrl?&excludeFromVS=false&odc=BusinessListingsUrl&d=1064472&url=1

 Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel: $293-$670 per night, 4 and a half stars for extreme elegance, beauty, cleanliness, and class. #2 Hotel in the Dominican Republic!
Visit their website for more information!
http://www.iberostar.com/EN/-hotels/Iberostar-Grand-Hotel-Bavaro_3_135.html

What you can eat!

Pork Rinds
(Ingredients: oink... oink...)



Casabe
(Flat bread made from yuca)

 

Empanadas
(Bread wrapped around any meat)



Arroz con dulce
(Rice pudding)

Information

Facts

Capital: Santo Domingo

Official Language: Spanish

Population: 10,090,000 people (2009 Census)

Area: 18,704 square miles

Ethnic Diversity: 73% Mixed, 16% White, 11% Black

Time Zone: Atlantic (UTC-4)

National Anthem: Himno Nacional

Drive on the right side of the road!


Politics

Government: Democratic Republic

President: Leonel Fernández

Vice President: Rafael Alburquerque

Flag of the Dominican Republic

"Dios, Patria, Libertad"
("God, Fatherland, Liberty")

Climate

The climate is mainly tropical at 77 degrees Fahrenheit which is excellent for people who love to go to the beach or walking around outside. If you decide to visit the Dominican Republic in January or February, the weather would be more cooler and beautiful than it already is. If you decide to visit in August, get ready for some warmer weather! Overall, the Dominican Republic is a cultural paradise/resort for tourists!