Brief Facts


  • Dominican Republic gained independence from Spain in 1821 & Haiti in 1844.
  • Huge influence of Haitians in the D.R. but the citizens try to avoid these influences. D.R. language is Spanish and Haiti's is Creole. 
  • Leonel Fernández is the current President, third term.
  • Serious financial issues; foreign debt, high unemployment, unreliable energy source.
  • The conduit for relief and reconstruction efforts in to the wake of 2010 earthquake that devastated neighboring Haiti.
  • Rapid growth of Illegal Haitian migrants. 
  • Poor education and heath, although religious and academic freedom guaranteed by the constitution.
  • Lack of internet access but Fernandez government has been working to improve the access to technology.
  • Banned Gay Marriage by the constitution.