Modern Russian tourists are increasingly considering options outside of Africa and Eurasia when planning their holidays. Many of our compatriots opt for Latin American countries where Russian citizens are treated kindly.
Friendly relations between our countries originated in the days of the revolution and the cold war. Countries such as Venezuela, Cuba and the Dominican Republic hospitably open their borders to tourists from the Russian Federation, since almost all barriers between our countries have disappeared over the years.
Dominican Republic - where is it located?
The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Haiti or Española, which is among many others in the Antilles archipelago. The Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti territorially divide the island into two parts. This is especially clearly seen in the photo, where the Dominican Republic is in the eastern part, and the Republic of Haiti is in its western part. The capital of the Dominican Republic is the beautiful city of Santo Domingo.
The Antilles are located oncrossroads of shipping routes from South America to North America, in the west of the Atlantic Ocean. Not far from the island is Central America.
On the island of Hispaniola, two capital cities of two states - both Haiti and the Dominican Republic - coexist. A strait called Mona separates Hispaniola from Puerto Rico to the east, and to the west the Windward Strait lies between the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
To understand where in which country the Dominican Republic is located, one should turn to history. The island of Haiti got its name from Christopher Columbus, who discovered it in 1492 and named it Hispaniola. Since then, the era of the conquest of America has begun, and at the beginning of the 16th century the island was colonized by the Spaniards.
In addition to the central territory - the island of Haiti, the Dominican Republic also owns a group of small islands. The most significant of them:
- Catalina - near the south coast of the island of Haiti;
- Saona - from its southeastern part;
- Cayo Levantado - near the northeastern part of the island;
- Beata - from the southwest side of Haiti.
Each of these islands has a completely unique nature, which is especially appreciated by tourists who are looking for places with a unique exotic.
The Dominican Republic is considered a mountainous state, and it contains the Cordillera Central ridge, some peaks of which have a height above sea level of more than 3 kilometers. This explains such different climate conditions between the northern and southern coasts of the island, namely where the Dominican Republic is located. And what is the sea like there?
South partHaiti has a windy climate with little rainfall and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea. To the north of the island lies the Atlantic Ocean, and the climate in northern Haiti is humid. Therefore, you can swim on its coast in both cool and warm water, and this is a favorite vacation spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
For a person who is new to geography, questions about the Dominican Republic - what kind of country where it is, are not simple. Of course, many people know that this is a country somewhere in Latin America, but not everyone can immediately show the specific territory occupied by the Dominican Republic. And this is easily explained by the fact that there are many small states in this region, and it is quite easy to get confused in them.
Despite the attractiveness of the visa-free regime, low food price tag, such a holiday for Russian citizens is still elite. This is due to the high price of air tickets, because the flight lasts more than 9 hours, and not everyone can endure such a long trip even by car.
Between Moscow and Haiti, where the state of the Dominican Republic is located, the time difference is 8 hours, with Minsk - 7 hours, and between Kyiv and Santo Domingo - 6 hours.
The Republic of the Dominican Republic is a visa-free country, so citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine do not have any difficulties entering its territory. The only thing is that at the border you will have to purchase a special visa bulletin Tarjeta del Tourista, the price of which is about $10, which allows you to stay in the country for one month.
Forcitizens of other CIS countries such as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Armenia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, a visa is required.
History of the Dominican Republic
In addition to Spanish colonization, Haiti has long attracted other European invaders. So, France, after bloody wars, won back the western part of the island, leaving the eastern part to Spain.
Only at the beginning of the 19th century did the colonial milestone in the history of the Dominican Republic end. This happened after a major uprising broke out on the island, the result of which was the expulsion of the European colonialists. Since then and until today there has been a long struggle of the republic for independence from the United States of America. Knowing about the historical milestones of Haiti, you can understand where and in which country the Dominican Republic is located.
Economy of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is not a very rich country. According to the data provided for 2009, the poverty rate came close to 50%, and the GDP was $8,000 a year.
Tourism and service industries are the main sources of income in the state. They occupy about 68% of the total GDP. In second place is industry. Among other things, ferronickel, gold and sugar are mined in the Dominican Republic. The list of income items is completed by agriculture. It accounts for 11% of all income.
There are many government programs in the country aimed at maintaining and developing tourism,therefore, this industry is extremely important for the Dominican Republic. In this regard, new hotels and hotels of various categories are constantly being built, in which prices from quite affordable to luxury categories prevail. Despite the high prices, Dominican holidays remain one of the most amazing and alluring.
Where is the Dominican Republic, and what ocean washes it? Of course, it is worth mentioning the Caribbean Sea, striking with its bright green waters and being the main attraction of the country. Many people make the long journey to Haiti in order to stand by the sea and, at least for a while, get rid of heavy thoughts or oppressive problems. The sea has amazingly clear water, and in some places you can see its bottom up to three meters.
The underwater world of the Caribbean Sea cannot but surprise, a huge variety of marine life, from beautiful algae and corals to fish that delight in their color. Therefore, Dominican beaches continue to be very popular with diving tourists.
What is the currency in the Dominican Republic?
Official circulation in the Dominican Republic has only the Dominican peso (DOP - international abbreviation). However, in many small towns and settlements where there are no banks or exchange offices, it is better to have funds on bank cards so that you can pay.
Master Card, American Express and Visa cards are accepted in all, even small stores. Of course, in the major cities of the Dominican Republic, where banks and money exchange offices are located, everything is easier andthere are no problems with paying for goods or exchanging money.
1 $ is approximately equal to 16 pesos. In local establishments, it is customary to pay either with dollars (which is not entirely legal) or with credit cards.
Popular Dominican resorts
Most resorts are located on the eastern half of the island:
- Puerto Plata;
- Juan Dolio;
- La Romana;
- Samana;
- Boca Chica;
- Punta Cana.
An interesting effect due to the coral reef has acquired sand on the beach. It is not snow-white, as in most Dominican resorts, but has a pink tint.
The Dominican Republic is quite suitable for noisy parties for young guests, as well as for holidays with children and families.
Puerto Plata
This resort in the Dominican Republic, where there is a lot of entertainment for every taste, is ideal for young people. The beaches of Puerto Plata sparkle with their golden sands, and the waves attract surfers all year round.
Juan Dolio
Those who love outdoor activities, preferring to travel around the cities and see the sights instead of lying on the beach, just need to visit the resort of Juan Dolio. It is ideal for lovers of shopping, sightseeing programs, walks in the surroundings. Fascinating with their mystery caves, majestic waterfalls, unique traditions of local residents - there is entertainment for everyone.
La Romana
Quiet and peaceful resort with white sand beaches and its own airport. Ideal for familiescouples and for families with children. Undoubtedly, a special bazaar is interesting for tourists, where almost all samples of the country's folk craft are presented. The fishing village will allow tourists to see the original life of the Dominican fishermen.
Samana
For those who want to experience what it means to live on a desert island, this resort is a godsend. The road to the capital will take 5 hours. There are two zones on the island: tourist and reserved. An unimaginable variety of fauna and flora, amazing plants, rare animals and an incomparable beauty of the coral reef - all this will not leave anyone indifferent.
Boca Chica
Great choice for families with small children. Fine sand and shallow depth of the beaches in the lagoon - children play carelessly in the water, parents do not worry and relax with them. A very suitable place for diving.
Punta Cana
Undoubtedly, Punta Cana is a corner of paradise, located on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, where there are many unique places, ideal for family holidays and wedding ceremonies. Azure water, white sand, unrealistically tall palm trees with coconuts… This is the best beach for honeymooners.
If you're into sports, you'll find everything you need - swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, diving and windsurfing.
The country fascinates visitors from the very first moments. Going down the ladder of the plane, tourists see amazing landscapes, and as soon as they step on the ground, they plunge intoatmosphere of goodwill and care where the Republic of Dominican Republic is located.
Language of the Dominican Republic
Spanish is spoken in the Dominican Republic. It is also the only state language. The country has a lot of tourists and expats. Therefore, the second place is occupied by English. A small group of Haitians speak Creole.
Religion of the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, 95% of Christians, of which 88% are Catholics. The rest of the population are Protestants. This is due to the long Spanish colonization of the country.
Voodoo traditions are not uncommon in the border villages. The Dominican Republic does not officially recognize this religion, but the markets are littered with goods with voodoo symbols, which are very popular with tourists.
Sights of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a huge number of picturesque rivers, mountain and coastal landscapes. Agencies offer tours of the Dominican Republic to such places, where there are also caves with stalactites, grottoes, Indian rock paintings, lakes and amazing paintings created by nature itself.
In the Dominican Republic you can see:
- All kinds of parks, national reserves with endangered or rare species of trees and flowers.
- Mountains and ranges separated by fertile and picturesque valleys.
- Many offshore islands with rainforests untouched by man.
- Animals in reserves and zoos.
- Plantations of chocolate tree andbanana, orange and pineapple groves.
- Caribbean Lake Enriquillo, which is s alty and has healing properties.
- The highest mountain in Hispaniola, Pico Duarte, which is 3098 meters above sea level.
When is the best time to relax in the Dominican Republic
The weather in the Dominican Republic is very warm. You can sunbathe and swim here all year round. Even there is a "dry" season - from November to April. It doesn't rain at all during this time. Therefore, if Thailand, Egypt and Goa are already tired, it makes sense to think about a trip to Haiti.
Many people think that after April it rains endlessly in Haiti and the rainy season begins. This is a little different. It rains, of course, but they end in half an hour at most, and the sun shines again, and there is no trace of the puddles. The resorts of the Dominican Republic have extremely comfortable conditions for tourists, and this makes Haiti an even more attractive place.
Excursions in the Dominican Republic
The most popular tours in Haiti among tourists are:
- Participation in fishing in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
- Caribbean Festival
- Journey to the Dominican Outback.
- Helicopter ride.
- Manty Parks.
- "Bavaro Truckers".
The cost of such excursions ranges from $50 to $300 inclusive.
Thus, the Dominican Republic attracts tourists with children, honeymooners, and noisy youth companies looking for an active holiday. Romantic trip to Haiti for twowill remain in memory for many years, and lovers of water and underwater sports will be delighted with their holidays at the wonderful resorts of the earthly paradise, where the Dominican Republic is located.
