A country Overview of the Dominican Republic

It’s a presentation talking about the Dominican Republic

1. Ernesto García
10thB
Social Studies
12/16/24
Colegio Continental

2. The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy with a
unitary presidential system of government. Here’s a
breakdown of its government structure:
• The President is both the head of
state and government, serving as
the chief executive.
• The President is elected by
popular vote for a four-year term
and can seek reelection once.
• The President appoints cabinet
members and oversees domestic
and foreign policies.
• The Dominican Republic
allows for multiple political
parties, with the major ones
including the Modern
Revolutionary Party (PRM) and
the Dominican Liberation
Party (PLD).
• It is bicameral, consisting of
the Senate (Senado) and the
Chamber of Deputies (Cámara
de Diputados).
• Members are elected by
direct vote.

3. The culture of the Dominican Republic is a vibrant blend of Spanish, African,
and indigenous Taíno influences, reflected in its music, food, traditions, and
social values. Spanish is the official language, and merengue and bachata are
the nation’s most celebrated music and dance forms, embodying the
country’s lively spirit. Dominican cuisine features hearty dishes like La
Bandera Dominicana (rice, beans, and meat), sancocho (stew), and mangu
(mashed plantains), alongside drinks like mamajuana. Religion plays a
significant role, with Roman Catholicism being predominant, though
evangelical Protestantism and syncretic spiritual practices also exist. Art and
literature showcase the country’s rich heritage, with figures like Juan Bosch
and Julia Alvarez standing out in literature. Baseball is the national passion,
with many Dominican players excelling in Major League Baseball, while
festivals like Carnival and Semana Santa highlight the nation’s love for
celebration. Family and hospitality are central to Dominican life, fostering a
culture that values community and enjoying life to the fullest.

4. EconomicEconomic
GeographyGeography
The economic geography of the Dominican Republic is
shaped by its strategic location in the Caribbean, diverse
natural resources, and key economic sectors. Situated
on the eastern part of Hispaniola, the country benefits
from a tropical climate, fertile plains, and mountain
ranges, making agriculture a cornerstone of its economy.
The fertile Cibao Valley is the agricultural hub,
producing exports such as sugar, coffee, cocoa, and
tobacco. Tourism is another major driver of the
economy, with world-famous destinations like Punta
Cana, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo attracting
millions of visitors annually. The country’s beaches,
resorts, and historical landmarks contribute significantly
to GDP, while natural resources like gold, nickel, and
bauxite support mining activities.
Manufacturing and industry, particularly in free
trade zones (FTZs), also play a critical role,
producing textiles, electronics, and medical
equipment for export. Urban centers like Santo
Domingo and Santiago are industrial and
commercial hubs, supported by a growing
services sector, including banking,
telecommunications, and IT outsourcing. The
Dominican Republic’s major trading partner is
the United States, and its ports, such as Caucedo
and Haina, facilitate trade. However, economic
activities are concentrated in urban areas,
leading to rural disparities. The economy also
faces challenges such as unemployment,
dependence on imported fuel, and vulnerability
to hurricanes, which threaten agriculture and
infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the
country remains a leader in the Caribbean due to
its diverse economy and growing global
connectivity.

5. The urban geography of the Dominican Republic is dominated by a few key
cities, with Santo Domingo being the capital and largest urban center, serving
as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country. Other major cities
include Santiago de los Caballeros, a key hub for agriculture and
manufacturing, and La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, and Puerto Plata,
which are important for industries like tourism, sugar production, and trade.
Punta Cana is a rapidly growing urban area focused on tourism. Despite
urbanization driving economic growth, challenges such as overcrowding,
inadequate infrastructure, and economic inequality persist in major cities,
where affluent areas contrast sharply with poorer neighborhoods.