Dominican Republic: Country Information
Geography
Mt Isabel de Torres, with its 26,000 ft. peak, towers over the city of Puerto Plata, which is the hub of the area. Puerto Plata still has its share of street-life, colonial architecture and Spanish plazas. However, the tourist business has become its own culture clouding much of the colonial feel of the area.
The Dominican Republic makes up the eastern two-thirds of the Island of Hispaniola. Fertile valleys and forested mountains make up the countryside. Sugar cane grows on hills and roadsides everywhere. Along the coasts, white-sand beaches and exotic wildlife including hump-backed whales add to the Dominican Republic’s appeal.
Local Outreach Area
Near Puerta Plata in the village of Sosua, the Palace Hotel overlooks the sea: a haven for Sharing Teams! Partnering with local mission groups: Crossroads and Maranatha Ministries, Sharing Teams construct relief housing for destitute families.
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Culture
The Spanish settlers gave the country their language, and the Roman Catholic faith. Africans, originally brought here as slaves, contributed their own religion, art and music. A US presence has also left its mark. Baseball is the favorite national pastime.
Music and dance is at the heart of Dominican culture. Most popular is the meringue which you will hear, full volume, almost anywhere you go in the country. Bachata, the Dominican country music, and Salsa are also favorite musical types.
History
An estimated 400,000 Taino Indians with origins in Venezuela lived in the jungles of Hispaniola when Christopher Columbus landed. The land seemed immense to the several countries who laid claim to the large island including Spain, France, and the United States. However, the D.R. has had independence since 1865. In recent years, free elections have brought stability and peace.