The Dominican Republic is a place of snow-white beaches, original exotic culture, coral reefs and amazingly beautiful nature. When in 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered this land, he believed that this place was the most beautiful on earth where a person had visited. And in fact, there is some truth in this statement. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Dominican Republic, which has become one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.

Geography of the Dominican Republic

According to best-medical-schools, this state is located in the center of the Greater Antilles. From the north and south, the Dominican Republic is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, respectively, and in the west it borders on Haiti. The local relief is represented by four mountain ranges, which occupy more than half of the country’s territory. Tropical forests grow in intermountain valleys and coastal zones.

Capital

Santo Domingo

Area

The area of the Dominican Republic is 48.442 km2. sq., occupies the 130th place in the world in terms of area.

Population

9,378,818 people.

Currency

The official currency is the peso (DOP).

Language

The official language is Spanish.

Visa to the Dominican Republic

Residents of the Russian Federation who plan to visit the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes must receive a tourist card at the passport control zone, which assumes a period of stay in the country for 30 days. The fee for the card is 10 euros. To receive a tourist card, you must present a valid passport and return tickets. If necessary, you can extend the period of stay in the republic up to 90 days, for this you need to contact the local police department.

Weather in the Dominican Republic

The country has a tropical maritime climate, in summer the temperature in the lowlands is little changeable and amounts to +25 +27 C, however, the sea northeast wind softens the heat. January is the coldest month, the average temperature during this period is +22 C, and in the mountains the temperature can drop to minus. A characteristic feature of the local climate is high air humidity from 65%. Annually falls 1000-2000 mm of precipitation. Most of the precipitation falls from May to September, during the rainy season. In July-August, the rains are heaviest, as typhoons pass through the country during this period. Despite the fact that summer in the republic is all year round, October is considered the best time to travel.

Currency exchange in the Dominican Republic

As of September 2011, the national currency rate is 1 USD = 37.8 DOP. The national currency is the Dominican peso. Usually banks are open from 08.00 to 15.00-18.00 on weekdays. Officially, only the national currency is accepted for payment in the country, but US dollars are also taken from foreign tourists without any problems. You can exchange foreign currency for local at the airport, hotel or bank. Almost all private establishments accept dollars, but change is most often given in pesos.

Electricity

110V/60Hz (American style sockets).

Religion

The main part of the believing population are Catholics, such – 95%. Protestants and Jews also live here, as well as representatives of the local animistic cult.

Security

Even though handguns are legal in the country, the locals are friendly to tourists and the police are quick to help. It is worth fearing only pickpockets, who often operate in crowded places.

Health

There is no mandatory vaccination, but vaccination against polio and yellow fever is recommended. In the western part of the country in rural areas, there is a possibility of contracting malaria. Since the provision of medical services is paid, it is recommended to have international health insurance. With insurance, first aid is provided free of charge, and further treatment will be billed.