Fun facts about the Dominican Republic that highlight its culture, history and nature

Culture and Tradition

1. The first place of the "New World" is the Dominican Republic where Christopher Columbus established the first European settlement in America in 1492, La Isabela.

1. The birthplace of merengue and bachata: These musical genres, now famous worldwide, were born on the island. In 2016, UNESCO declared merengue as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

1. Baseball is religion: The country has more players in the Major Leagues than any other outside the United States. Names like Pedro Martínez and David Ortiz are national legends.

History and Architecture

• The first cathedral in America: The Catedral Primada de América, in Santo Domingo, is the oldest cathedral on the continent, built between 1512 and 1540.

• Zona Colonial: World Heritage Site: This area in Santo Domingo has more than 500 years of history and is an iconic place for lovers of architecture and culture.

Nature and Biodiversity

• The largest and lowest lake in the Caribbean: Lake Enriquillo is 44 meters below sea level and is home to American crocodiles and flamingos.

• More beaches than you can imagine: With more than 1,600 kilometers of coastline, the Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as Bahía de las Águilas and Playa Rincón.

• Pico Duarte: It is the highest mountain in the Caribbean, with an altitude of 3,098 meters. Climbing it is a unique experience for adventurers.

Various Curious Facts

• The country of amber: In the Dominican Republic, some of the purest amber in the world is found, even with insect fossils trapped inside.

• Currency that honors women: The 200 Dominican peso bill bears the image of the Mirabal Sisters, symbols of the fight against the Trujillo dictatorship and in honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

• Did you know that it has a unique carnival?: The Dominican Carnival is one of the most vibrant in the Caribbean, with characters such as the "Diablos Cojuelos" who parade through the streets in February.