The Dominican Republic is a well-known tourist destination with excellent resorts
and sports clubs where tourists will get to enjoy a lot of water activities such as
scuba diving, coral reef exploring, hiking, biking, and many more.
Just recently, the country has been awarded the title “Capital of Gastronomic
Culture in the Caribbean” owing to the extremely delicious and palatable
Caribbean flavors that this beautiful country offers.
If you are craving to experience all the exciting sports activities and gastronomic
flavors of the Dominican Republic, you will surely be glad to discover more fun
facts about this country. So, let’s hop on!
10 Fun Facts to Know About the Dominican Republic
Apart from versatility, there is much yet to be explored in the Dominican
Republic. Here are some mind-blowing facts to make you consider this place as
the best vacation and tourist destination.

1. The Dominican is Synonymous with Baseball
The Dominican Republic is often referred to as the “Mecca of Baseball” and is
synonymous with the sport. Baseball is the most popular sport, with a very
evident strong passion for the game throughout the country.
Many of the world’s top baseball players come from the Dominican Republic, with
over 600 players having played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as of 2021. Some
of the most well-known Dominican players include David Ortiz.

2. Santo Domingo: The Oldest City in Latin America
Santo Domingo is the country’s capital and the largest city, and is widely
considered to be the most vintage city in the Americas. Located in the southern
region of the country, this vibrant and bustling city offers visitors a taste of
modern Dominican culture with its lively music scene, vibrant street art, and
delicious food.
This historic district features Zona Colonial — a UNESCO World Heritage site that
boasts of many well-preserved buildings and structures from the city’s early
history.
3. Ecotourism
The Dominican Republic is known worldwide for ecotourism, being considered a
sustainable tourist destination since one-fourth of the country’s land as well as its
shores have been saved as a national park and sanctuaries.
In early parts of every year, Samana Bay becomes home to thousands of
humpback whales who come yearly to give birth.

4. The Three Colors of Flag
The flag of the Dominican Republic consists of three horizontal stripes in blue,
white, and red, which hold different symbols.
The blue stripe represents liberty and is said to have been inspired by the sky and
the sea, two important elements of the Dominican Republic’s natural landscape.
The white stripe represents salvation and symbolizes the struggle for peace and
freedom while the red stripe represents the blood shed by the country’s heroes in
the struggle for independence and symbolizes courage, bravery, and sacrifice.
5. It’s not a Small Country
Surprising but true – the Dominican Republic is one of the largest countries in the
Caribbean. It covers an area of approximately 48,442 square kilometers and is
home to over 10 million people. It has a diverse geography and its capital, the city
of Santo Domingo, is a major cultural and economic center and is home to over
two million people.
The country shares the island of Hispaniola and the countries around it.
6. Peak Season in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte
Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the Dominican Republic, situated 3,087 meters
above sea level in the Cordillera Central Mountain range. It is a popular tourist
destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Pico Duarte trail hike is a challenging but rewarding experience, taking hikers
through a variety of ecosystems, including pine forests, cloud forests, and alpine
tundra. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding
landscape.

7. Muñecas Limé: Faceless Dolls
Representing diversity in terms of ethnicity, the Muñecas Limé or the Faceless
Dolls can easily be found all around the Dominican Republic. These special dolls
remind people that everyone is equal and the same.
The Muñecas Limé dolls were first shown in 1980 but hold significance back in the
1500’s.

8. Home to Stunning Waterfalls
The Dominican Republic is home to several stunning waterfalls that are worth
visiting, the famous of which is Salto El Limón located in the Samaná province.
Salto El Limón is a 52-meter waterfall that drops into a natural pool below.
Visitors can take a horseback ride or hike to the waterfall.
The Cascada El Dudú is another waterfall that is also well-appreciated. It is located
in the province of María Trinidad Sánchez and is part of a larger natural pool area.
9. Merengue
Merengue is so important to the Dominican Republic that it has been declared
the national dance of the country.
Characterized by a fast-paced, rhythmic beat music, Merengue has its roots in
African, European, and Indigenous music and dance traditions.
10. Palmchat Holds Endless Charm
Palmchat is a small bird species that are native to the Caribbean, including the
Dominican Republic.
The bird is an important part of the country’s ecosystem as it helps disperse seeds
and pollinate plants. It is often featured in traditional Dominican art and folklore,
making this bird culturally significant.
Visitors often feel fascinated by the Palmchat due to its unique appearance and
interesting behaviors.
Wrapping Up
The Dominican Republic abounds with rich historical sites that are worth visiting
and exploring, aside from its beautiful weather and scenery. The country holds
many festivals all-year-round which make it an excellent choice as a tourist
destination.