Planificacion

Dominican Republic “a beautiful island paradise”

The Dominican Republic is an incredible island paradise in the heart of the Caribbean. The country shares a border with Haiti on the second largest island in the area, "Hispaniola". There is plenty to explore, as the country is made up of over 30,000 square miles of lushes tropical island. Surrounded by the Saona, Beata, Catalina and Alto Veloislands.

Local time is Caribbean Eastern Time (GMT -0400). In the winter it is an hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States. the country spans 178 miles from north to south and 242 miles from east to west.  If you are setting sail for the Island like its famous first visitor,  you can find it.

The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo, which is the oldest city inthe new world. It has a population of almost 2.5 million people.
Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. However, you'll be surprised how many hotel and tourist destination employees speak English, French, German and Italian. If you decide to venture outside of the tourist areas, it is helpful to learn some basic phrases in Spanish.
The Dominican Peso (RD$) is the officialcurrency of the Dominican Republic. You can find out the exchange rate at www.xe.com/ucc.
The island enjoys a tropical climate year-round. Depending on your location, a typical day could have full sun or a combination of sun and clouds. Its average annual temperatures range from 66° to 93° F (19° to 34° C). The coldest season is between November and April, and the hottest season is between May andOctober.

As a former Spanish Colony, many of its dishes carry a familiar Latin American feel. Lots of rice, beans, meat and seafood can be found in their cuisine. However, strong influences from its heritage give the meals a unique twist. Traditional Taíno dishes are still made featuring yucca, plantains, and potatoes; as well as African recipes using similar native ingredients.

The mostcommon food on the Island is called La Bandera, or “The Flag”. It is made with meat, rice, and red beans. Making the dish distinctly Dominican, many will also serve it with friend plantains called “tostones”. As a culture that loves to eat, the meal will often continue beyond this first course.  Be prepared to try boiled green plantain known as “mangú”, “pasteles en hojas”, which are wrapped turnoverscooked in banana leaves; and various casseroles, stews, and meat dishes featuring braised goat, pork and chicken rinds.
Much of the Dominican culture can be experienced through its inspiring museums, food, and music. However, to truly understand the depth of the Dominican People, you must experience carnival. This annual celebration of independence spans the entire country, with each cityputting on their own unique version of the festival. They fill the streets with colorful masks, music, and of course, dancing. However, Carnival didn’t always look this way. It is actually the culmination of all three cultures; native Taíno, Spanish and African. Brought together, they create a swirl of energy and culture that you can’t find anywhere else. Carnival lasts throughout the month of February,climaxing on the 27th.

History

The Dominican Republic has an incredibly rich history. The walls and the cobblestoned streets of its Colonial City or “zona colonial”, bear witness to its past as the first city founded in the Americas. It was more than 500 years ago that the Dominican Republic began to write its history. The peaceful Taino Indians, who spent their days hunting, fishing andfarming, first inhabited the island. Then on December 5, 1492, Admiral Christopher Columbus arrived on the island. He named it Hispaniola, setting into motion the meeting of two cultures that would later make Santo Domingo the first city in the Americas.

Government

The Government of the Dominican republic is a representative democracy with a president, similar to that of the United States....