- Before the existence of Haiti and the Dominican Republic the island was called Hispaniola.
- The Dominican Republic’s Flag is the only national flag to have a Bible on it. It shows John 8:32 and reads, “And the truth shall make you free.”
- It is the second largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba.
- “Catedral de Santa Maria La Menor” in the capital city of Santo Domingo is the oldest cathedral in the Americas and dates back to 1540.
- The official Independence Day is February 27, 1844.
- Humpback whales can be seen off the north western coast during mating season December to March.
- The 3 biggest industries are coffee, sugar, and tobacco.
- Santo Domingo, the island’s capital, is the oldest city in the new world. It was established in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, Christopher Columbus’ younger brother.
- The name of the national dish is the “La Bandera” and is made with chicken, rice, and beans.
- The Dominican Republic is known as the “Breadbasket of the Caribbean”.
- Next to the United States, the Dominican Republic produces the second largest number of Major League Baseball players such as Juan Marichal.
- It is illegal to kiss a woman in front of a police officer.
- The Dominican Republic produces 55% of the world’s bananas.
- Members of the armed forces and national police cannot vote in elections.
- It is the birth place of the Merengue dance.
- The Dominican Republic is home to two animals that can’t be found anywhere else, the rhinoceros iguana and a furry mammal called the Hispaniolan Solenodon which is the third most venomous mammal in the world.
- Dominicans honk their horn a lot when they drive!
- The Dominican Republic was home to real pirates of the Caribbean in the 17th century.
- The famous fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta, was born in Santo Domingo.
- The Dominican Republic is home to the first Catholic Church, hospital, and university in the Americas.
- The Godfather II, Jurassic Park, and Pirates of the Caribbean were all filmed here.