The island Hispañiola was discovered by Christopher Columbus on December 5th, 1492. He loved the island so much, that it was there where he wanted to be buried.

The island is divided into two nations, the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Philip II referred to it as the "key to the West Indies ".

The Dominican Republic was born on February 27th 1844. It was proclaimed at the portal El Conde, where, for the first time the three-colored flag was raised.

In the year 1861, it was annexed to Spain. By 1865, the nationals managed to restore their republic. The second republic then decayed under authoritarianism and anarchy.

In the year 1961, Rafael Trujillo ruled over a dictatorship that lasted 31 years.

Only 8 million people live in the Dominican Republic. The capital, Santo Domingo, has around 3 million inhabitants.

The population consists of 15 % blacks, 15% white, and about 70% mulatto descendants from the Spanish.

Its inhabitants are very hospitable, open and peace-loving.

The official language of the country is Spanish.

In the main tourist regions, it is likely to encounter persons who speak English, French, Italian, and German.

The commercial language is English.

The Dominican Republic is a Catholic country.