POPULATION

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The Dominican Republic has a population of approximately 11 million people. The population is primarily made up of people of mixed European and African descent, but there is also a significant number of people of pure European or African descent. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 29.9 years. The population is also relatively urban, with around 75% of the population living in cities and towns.

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CLIMATE

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The climate of the Dominican Republic is tropical, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average humidity is around 75%. There are two main seasons in the Dominican Republic: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from May to October and the dry season runs from November to April.

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TOPOGRAPHY

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The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. The country is divided into three main regions: the coastal plain, the central highlands, and the eastern mountain range. The coastal plain is a flat, low-lying area that is mostly used for agriculture and tourism. The central highlands are a mountainous region that is mostly used for agriculture, while the eastern mountain range is mostly used for forestry and mining.

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MAIN LANGUAGE

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The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. Most of the population speaks Spanish as their first language, but there are also a significant number of people who speak English, French and German as a second language.  The cultural mix of languages is what drew us to this island!

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PRIMARY INDUSTRY

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The primary industry of the Dominican Republic is tourism, which accounts for over 6% of the country's GDP. The country also has a growing manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on textiles and clothing. Agriculture, mining, and construction are also important industries in the Dominican Republic.

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COST OF LIVING

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The cost of living in the Dominican Republic is relatively low compared to many other countries in the Caribbean and North America. The average cost of living is around $1,500 per month, although this will vary depending on where you live and your lifestyle.

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Government's Attitude Towards Foreign Investments

The government of the Dominican Republic is generally open to foreign investment and offers a number of incentives to attract foreign investors. The country has a number of free trade zones where foreign investors can operate with minimal taxes and regulations.  As of 2023, there is a property tax incentive called Confotur that's attached to many of the new construction projects and allows a buyer to pay NO property tax for the first 15 years!

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REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITES

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Unlike many other countries, a foreigner CAN own the property your villa (house) sits on and there is no requirement to become a resident in order to own property in the Dominican Republic (the DR).  There are a number of real estate opportunities in the DR, with a particular focus on beachfront properties and properties in tourist destinations. Prices for real estate in the Dominican Republic are generally lower than in many other Caribbean countries, making it an attractive option for many buyers.  Caribbean Connection will connect you with an agent to guide you through the real estate acquisition process, for both your personal and/or commercial needs.

 

HEALTH CARE

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The healthcare system in the Dominican Republic is generally considered to be of good quality. There are a number of public and private hospitals and clinics throughout the country, and many of them offer a high standard of care. The cost of healthcare in the Dominican Republic is relatively low compared to many other countries in the Caribbean and North America.

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CULTURE

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The culture of the Dominican Republic is a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. The people are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and they place a strong emphasis on family and community. The country is also known for its music, particularly merengue and bachata, which are popular both within the country and internationally.

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The people of the Dominican Republic are generally open to foreigners, and expats are generally welcomed with open arms. Many expats find that it is easy to make friends in the country and that they quickly feel at home. However, it is worth noting that the country is relatively poor by developed world standards and that expats should be prepared for a different way of life.

While the culture is rich and welcoming, it is not without its challenges.