Why visit
The Dominican Republic is more than resort beaches: Santo Domingo's colonial core, Samaná whale season, Pico Duarte, merengue and bachata, and long Atlantic and Caribbean coastlines. It suits both easy holidays and deeper road trips.
Country - North America
Dominican Republic
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How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Dominican Republic works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Santo Domingo as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Dominican Republic.
At a glance
Location
19.0°, -70.7°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
48,671 km²
18,792 mi²
Country population
11.3 million
233/km²
Subregion
Caribbean
Currency
Dominican peso ($)
DOP
Dial
+1809
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Dominican
Internet
.do
UN
Member state
ISO code
DO / DOM
Where in the world
19.0° - -70.7°
Dominican Republic
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- The Dominican Republic is one of the biggest baseball exporters to MLB: roughly 10% of players are Dominican.
- Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
- Merengue was invented here and is the national music and dance.
Bordering Dominican Republic
Traveler notes
- Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is UNESCO-listed
- Humpback whales gather around Samaná from January to March
- Pico Duarte is the highest mountain in the Caribbean
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Santo Domingo, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Dominican Republic
What is the capital of Dominican Republic?
Santo Domingo is the capital of Dominican Republic.
What currency does Dominican Republic use?
Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso ($), ISO code DOP.
What languages are spoken in Dominican Republic?
The primary language is Spanish.
Is Dominican Republic landlocked?
No, Dominican Republic has a coastline.
What countries border Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic borders Haiti.
What is the international calling code for Dominican Republic?
The calling code is +1809.
When is the best time to visit Dominican Republic?
Dec–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other North America destinations
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the Strip's theme-park casinos, Red Rock Canyon climbing nearby, and access to Grand Canyon, Zion, and Death Valley on short flights or drives.
Seattle
Seattle is Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Chihuly glass garden, ferry rides, and Mount Rainier + Olympic National Park 2 hours out.
Honolulu
Honolulu (Oahu) is Waikiki beach, Diamond Head crater, Pearl Harbor, North Shore surf, and a food culture that invented poke.
Vancouver
Vancouver is Stanley Park's seawall, Granville Island's market, Gastown's restored old streets, and the North Shore mountains + Whistler 2 hours away.
Montreal
Montreal is French-speaking Canada. Old Montreal's stone streets, Plateau Mont-Royal cafés, Mile End's bagels, and festivals every summer weekend.
Quebec City
Quebec City has North America's only walled Old Town. Château Frontenac, Petit Champlain, the Plains of Abraham, and winter Carnaval.