20 Dominican Republic Fun Facts
From Dominican Republic landmarks to geography and even rare gemstone production, there are many interesting Dominican Republic fun facts to learn. Check out these 20 fun facts about the Dominican Republic to gain some insight on parts of Dominican Republic culture and history to broaden your knowledge on this beautiful, sunny country.
Check out some more fun facts about different countries below:
1. Did You Know This is the Highest Peak in the Dominican Republic?
Further Explanation
Duarte Peak is the highest point not only in the Dominican Republic but also the rest of the Caribbean, standing at about 10,000 feet tall.
2. Did You Know the Dominican Republic is Home to the Largest Saltwater Lake in the Caribbean?
Further Explanation
Lake Enriquillo, located in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic, is the largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean and is home to a unique ecosystem, including American crocodiles and flamingos.
3. Do You Know the Capital of the Dominican Republic?
Further Explanation
Santo Domingo is the capital of Dominican Republic and the main industrial, financial, and commercial center.
4. Did You Know the Population of the Dominican Republic is Quite Large?
Further Explanation
One interesting fact about the Dominican Republic population is that it is quite large and is said to currently be at about 11 million people in total.
5. Do You Know the Dominican Republic’s Currency?
Further Explanation
It is also known as the DOP.
6. Did You Know This is the Dominican Republic Official Language?
Further Explanation
Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic and it is what most of its citizens speak. Many people speak a dialect of Dominican Spanish and a large part also speak Haitian Creole.
7. Did You Know the Dominican Republic is Located on This Island?
Further Explanation
The Dominican Republic is a part of Hispaniola Island, which is located in the Caribbean Sea and is about 29, 000 square miles.
Further Explanation
The Dominican Republic and Haiti are the two nations which comprise the island of Hispaniola and they share the island.
9. Do You Know What Two Bodies of Water Border the Dominican Republic?
Further Explanation
One interesting fact about Dominican Republic geography is that it is located between two bodies of water to the north and south of the island.
10. Do You Know the Dominican Republic National Flower?
Further Explanation
This beautiful flower gets its name from the location in which it naturally grows. It was declared the Dominican Republic’s national flower in 2011, and it is actually a cactus with petals of pink growing out. However, it is currently endangered because of deforestation.
11. Did You Know the Dominican Republic is Home to This Rare Lizard?
Further Explanation
The Dominican Republic is one of the homes of the Rhinoceros Iguana, which is a species of lizard endemic to the island of Hispaniola. This species has a current status of endangered.
12. Did You Know This is the Dominican Republic National Animal?
Further Explanation
The palmchat is a relatively small bird and is known as the Dominican Republic national bird, its size is about 20 cm and has a streaked stomach and brown top.
13. Did You Know This is the Dominican Republic National Sport?
Further Explanation
While many sports are played and enjoyed throughout the Dominican Republic, baseball seems to reign supreme, taking the #1 spot for their most popular sport. In fact, many MLB players are of Dominican descent.
14. Did You This is Considered the Dominican Republic’s National Dance?
Further Explanation
This dance is also a style of music that is very popular throughout the Dominican Republic and is a part of their culture.
15. Did You Know Many of the Dominican Republic’s Beaches Have this Certification?
Further Explanation
The Dominican Republic is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with many of them earning Blue Flag certification for their optimal cleanliness and environmental standards. Some of the most beautiful Dominican Republic landmarks are their beaches.
16. Did You Know This Gemstone is Only Produced in the Dominican Republic?
Further Explanation
One interesting fact about the Dominican Republic is that it is the producer of Larimar, which is a unique, light blue-ish gemstone that has not been found in any other locations.
17. Did You Know These Famous People Are From The Dominican Republic?
Further Explanation
Some famous people from Dominican Republic include talented actresses like Dascha Polanco, well-known for her role on Orange is the New Black. Iconic fashion designer Oscar De La Renta is also of Dominican descent, as are a variety of famous baseball players, such as David Ortiz.
18. Do You Know One of the Most Famous Carnivals in the Dominican Republic?
Further Explanation
The Carnival in La Vega is one of the most famous in the country, celebrated during the month of February and celebrated on a big scale throughout the month and is a part of Dominican culture.
19. Did You Know the Dominican Republic is the Only Country to Have This on Their Flag?
Further Explanation
The Dominican Republic flag contains a Holy Bible in the middle of it, with streaks of blue red and white surrounding it on the outer part of the flag. They are the only country which displays the Bible on its flag like that.
20. Did You Know the Dominican Republic is Home to This Important Cathedral?
Further Explanation
This cathedral is located in Santo Domingo and it is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, built between 1514 and 1540.