Sprawling over two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is a delightful, almost magical place. Christopher Columbus happened upon this island on December 5, 1492, and on Christmas Eve his ship, the Santa María, was wrecked on its Atlantic shore. He named it La Isla Española (the Spanish Island), established a small colony, and sailed back to Spain on the Pinta. His brother Bartholomeo, along with Nicolás de Ovando, founded Santo Domingo in 1496, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in this hemisphere. During the 16th century it became the bustling New World hub of Spanish commerce and culture.
Today, much of the Domincan Republic is undergoing renovation and revitalization. In Santo Domingo, the continued restoration of the Colonial Zone includes the renovation of Parque de Colón and other parks; the construction of underground parking garages is underway. A security force, trained especially for the Zone, more frequent garbage pick-ups, and improvements in lighting have made this a desirable neighborhood once again.
Still, most Dominican towns and cities are generally not quaint, neat, or particularly pretty, and poverty is still prevalent. However, the ever-increasing role of tourism in the economy is bringing about changes that benefit residents and visitors alike, including some long-needed new major highways, which are currently under construction.
American influence looms large in Dominican life. Many Dominicans speak at least rudimentary English and have relatives living in the States. Baseball is a national passion. Still, this is a vibrantly Latin country -- at times cool, collected, and laid-back; at times fiery hot, frenetic, and chaotic.
The country is large, and diverse enough to draw a wide range of visitors. Sun-worshipers head to one of the many beach resort areas. The highest peak in the West Indies, Pico Duarte, lures hikers to the central mountain range. Ancient sunken galleons and coral reefs divert divers and snorkelers. And everywhere there's the breathtaking scenery.
