Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean, and its capital is Santo Domingo. It has a population of approximately 11,427,557 and covers an area of about 146,839 km². Its official currency is the Dominican peso (DOP).
What stands out
People & place
77.8 /km² across 146,839 km²
Dominican Republic has a recorded population of 11,427,557 and a reported surface area of 146,839 km².
Economic snapshot
$124.28 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $124.28 billion and GDP per capita at $10,876 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
The Dominican Republic, occupying the eastern two‑thirds of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea, is a vibrant nation where tropical landscapes, historic towns, and rhythmic music blend into a unique destination that dazzles both travelers and scholars alike.
Dominican terrain ranges from the lush, rain‑kissed valleys of the Cibao region to the towering peaks of the Cordillera Central, home to Pico Duarte—the highest point in the Caribbean at 3,098 m. Its coastline alternates between powder‑white beaches in Punta Punta and rugged cliffs along the Samaná Peninsula, while the interior is dotted with sparkling lakes such as Enriquillo, the lowest point in the Caribbean basin.
A melting pot of African, Spanish, and Taíno influences, the Dominican Republic pulses with merengue and bachata rhythms, colorful carnivals, and a culinary scene that celebrates sancocho, mangú, and fresh seafood. Family and faith are central, and the island's festivals—like the vibrant Fiesta de la Vega—highlight a deep pride in music, dance, and communal celebration.
In 1492 Christopher Columbus made his first landing on the island, establishing the first European settlement in the New World at Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic later gained independence from Spain in 1844, a pivotal moment that sparked a wave of nationalist sentiment and set the stage for its modern identity.
Key facts
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, making it the most densely populated island in the Caribbean.
Population: approximately 11 million people; Area: about 48,670 km² (18,800 sq mi).
It boasts the world’s oldest European‑built cathedral, the Catedral Primada de América, completed in 1540 in Santo Domingo.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
The capital of Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo.
What is the population of Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a recorded population of approximately 11,427,557 people.
How big is Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic covers an area of about 146,839 km².
What is the population density of Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a population density of roughly 77.8 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $124.28 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of approximately $10,876.
What currency is used in Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso (DOP), with the symbol $.
Where is Dominican Republic located?
Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean, Americas.
What is the native name of Dominican Republic?
The native name of Dominican Republic is República Dominicana.
What are people from Dominican Republic called?
People from Dominican Republic are referred to as Dominican.
What is the phone calling code for Dominican Republic?
The international dialing code for Dominican Republic is +1.
What is the internet domain for Dominican Republic?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Dominican Republic is .do.
What time zone is Dominican Republic in?
Dominican Republic uses the America/Santo_Domingo time zone.
What is Dominican Republic known for?
The Dominican Republic, occupying the eastern two‑thirds of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea, is a vibrant nation where tropical landscapes, historic towns, and rhythmic music blend into a unique destination that dazzles both travelers and scholars alike.
Caribbean