7 Interesting Dominican Republic Facts!
Historical & Cultural: Dominican Republic Fun Facts
The Dominican Republic is a fascinating place. From the indigenous Taíno peoples to Christopher Columbus stepping ashore in 1492, subsequently naming the island Hispaniola (little Spain), and the Spanish colonization 4 years later, the Dominican Republic has a profound history.
Nowadays, the island is a tourism hotspot boasting endless stretches of white sandy beaches, diverse landscapes, and the Caribbean’s tallest mountain – Pico Duarte (3,098 m (10,164 ft). But before you come and explore this haven for yourself, read our facts below to get an introductory taste as to what the Dominican Republic has to offer.
1. The Oldest Standing Cathedral in the Americas
Delving into the island’s rich history, the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor is the oldest standing cathedral in the Americas. This gothic-style cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, has been standing since 1541 and was to be part of something big. The Colonial City of Santo Domingo was founded in 1498 and would be designed in a grid pattern and, in turn, become the model for almost all town planners in the new world. With its intriguing Mediterranean design, Santo Domingo sparked the spread of European architecture and culture as multiple Spanish conquistadores used its ports to find new lands.
2. The Country’s Biggest Exports
The Dominican Republic’s top 3 exports are gold, medical instruments, and rolled tobacco. According to the OEC, the island exported $1.61B worth of gold in 2019, making it the 38th largest exporter in the world with Switzerland buying $740m of it.
Another big export is tropical organic fruit. Bananas take up around 80% of the country’s fruit trade alongside coconuts, lemons, pineapples, and mangoes. According to FAO, the Dominican Republic is currently one of the leading global exporters of tropical organic products!
3. The World’s Largest Handmade Cigar Producer
The Tabacalera de Garcia is the world’s largest producer of premium hand-rolled cigars. Located in La Romana, this world-famous factory was established in 1971 and is a subsidiary of British tobacco company Imperial Brands. This location began life thanks to a combination of Fidel Castro’s Cuban takeover and the subsequent US embargo forcing some of Havana’s best cigar producers to move elsewhere. Nowadays, you can find cigar brands such as Por Larranaga, Romeo y Julieta, and the world-renowned H.Upmann and Montecristo labels at the Tabacalera de Garcia.
4. Which Language is Spoken in the Dominican Republic?
The official spoken language is Spanish but that wasn’t always the case. Taíno is an extinct Arawakan language that was spoken by the Taíno people of the Dominican Republic and throughout the Caribbean. Before the Spanish colonization in the 1400s, Taíno, commonly called Island Arawak, was replaced and subsequently marked as extinct after 100 years of contact with the English, French, and Spanish languages.
5. Dominican Republic’s Oldest City
Originally founded by Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher, Santo Domingo is the oldest continually inhabited European settlement not only in the Dominican Republic but also in the Americas. Founded in 1498, the capital of the Dominican Republic has a turbulent history. Pillaged by pirates, taken over by French colonies, dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Antilles’ and quickly rose to become the richest colony in the West Indies, and more, this proud city is a must-visit.
6. What is Dominican Republic’s National Sport?
Baseball is without a doubt the most popular sport on the island. Baseball began its upward trajectory from the early 1900s before flourishing in the Dominican Republic during the Marine Corps’ 1916-1924 occupation. From that point on, teams formed, spectators arrived in their masses from all economic backgrounds, and the love for the sport was born. It’s an integral part of the country not only as a sport but as a way of life. Try and see a live game while you’re there!
7. The Oldest Rum Distillery in the Dominican Republic
The Caribbean’s history with rum poses for an interesting tale. Dating back to the 1620s when rum was first discovered as a byproduct of sugar refining and that after fermentation it would turn alcoholic, the Caribbean’s love for rum is unhindered.
In fact, the Dominican’s history with rum dates back to 1852 when the Bermúdez Distillery was born. As the oldest rum distillery in the Dominican Republic, this famous rum producer was founded 8 years after the declaration of independence and the foundation of the Dominican Republic. The factory famously produces the ‘three B’s’: Bermúdez, Barceló, and Brugal rum.
We’re very lucky to have this beautiful island to call our home and we can’t wait to show you around. Check out our tour selection and discover the island like a local!