The Dominican Republic occupies the easten part of the island Haiti which was opened by Christopher Columbus during his first navigation and named as Hispaniola. The population counts about 9 million people and the area is a bit less than 50 000 square kilometres.

The island is a part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. Santo Domingo is the capital and the basic port of the republic, its first Spanish name was New Isabella, during a dictatorship it was called by name of the dictator - Ciudad Trujillo. Now more than 27% of the population of the country live in the capital. The city's most important colonial buildings include the main Catedral Santa María La Menor where Christopher Columbus's remains lie, the Alcázar de Colón, America's first castle, once the residence of Viceroy of the Indies Don Diego Colón, a son of Christopher Columbus; the Monasterio de San Francisco, the ruins of the first monastery in America; the Museo de las Casas Reales, the former Palace of the Governor General and the Palace of Royal Audiences; the Parque Colón, a historic square; the Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest fortress in America; the Pantéon Nacional, a former Jesuit edifice now hosting the remains of various renowned members of the Dominican Order; and the Iglesia del Convento Dominico, the first convent in America.

The first university in America has been established here in the thirties of the 16th century and accepts students up to now.

The climate is tropical with constantly blowing trade winds. The average quantity of annual precipitations is great enough - 1500 mm. The average temperature is 25 degrees, it is constant enough throughout the year. In the Dominican Republic live pink flamingos, iguanas, caymans, snakes, a big variety of exotic insects. Rainforests and savannas extending the island are rich with typical island fauna.

It is interesting for tourists to know that there they can buy good cigars, rum, coffee, souvenirs by low prices. Souvenirs made in small handicraft workshops from bone, wood, and also Creoles magic dolls, Indian souvenirs are very exotic. You can leave only one dollar as a tip for services. You can bargain in shops and boutiques. The hotels are modern, with well arranged beaches and high level services. Almost all hotels have the system "all inclusive". The best beaches are located in the district Puerta-Plata. The Dominican kitchen is very original, it is a real cocktail of African, French, Spanish and Indian traditions.

The active rest includes horse, pedestrian and automobile walks. Sea sports are presented by diving, surfing, rafting, underwater hunting.