President Luis Abinader continues a pro‑business, anti‑corruption agenda while managing security pressures from neighboring Haiti. Economic growth is projected at 5% for 2025, with continued poverty reduction and infrastructure expansion.
Introduction
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two‑thirds of Hispaniola in the Caribbean and has a long history shaped by Spanish and French colonialism, independence movements, and modern economic transformation.
Geography
- Area: 48,670 sq km (land 48,320; water 350)
- Climate: Tropical maritime with little temperature variation; seasonal rainfall patterns
- Natural resources: Nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, arable land
People and Society
- Population (2024 est.): 10.8 million
- Ethnic composition: 70.4% mixed, 15.8% Black, 13.5% White
- Language: Spanish (official)
- Religion: Evangelical 50.2%, Roman Catholic 30.1%
- Population growth: 0.76%
Government
- Type: Presidential republic
- President: Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona (2020–2028)
- Capital: Santo Domingo
- Political context (2025): Abinader maintains high approval (69%), strong congressional majority, and a tough stance on Haiti, including a border wall and increased deportations. worldbook.app
Population
- Total: 10.8 million (2024–2025 range)
- Urbanization: Rapidly increasing due to tourism and service‑sector growth (inferred from economic trends). worldbook.app
Economy
- GDP (2025 projection): USD 135.5 billion
- GDP growth: +5%
- Inflation: 4.5%
- Unemployment: 6%
- Poverty rate: 16.9%
- Key sectors: Tourism, construction, mining, telecommunications
- Exports: Medical instruments, tobacco, gold, garments, power equipment
- Top export partner: USA (52%) worldbook.app
Energy
- Imports: Significant reliance on imported refined petroleum, natural gas, and crude petroleum
- Energy profile: Growing demand due to industrial expansion; diversification efforts ongoing (inferred from import data and economic growth).
Communications
- Telecommunications: Identified as a major growth sector; improving digital infrastructure supports economic modernization.
Transportation
- Infrastructure: Government investment in transport networks and utilities continues to improve connectivity and support tourism and trade.
Military and Security
- Security concerns: Rising instability in Haiti influences border security policy.
- Actions: Construction of a USD 120 million border wall; increased deportations of undocumented Haitians.
Travel Advice (2025 Context)
(No direct travel‑advice sources appeared in search; summary based on cited security and economic conditions.) Travelers should expect:
- Stable political environment but heightened border‑area security due to Haiti’s crisis.
- Strong tourism infrastructure, especially in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.
- Normal precautions for petty crime in urban and tourist areas.
Expected Trends for 2026
Based on 2025 data and forward‑looking analyses:
- Continued economic growth, likely near 5%, driven by tourism and investment.
- Fiscal reform efforts may re‑emerge after 2025’s withdrawn proposal.
- Heightened regional role, especially after hosting the Summit of the Americas in late 2025.
- Ongoing security focus on the Haiti border.
- Infrastructure and sustainability initiatives expected to expand.
