Geography
The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean east of Haiti. It is slightly larger than twice the size of New Hampshire. Its terrain consists of rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed.
History
Discovered in 1492 and received its Independence from Haiti in 1844. “The land of Columbus.”
Weather
Tropical maritime with little seasonal temperature and rainfall variations.
Government
Representative democracy with its capital city being Santo Domingo.
Economy
Industries: tourism, tobacco, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement. Agricultural: sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef, eggs.
Project Sites
The guesthouse is on the hospital grounds. Bunk beds are dormitory style with linens and mosquito net provided. Warm showers and towels are provided. Electricity is 110, same as North America. The generator comes on when power goes off. Laundry service is available daily at the guest house. The Latin culture is more conservative than North America. At the Center, we request you wear nice, casual sportswear. Slacks for women are acceptable. The male physicians and residents wear white shirts and ties and all the Dominican medical staff wear white jackets. They appreciate it when we do the same. Surgery personnel, please bring scrubs since we are low on these. Bermuda-length shorts are worn at the guesthouse, but not in the hospital.
Communication
There will be access to email and telephones; however, US/Canadian phone cards are NOT able to be used. Local phone cards can be purchased when you arrive.
People
Population: around 8.4 million.
Ethnic groups: white 16%, black 11%, and mixed 73%.
Literacy: 82.1%
Religion
95% Roman Catholic
Language
Spanish
