Dominican Republic – Impressions
The Dominican Republic has a high poverty rate. What is striking, however, is that there is little direct misery. Unemployment is very high at around 30% and there is widespread underemployment.
There is compulsory schooling in the country, but this is not guaranteed everywhere. The illiteracy rate of the population is about 17%. The inhabitants are mostly Christians and mostly Catholics (about 80%).
The country is largely mountainous. A distinction is made between three mountain ranges. The Cordillera Central is located in the center of the island on the Haitian border. The Cordillera Septentrional lies to the north and the Cordillera Oriental to the east. The highest elevations in the country are Pico Duarte at 3,175 m (the highest mountain in the Caribbean, by the way) and Loma La Rucilla at 3,099 m. Both peaks are located in the Cordillera Central.
The flora in the Dominican Republic is incredibly diverse and, like almost everywhere else in the Caribbean, very colorful.
We encounter the tropical vegetation at every turn. Banana plantations alternate with delicately flowering plants. Everywhere the air is filled with the scents of flowers.
The local art products are a special experience. In the small shops, colourful pictures, figures and masks by local artists are offered.
