What do you picture once you hear the words the Dominican Republic? Is it the perpetual sun shining on glamorous white-sanded beaches? Well, you’re not quite wrong. The Dominican Republic is known for the best beaches in the world. There’s no doubt that the beaches there top most of the beaches you’ve ever visited. The place holds about 750 miles of coastline beaches and sees more than 5 million tourists each year. It’s a good destination for those seeking a relaxed beach spot in the middle of a tropical setting. However, the Dominican Republic offers more than endless white-sanded beaches. There’s so much more to see, visit, and learn about so if you’re interested in more facts about the Dominican Republic, check out this article.
Natural Facts
The first thing to know about this country’s natural features is that the national bird in the Dominican Republic is the Palmchat which is a unique species living in the palm trees of the country. The country’s always the only place in the world where you’ll find Larimar and Amber, two precious materials or stones that are very expensive in the jewelry and archaeology fields. You can head to the Museo del Ambar Dominicano where you will be able to see a prehistoric mosquito preserved in a piece of amber, it will almost feel like you’re in Jurassic Park. Another great natural feature in the Dominican Republic is being able to see the humpback whales a few months before March in the sea surrounding the country. These whales migrate to the north again around March which means that you won’t be able to see them until they come back again in the winter.
Cultural Facts
There are many cultural facts to know about the Dominican Republic such as the oldest cathedral in the Americas, Santo Domingo’s Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor which was built in the 1500s. You may also be interested to know that the flag of Dominican Republic was designed by Juan Pablo Duarte. Duarte’s birthday is still celebrated in the Dominican Republic until now and is known as Duarte Day. Their national motto is Dios, Patria, Libertad, which translates to God, Fatherland, Liberty. A motto that was able to inspire the colors of the Dominican flag as well, whereas the blue symbolizes liberty, the red represents the blood shed by those who fought for the country, and the white cross represents salvation.
The Oldest City in the Americas
The Dominican Republic’s city capital is the Americas’ oldest European settlement. It was founded by Bartholomew Columbus before Santo Domingo was able to host the first colonial rule of the Spanish crown. The city is considered the first in so many things such as the first municipal building, hosting the first Cathedral, and the first university in the new world. If you’re planning to fly to the Dominican Republic, the capital city is one place you can’t miss out on.
The Magnetic Pole in Barahona
There is a town called Polo located in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic. In polo, you can see the Magnetic Pole, or El Polo Magnetico, and challenge gravity. By this, we mean having endless fun going against gravity on a hill that pulls you upwards. So if your car is left in neutral gear downhill, it will actually roll up instead of sliding down the hill. This may sound cool and unreal, but it actually happens as a result of an optical illusion that takes place in this region due to the landscape and shape of the road. You will need to experience it by yourself so you can get to see the magnificence of the place.
The First Permanent European Settlement in the Americas
There is an island in the Dominican Republic called Hispaniola which is the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. This is a fact that not everyone knows. Christopher Columbus was first there on the island during the time of his first voyage that was directed across the Atlantic. At that time, Christopher had set out to find a new route that could lead the European to India where they trade more spices. Christopher then reached the north coast of the Hispaniola island on his flagship, the Santa Maria. It wasn’t long before Hispaniola was considered the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. The Dominican Republic is known for its ancient cities and historic background.
While many people may think of the Dominican Republic as a place for the perfect white-sanded beaches, the country is actually home to several historical events, monuments, and natural attributes. More than 5 million tourists visit the Dominican Republic every year which shows the influence of the place on those coming from other countries. These facts will keep you up with the most important things you need to know about the place there before paying a visit.
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