Geography

The Dominican Republic occupies ⅔’s of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, roughly the size of Maryland. Its coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea stretches 1,288 km (800 mi), containing many beautiful beaches. The Dominican Republic shares its total international boundary of 360 km (224 mi) with Haiti. Mountain spurs run across the island too, topping in the middle at 1,000 feet, and rolling to hills by the coast. The Cordillera Central, the Cordillera Septentrional, the Sierra de Neiba, the Sierra de Baoruco, and the Cordillera Oriental are all mountain ranges found in the D.R. The Cordillera Central divides the Dominican Republic into two parts. It also contains a mountain called Pico Duarte, its peak reaching 3,175 m (10,417 ft). Another important aspect of The Dominican Republic’s geography is the Cibao Valley. This valley is the most productive agricultural field in the country. It produces large quantities of coffee and is the most heavily populated area. This valley is between the central range, the north hills, and the south plains. All 48,730 square kilometers of the D.R. uphold a tropical maritime climate. It’s naturally regulated due to ocean currents, trade winds, and general elevation—the temperature of the climate averages between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. The coastal plain has a mean of 25 degrees, but the Cordillera Central averages at 20 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is generally May through November, with maximum precipitation occurring in late spring and fall. Rainfall is also heaviest in the north and east. Hurricane season also is from June to November, though the worst ones pass to the east and west of the island. The Dominican Republic boasts a stunningly diverse geography, featuring pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the highest peak in the Caribbean-Pico Duarte.