23 Dominican Republic Culture Facts Everyone Should Know!

The Dominican Republic was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. 

At that time, he named the place 'Little Spain.' Read on to know more such amazing facts about the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is an island nation that is located between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country is situated on Hispaniola, which is an island in the archipelago-the Greater Antilles. With an area of 18,792 sq. mi.

(48,671 sq. km. ), the Dominican Republic is known to be the second-largest nation in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean Sea.

The country Haiti and the Dominican Republic have shared control over the island Hispaniola, making it the second island in the Caribbean, after Saint Martin, which is owned by two different nations. By population, the Dominican Republic is the third largest Caribbean country, with 10.8 million people as of 2020.

Out of its total population, 3.3 million people live in the capital city, Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic ranks 86th in the world on the basis of population.

The people of this nation are called Dominicans, and the national pastime is dancing and baseball. The national dish of the Dominican Republic is La Bandera which translates into 'The Flag.'

It is an integral part of the Dominican diet. You can see Spanish and African influences on Dominican food all across the country flush with Alpine Forests.

After reading some interesting facts about the Dominican Republic, also check out Dominican Republic education facts and Dominican Republic economy facts here on Kidadl.

Language In The Dominican Republic

Although the official and the most spoken language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish, various dialects of the official language Spanish are used all across the nation. The most common dialect among these is Dominican Spanish.

Dominican Spanish is another form of Caribbean Spanish, which is based on the dialects of Southern Spain: Andalusian and Canarian. Dominican Spanish also borrows some words from the language Arawak.

More than 90% of the country’s population speaks and understands Spanish. Spanish is also used as a common language at business and commercial levels. Media publications, government offices, and schools are also run in Spanish.

Another language of the Dominican Republic is Haitian Creole. It is spoken by minorities that are immigrants and of Haitian descent.

A dialect of the English language called Samana English is also spoken by some people in the North-eastern regions of the country. Samana English is common to the descendants of black immigrants from the United States of America.

An important foreign language in the Dominican Republic is English. It is mandatory at the school level and is often spoken by the tourists that visit the country and are enamored by the gorgeous beaches of the Dominican Republic.

Etiquette & Manners In The Dominican Republic

The most important meeting etiquette in the Dominican Republic is body language. A handshake with direct contact of the eyes and a warm, welcoming smile.

Trying to maintain eye contact with the person indicates that you are interested in the conversation and are listening attentively. Along with shaking hands, people greet each other in Spanish by saying 'Buenos Dias' or 'Buenas Noches.'

The gift-giving tradition is strongly believed by the Dominican people. When invited for a gathering or a dinner in Dominican society, you must bring chocolates or some other gifts.

People generally do not like black or purple gifts because they are considered mourning colors. Dining etiquettes in a Dominican household primarily include dressing well.

The obsession of Dominicans with good clothes and appearances is famous all over the world. They consider dressing well as a matter of pride. Don’t go to a Dominican household exactly on the stipulated time.

Instead, try to reach the venue 20 - 30 minutes late because in the case of Dominican dinners, on time is early. You’re also expected to address every person in the house with respect, including small kids as well as the elder grandparents.

Certain behaviors that are considered to be rude by Dominicans are disrespecting queues or lines of people in a public place, talking ill about their country, saying no to food when offered, stepping on a Dominican's foot, watching people with a bad look such as anger or arrogance, being demanding or too stingy.

Dominicans also dislike being confused with Haitians.

Business Culture And Etiquette In The Dominican Republic

Introducing yourself is considered the most important business etiquette in the Dominican Republic. Before beginning any business discussion or meeting, Dominicans expect a proper introduction for each and every member present in the room.

Another important custom in the Dominican Republic is to take a break with your colleagues because Dominicans work for more than 12 hours a day. They like gathering in a good restaurant and chatting over some relaxing cocktails.

As stated earlier, dressing well is an integral part of a Dominican lifestyle, hence, it is definitely a good move to dress well at work every day. Last but not the least, one should definitely remember to stay courteous all the time.

Courtesy is the ultimate trick to grab a successful career in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic attracts investors from all over the world, hence, you are expected to be well prepared and well dressed for a meeting as it reflects your social standing. Business conversations in the Dominican Republic are very formal.

Moreover, according to researchers, the Dominican Republic is the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central American regions. The Dominican Republic has witnessed a boom in its economy over the last two decades.

It has proved itself to be the fastest-growing economy in Latin America. Their average growth rate of GDP is 5.53%. You'll be surprised to know that in the year 2014-15, the GDP growth of the Dominican Republic was the highest in the entire Western Hemisphere.

Culture And Traditions Of The Dominican Republic

68.9% of the population of the Dominican Republic is Roman Catholic. Whereas 18.2% are Evangelical, 10.6% have no religion, and 2.3% others. The inhabitants of the country have always received religious freedom and have a right to follow whichever religion they want.

Santo Domingo, which is the capital city of the Dominican Republic, was founded in 1493 as the first European settlement in the Western Hemisphere. As a result of the Spanish presence on the island for more than five centuries, the Dominican culture is almost similar to the culture of Spain.

Certain inheritances from Europeans include language, law, tradition, ancestry, the predominant religion, and architecture. The European ancestry inheritances include language, traditions, law, the predominant religion, and the colonial architectural style.

Music And Dance Of The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is known for creating multiple styles of music and genres but is the most famous for merengue, which is lively, fast-paced instrumental music with instruments such as African drums, piano, and the traditional accordion.

Another form of dance and music that was born in the Dominican Republic is 'Bachata.' It has become quite famous. Palo is another African-Dominican music that is sacred to inhabitants.

Teenage Life In The Dominican Republic

According to a survey by PISA, the teenagers of the Dominican Republic are the happiest among teenagers from all across the world. Teenagers who actively participate in school events and functions and also develop a friendly bond with their family are found to be better in relations as well as academically.

The teenagers of the Dominican Republic spend most of their time doing school homework and completing assignments.

The Dominican culture teaches teenagers to inhibit a healthy work ethic and become independent adults. Dominican culture lays emphasis on good quality education as a method to attain these characteristics.

Weekends are for the enjoyment of teenagers, they meet their friends in restaurants or parks, watch movies, dance, and relax in local cafes and malls. They attend sporting events, music concerts, or just hang out in the town square. Children start hanging out and spending time with their friends after 13 or 14 years of age.

Dominican Family Values

Dominican people are both protective and caring, but they tend to be conservative. Children do not have the liberty to get out of the house without their parents’ permission. Parents have full authority over their kids. The core values taught in a Dominican household are courtesy and hospitality. Sharing food and gifts among neighbors is a common tradition.

People consider their family as their prime preference to be cherished and taken care of. The typical structure of a Dominican family is quite traditional, with the male member being the head of the family and the female being the housekeeper and responsible for taking care of the kids.

Dominican culture expects children to be obedient and respectful. Dominican families instill moral values in their kids by being strict parents and teaching them honesty and respect. They also teach hard work and education.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Dominican Republic culture facts, then why not take a look at Dominican Republic food facts or Dominican Republic weird facts.