Caribbean, island of Hispaniola, east of Cuba.

GMT - 4.

48,072 sq km (18,696 sq miles).

9 million (UN estimate, 2005).

187.2 per sq km.

Santo Domingo. Population: Approximately 3 million.

The Dominican Republic is in the Caribbean, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and constituting the eastern two-thirds of land. The landscape is forested and mountainous, with valleys, plains and plateaux. The soil is fertile with excellent beaches on the north, southeast and east coasts, rising up to the mountains.

The bicameral National Congress comprises the legislature. Members of both the 150-seat Camara de Diputados (Chamber of Deputies) and the 32-seat Senado (Senate) are popularly elected. So is the President, who wields executive power. All are elected for four-year terms. The current Vice-President is Rafael Alburquerque.

Republic. Gained independence in 1865, after successive attempts. Head of State and Government: President Leonel Fernandez since 2004. Recent history: The bicameral National Congress comprises the legislature. Members of both the 150-seat Camara de Diputados (Chamber of Deputies) and the 32-seat Senado (Senate) are popularly elected. So is the President, who wields executive power. All are elected for four-year terms. In the most recent elections, in 2004, Leonel Fernandez became President again after promising to reduce inflation, stabilise the exchange rate and restore investor confidence. He had already served as President in 1996.

Spanish is the official language. Some English and French are spoken.

Almost all Christian, with 95 per cent Roman Catholic; there are small Protestant and Jewish minorities.

The Dominican lifestyle is more American than Latin, with short siestas and without long, late lunches. The non-Latin ambience is reflected by the fact that, though the culture is rich in Roman Catholic and Spanish influences, 72-hour divorces may be obtained. Daytime dress is generally casual but beachwear and shorts are only acceptable in resorts and at pools; it is considered offensive to enter a church wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Evenings tend to be smarter, with jackets recommended for men at better restaurants, hotels and for social functions.

110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.