Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is located in the Hispaniola Islands, Greater Antilles Region of the Caribbean Islands. It’s the second largest Caribbean country, after Cuba, and it has a population of approximately 10 million residents, and nearly 3 million live in the capital Santo Domingo.

The Dominican Republic has the largest Central American economy and the ninth largest economy in Central America. The country has experienced steady growth in GDP and is home to the world’s second largest gold mine, the Pueblo Viejo Mine. The country is also the most visited Caribbean destination year-round, attracting millions annually in tourism dollars. Santo Domingo is also home to the first cathedral, castle, monastery and fortress built in the Americas, and the Colonial Zone is a designated World Heritage Site.

The country is categorized as a representative democracy, with three branches of power (judicial, executive, legislative). The President is head of the executive branch, approves laws passed by congress, and is head of military operations in the country. The Supreme Court is head of the Judicial branch, and has 16 justices sitting on the bench. The multi-party election country holds elections every 2-years, for the President and Congressional members.

The Dominican Republic has strong foreign relation bonds with the United States, and other states in the inter-American system. The country is a member of the  Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. The country also has free trade agreements with the US, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. It has an economic partnership agreement with the European Union and the Caribbean Community which is established through the Caribbean Forum.

The country’s economy, which was formerly dependent on agriculture, has greatly evolved in recent years. Today it is a diversified mixed economy, of manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and trade. A developed stock market and telecommunications also contribute to the growing economy. As the most visited Caribbean country, tourism is also a large contribute to the country’s economic development and growth.

The National Law Review covers stories from the Dominican Republic as they relate to citizens and Caribbean neighbors. Energy incentives, development of energy and environmental projects, reforms in laws, labor and employment, and administrative news and legislation, are among the topics covered.