Dominican Republic

CultureGramsTM World Edition 2014 Dominican Republic

BACKGROUND History Land and Climate Original Inhabitants and Colonization Area (sq. mi.): 18,792 In pre-Columbian times, Arawak and Taíno Indians occupied Area (sq. km.): 48,670 the island. The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 brought colonization, slavery, and disease, decimating the The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of native population within decades. With the decrease in the the island Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. It is slightly indigenous workforce came the increased importation of West larger than Denmark, or about twice the size of the U.S. state Africans to provide slave labor for mines, sugar plantations, of New Hampshire. The central mountain range, Cordillera and cattle farms. The capital, Santo Domingo, was the first Central, boasts the highest point in the Caribbean, Pico permanent European settlement in the New World and was Duarte, at a little more than 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The established by Spain in 1496. In 1586, the British pirate Sir Cibao Valley lies in the heart of the country and is the major Francis Drake briefly occupied the city of Santo Domingo agricultural area. before collecting a ransom in exchange for its return to The Dominican Republic has a variety of landscapes, from Spanish rule. deserts in the southwest to alpine forests in the central Haitian Dominance and Independence mountains. Sugarcane fields spread over coastal plains in the In 1697, the western portion (now Haiti) of Hispaniola was north and east, and coconut plantations cover most of the given to France. In 1795, France gained control of the entire tropical peninsula of Samaná. Pebble beaches under rocky island. Rebellious slaves seized control of the island in 1801 cliffs afford spectacular views on the southern coast. and established Haiti as the first independent country in the Elsewhere, white sandy beaches and warm waters dominate region. The resulting Haitian domination of the island the coasts. (1822–44) left a legacy of mistrust and strained relations that Weather generally is tropical, hot, and humid, especially still endures. along southern and eastern coasts. Temperatures average The Dominicans declared independence from Haiti in above 90°F (32°C) during summer months, with August 1844 but struggled to form a local government. Spanish rule being the hottest. A dry, desert-like climate, due to was restored from 1861 to 1863 but was once again abolished deforestation and little rainfall, prevails in western and after popular uprisings. To quell civil unrest in the country, southwestern regions. The rainy season, when the temperature U.S. Marines occupied the Dominican Republic from 1918 to drops to around 70°F (21°C), generally runs from December 1924, until a constitutional government was established. to March but may vary in different parts of the country. Trujillo's Rule

1 TM CultureGrams Dominican Republic Military dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo gained the presidency in 1930 and ruled for three decades, until he was assassinated in 1961. His merciless persecution and massacre THE PEOPLE of Haitians in the late 1930s added to the list of grievances between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. His death Population brought civilian unrest, political revolt, and division within Population: 10,349,741 the army. In 1965, U.S. Marines and peacekeeping forces Population Growth Rate: 1.25% from other countries in the region stepped in. With stability Urban Population: 71% restored, elections were held, and in 1966 the constitutional government was reestablished. Continuing under this system, About 30 percent of the population is younger than age 15. today's Dominican Republic is the largest and most populous The rural population is steadily decreasing as people migrate democracy in the Caribbean region. to cities; today the majority of the population lives in urban Political Transitions areas. Mixed-race people account for 73 percent of the total An ally of Trujillo, Joaquín Balaguer, was nominally population; 16 percent is Caucasian, and 11 percent is black. appointed president in 1961 but did not take office until 1966. The mixed-race group is a combination of descendants of For the next three decades, power rested in either his hands or Spaniards and other Europeans, West African slaves, and those of his rival, Juan Bosch of the Dominican Liberation perhaps some indigenous peoples. A Haitian minority is Party (PLD). As head of the Social Christian Reformist Party included in the black population. Additionally, some 675,000 (PRSC), Balaguer narrowly won the 1994 elections and began Dominicans live full- or part-time in New York City, U.S.A. his seventh term in office. Constitutional reforms required elections two years later and did not permit Balaguer to run Language for a successive eighth term. The official language is Spanish, but unique phrases, accents, Regular democratic elections have been held since then, and regional expressions give Dominican Spanish a distinct with subsequent governments implementing economic reform personality. For example, when eating, people request un chin and greater political openness. However, in 2003, public instead of the Spanish un poquito (a little bit) of something. discontent over limited access to water, frequent power The familiar Spanish form of address for “you” (tú) is outages, high food prices, poverty, and high unemployment preferred over the more formalusted . Many people drop the s fueled widespread demonstrations. at the end of words, turning dos (two) intodo' . Cibao Valley Relationship with Haiti residents, orCibaeños , and inhabitants of Santo Domingo, or The relationship between the Dominican Republic and Haiti capitaleños, may pronounce the r,l, or i differently. Some remains contentious, particularly when it comes to Haitian creole (a unique mixture of French and African immigration; hundreds of thousands of Haitians currently languages) is spoken near the Haitian border and in the bateys work in the Dominican Republic, and thousands cross the (sugarcane villages), where many Haitian workers live. border illegally each day seeking employment. Ties between the countries warmed, however, when the Dominican Religion Republic provided aid and assistance after the 2010 Nominally, 95 percent of Dominicans are Catholic, but a earthquake in Haiti, though later in the year the Dominican much smaller number regularly attends church or strictly government tightened its borders to prevent the spread of follows doctrine. Especially in rural areas, Catholic traditions cholera from Haiti. are sometimes combined with local practices and beliefs. Recent Events and Trends Although Dominicans are fairly secular, Catholic traditions • Border violence: In November 2013, a Dominican couple are evident in daily life and affect life events, such as was killed during an armed burglary in the border town of weddings and funerals. Many houses contain artwork Neiba. A Dominican mob killed a Haitian man in retaliation, portraying the Virgin Mary and other saints, thought to and since then at least 350 Haitians have been expelled from protect the home's occupants. Some children are taught to the Dominican Republic or have left voluntarily out of fear of “ask blessings” of their parents and other relatives upon becoming victims of violence themselves. seeing them. They might sayBendición, Tía (Bless me, • Citizenship law: In May 2014, the Dominican government Aunt); the response is Dios te bendiga (May God bless you). passed a law amending a controversial 2013 court ruling on Evangelical Christian churches, The Church of Jesus Christ of citizenship eligibility. According to the ruling, children born Latter-day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other after 1929 to parents living in the Dominican Republic denominations are also present throughout the country. without citizenship or legal residence status would not be automatically entitled to Dominican citizenship. According to General Attitudes human-rights groups, the ruling unfairly targeted the children Dominicans are warm, friendly, and gregarious. They are of poor Haitian migrant workers and could affect some very curious about others and forthright in asking personal 200,000 people. The new law, passed under international questions. Children are rarely shy.Machismo —the desire of pressure, allows children of foreign-born parents to become men to prove their manliness or superiority—permeates citizens if they have the necessary Dominican government society, especially among rural and low-income groups. A documentation. Those without the correct documents are still proud, aggressive attitude is admired in sports, games, and subject to the ruling. business. Many people have a sharp entrepreneurial sense,

2 TM CultureGrams Dominican Republic and business etiquette can be aggressive in tourist areas. The phrases like Nos vemos (“See you later”),Adios (Good-bye), common expressionSi Dios quiere (If God wishes) may make or the EnglishBye-bye . Formal introductions are rare, but Dominicans appear fatalistic or indifferent but more professional titles are used to address respected persons. accurately expresses hope and the attitude that personal power Older and more prominent people may be addressed as Don is intertwined with one's place in the family, community, and (for men) or Doña (for women), with or without their first grand design of Deity. Relationships are more important than names. schedules, so being late for appointments or spending time Dominicans often have several first names, and unmarried socializing instead of working is socially acceptable. women have two surnames—their mother's and their father's. Confianza (trust) is highly valued and not quickly or easily When a woman marries, she usually keeps her father’s last gained by outsiders. Borrowing is common, though it is not name and adds “de” followed by her husband’s last name. unusual for an item to be forgotten and never returned. Most This is her full name and is used in legal and official people are generous and helpful. Economic, social, and situations. On a daily basis, she would use only her husband's political class divisions, most evident in cities, define last name. For example, in the full name María Ceboya de individuals and favor historically prominent families. Despite López,Ceboya is María's father's last name and López is her government efforts to build ties with Haiti, tension between husband's last name. Dominicans and Haitians continues on both a national and individual level. The two countries' governments are often at Gestures odds, and immigrants from Haiti may be blamed for a lack of People are animated in conversation. They point with available jobs and the resurgence of previously eradicated puckered lips instead of a finger. Wrinkling one's nose diseases in the Dominican Republic. indicates one does not understand, rubbing one's fingers and thumb together signifies money, and an upright wagging Personal Appearance forefinger means “no.” To express disapproval, one points Dominicans take pride in their personal appearance and (with lips) at the object or person and rolls the eyes. Tapping consider it important to dress well. They draw on one's elbow with a closed fist means that someone is cheap. international fashions, wearing the latest trends. Clothes tend “Come here” is indicated with the palm down and fingers to be dressy, and a special event, such as a town meeting, together waving inward. One says “pssst” to get another's always requires dressing up. Clothing is always clean and attention. To hail a taxi or bus, one wags a finger or fingers well pressed. People often prefer bright colors and shiny (depending on the number of passengers needing a ride) in the fabrics. Jeans and short skirts are acceptable for women in direction one is going. Numbers are often expressed with urban areas, but dresses or skirts and blouses are more fingers instead of words. Personal space is limited; touching common in the countryside. Men often have conservative is normal and crowding is common. haircuts and are usually clean-shaven. They wear long pants and stylish shirts, except at the beach or when doing manual Visiting labor. Professional men wear business suits or the traditional Visiting is an important form of social recreation, especially chacabana, a white shirt worn over dark trousers, and in rural areas and poorbarrios (neighborhoods). Visits in the well-shined shoes. Adults almost never wear shorts, no matter home are common, but much socializing also takes place in what the temperature. Children wear uniforms to school and public (while shopping, washing clothes, and so forth). often change into casual pants or shorts after school. Parents Women often gather in the kitchen or outside as they cook. A dress their children formally for church or visiting. visit may be long or short and may occur at any time, usually without prior notice. Urbanites with telephones may call ahead, but whether expected or not, company is always CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES genuinely welcomed. In rural areas, people keep their doors open and may consider it strange to close them and not accept Greetings visitors. Visitors stand in the doorway and shoutBuenos días Men shake hands firmly when they greet. One offers a wrist (Good morning) orSaludos (Greetings), to which the host or elbow if one's hand is dirty. Friends may also embrace. responds Entre (Come in). Most women kiss each other once on the right cheek as a To Dominicans, privacy is unimportant; they perceive the greeting. A man with the confianza (trust) of a woman will desire for solitude as sadness and equate being alone with kiss her on the cheek in greeting. being lonely. Nearly all homes have mecedoras (rocking A handshake and ¿Cómo está usted? (How are you?) is a chairs), in which people sit while talking or just spending common formal greeting. Informally, one may say ¿Cómo tú time together. Hosts offer visitors something to drink (coffee e'tá'? (note the removal of thes 's) or Hola (Hi). After or juice) and invite them to eat if mealtime is near. Refusing greeting, it is polite to ask about a person's family. Adults, such offers is not impolite. If guests interrupt someone eating, particularly in the campo (countryside), often address each the person will immediately and sincerely invite them to share other ascompadre (for men) or comadre (for women); both what is left by saying A buen tiempo (You've come at a good terms mean “godparent” but indicate a close friendship. One time). Guests may decline by saying Buen provecho (Enjoy), might not greet a stranger on the street, but one would never or they may sit down and eat. enter a room without greeting each person. Nor would a person leave without saying good-bye to everyone, using Eating

3 TM CultureGrams Dominican Republic The main meal, comida, is served at midday and often lasts two hours. Families prefer eating at home. Urban workers Housing unable to return home may eat at inexpensive cafés or buy Apartments are the most common type of housing in urban food from vendors. Desayuno (breakfast) is usually light: areas, where they tend to be more cost effective than houses sweetened coffee and bread. People in urban areas often eat a in terms of maintenance and land use. They range from larger breakfast than rural people. Cena (the evening meal) is well-furnished luxury apartments occupied by the wealthy to also light, often not more than a snack or leftovers from modest apartments for the middle and lower classes. Many comida. apartment buildings employ security guards and provide Guests are served first and sometimes separately and more power generators for use during blackouts. elaborately. Table conversation is often lively. Dining out is In urban areas, free-standing houses are usually owned by popular among those who can afford it. A service charge is the wealthy or are handed down through generations of a typically included in the bill. family. In the latter case, an increasing number of family homes are being sold to developers as the older relatives die. It is common for apartment buildings to be erected in their LIFESTYLE place. The wealthiest people tend to live in isolated, guarded communities. Houses in these areas are large, and the grounds Family may include swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, Family ties are important. Extended families commonly live and attractive gardens. together or near one another, and many rural villages are In the countryside, accommodations tend to be far more composed of interrelated families. Cousins are often as close basic. People live in houses rather than apartments. Some as siblings. Smaller nuclear families tend to be more common rural houses are made of plantain leaves, branches, and metal among the educated urban population. Within the extended sheets. Houses may also be constructed from wood or family, informal adoption is common. For example, concrete and topped with zinc or concrete roofs. The outside grandparents often take in children whose parents work long of the homes are painted bright or pastel colors. Cooking and hours or in another country. Many households are led by washing facilities are often outside the house. Families may women, whether they are widowed, divorced, or married to use a camping stove for cooking. Polished cement floors are men who work elsewhere. Single-mother families are common, but more modest homes may have dirt floors. common and often receive financial support from children's All urban areas and many rural communities have fathers. electricity; however, electricity pirating has prompted the Men generally support the family financially, while country's only two electricity companies to withhold power women are responsible for the home and children. A growing for hours at a time. In urban areas, homes may employ number of women pursue higher education, work outside the inversores (inverters) andplantas (battery-generated power home, and earn their own incomes. Many families include sources) during these blackouts, sometimes providing enough two working parents. However, regardless of the other energy to power the entire home. A few rural families have demands on their time, women maintain responsibility for the inversores and plantas, but most are only powerful enough to household. Upper-class women generally do not work outside run a small fan or a few light bulbs. the home. Middle- and upper-class families may employ Many rural homes lack running water. In such cases, maids, nannies, and chauffeurs. buckets may be positioned to collect rain from pipes installed The average urban family has two to three children; rural along the roof, and people may also travel to a communal families are generally larger than urban families. Siblings pump to fill plastic containers with water. Nearly all urban raised by one mother may have different fathers, but all homes have indoor plumbing, and water is often collected in children are cared for equally. Children generally assist with tinacos (rooftop water tanks) or cisternas (underground water household chores. In families with household help, children tanks). are not usually required to perform household chores. In poor Because homes are often very modest, numerous families, children may work to help support their families, concessions are made in their appearance. For example, some often shining shoes or selling snacks on the streets. Children will paint only the front of their house, and others will settle from upper- and middle-class families generally do not start for dirt floors. Entire families may share a few rooms, and working until they finish secondary school. Young people four or five people may sleep in a single bed. Some homes often live with their parents until well after adulthood, as lack solid internal walls. Instead, planks of wood, cardboard, dictated by both tradition and economic realities, such as low or sheets provide internal separation. Regardless of their wages and high housing prices. Many young people move out living situation, Dominicans are very proud of their homes when they marry or move in with a partner; some couples and keep them clean, organized, and well maintained. move in with one set of parents while they save for a place of Home ownership is important and indicates family their own. stability. Most people hope to own a home at some point, and The elderly are respected in society and within their mortgages are widely available for those with decent, steady families. A grandparent's home is often the central meeting incomes. Some families build their own homes, which can point for members of the extended family. Older people take years. The family often lives in the most enclosed generally live with their grown children when necessary; portion of their house as it is finished. retirement homes are fairly uncommon.

4 TM CultureGrams Dominican Republic Dating and Marriage mother and then with his mother-in-law. After the second Young people are very social and enjoy going out with dance, the dance floor is opened to all wedding guests. friends from their neighborhood, school, or college. On Infidelity is common, particularly in men. Though weekend nights, groups of youth park their cars along major infidelity is not openly accepted, women generally tolerate it. roads and turn up their car stereos while socializing with However, men usually expect their wives to be faithful. Some friends. Young people usually begin dating in the later years men have more than one partner and family, sometimes in the of high school or the early years of college. People often date same town. in groups. Some couples might have a sibling tag along as Government fees associated with obtaining a legal divorce chaperone on one-on-one dates. Common dating activities are high. In some cases, the fees can be more expensive than a include going to movies, concerts, parties, night clubs, wedding. People must pay to obtain legal documents, have dances, baseball games, and parks. Dating is increasingly free the divorce processed by the court, and announce the divorce of parental control, though parents supervise daughters more in a local newspaper (which is required by law). Still, divorce closely than sons. is fairly common and carries little social stigma. When a couple decides to date regularly and exclusively, the man visits the home of the young woman's parents to be Life Cycle formally introduced to her family. As the courtship continues, The announcement of a pregnancy is a happy occasion. couples refer to each other as novio (boyfriend) andnovia Family members suggest names for the baby and guess the (girlfriend). In more traditional families, couples who reach gender. Traditionally, the shape of the pregnant woman's this stage are generally expected to eventually marry. stomach is believed to indicate the gender of the baby: a Engagement is initiated by the man and generally lasts from pointy shape indicates a girl and a more rounded shape six months to a year. In urban areas, the man presents his indicates a boy. Birthmarks on a newborn are traditionally novia with an engagement ring and asks her to marry him. He attributed to the mother's failure to satisfy food cravings then asks her father for her hand in marriage. In rural areas, (called antojos). Tradition also says the birthmark mirrors the the man asks a woman's father permission before he proposes. shape of the desired food. In urban areas, people usually marry in their mid-twenties The first major celebration in a child’s life—the or later, and some parents may discourage their children from christening—takes place within the first year. The comadre marrying before finishing college. Rural marriages tend to (godmother) and compadre (godfather) are announced at the occur at a younger age, often in the late teens. christening. The parents of the newborn choose one or two Cohabitation (por la ventana, literally meaning “through sets of godparents for their child, often choosing aunts, the window”) is widespread, particularly in rural areas, and uncles, or good friends. Traditionally, the godparents were the recent legislation has extended to such couples some rights child's designated guardians should anything happen to the associated with marriage. Cohabitation can be preferred for a birth parents, but today it is more of an honorary title. number of reasons: marriage requires a birth certificate Godparents may attend celebrations for important events in (which many do not have), poor families cannot afford an the child's life, give advice, and assist when problems arise. elaborate wedding, or people wish to avoid the costs After the christening, a celebration is held at the parents’ associated with a divorce if the relationship does not work home and a meal is served. out. Some such relationships last a lifetime, while others are Between the ages of 8 and 12, Catholic youth have their entered into and dissolved easily. First Communion. Children prepare for the First Communion Weddings are usually paid for by the bride's family. If the in catecismo (catechism), classes in which the children are bride and groom can afford it, they may also contribute to the taught scriptures and traditions of the Catholic Church. Large wedding. Upper- and middle-class urban weddings are often groups of children from a community or school celebrate their elaborate affairs. In poorer families and in rural areas, First Communion at the same time. Children dress in white, celebrations are more modest, but the elements are generally have their first confession, and participate in communion the same. Regardless of the couple's budget, weddings are during a mass. Afterward, photos are taken, and a group always important social events for the family and community. celebration with food and cake may be held. The family of Couples who choose to marry have a civil ceremony or a each child may also hold a separate, smaller celebration at church wedding. Religious ceremonies are more common and home. nearly always follow Catholic traditions, regardless of As is the case in many Latin American countries, whether or not the couple attends church regularly. The father Dominican girls enjoy big celebrations on their quinciñiera of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle and "gives her (15th birthday), after which they are considered adults. At 16, away" to her fiancé. A priest presides over the ceremony and children get theircédula de identidad (commonly called reads passages from the Bible. The couple exchanges rings, cédula, legal identification card) and are eligible for a driver’s recites vows, and seals the ceremony with a kiss. Some permit. At 18, youth are eligible to vote, get a driver’s license, weddings also include a mass. After the wedding, a reception and legally purchase alcohol and cigarettes. Many families is held at a hotel, the beach, or a social club. A meal and consider their children adults when they start working, wedding cake are served, and the bride and groom normally usually between ages 16 and 19, and begin to establish a “open” the dance floor by dancing their first dance together as degree of financial independence. a married couple. The bride then dances with her father and In rural areas, when a person dies, family members, then with her father-in-law while the groom dances with his friends, and neighbors congregate at the house of the

5 TM CultureGrams Dominican Republic deceased for avela (candlelight vigil). Near the body, children—plays dominoes at home. Watching and gambling mourners wail loudly. The funeral and burial usually take on cockfighting is popular, as is playing the lottery. Women place within 24 hours of the death. In urban areas, the body is are generally less interested in sports than men and children. more often kept at a funeral parlor for one or two days. They often enjoy table games, like cards and bingo. Women Friends and family come to pay respects and offer their may also watch soap operas while doing household chores. condolences. Throughout the country, funerals are rarely held Dominicans prefer activities away from the home, and in churches. Generally, the priest comes to the home or they don't wait for the weekend to enjoy an evening out. funeral parlor and leads a mass or prayers in honor of the Activities like concerts and other sponsored events take place deceased. In rural areas, the casket is placed into the bed of a throughout the week. Dancing atdiscos terrazas (bars with truck and escorted to the cemetery site by mourners, who open dance floors), bar hopping, and hanging out with friends follow on foot. In urban areas, the casket is transported in a at parks or along the major avenues are popular activities. hearse and mourners follow in cars. At the burial site, Going to the movies is a very popular pastime, as are cultural mourners may give short speeches, and the family thanks activities such as book fairs and carnivals. Young people everyone for their condolences and support. In rural areas, enjoy going to the beach, movie theaters, bars, restaurants, nine days after the burial, and then every year on the and night clubs. Lengthy family vacations are rare, but people anniversary of the death, morevelas are held. Urban people may take short weekend getaways to a river or the beach or are more likely to commemorate anniversaries with masses visit relatives. and prayers. The Arts Diet Dominicans love music and dancing.Merengue is the If Dominicans do not eat rice and beans at midday, they feel national dance, and many people, including small children, they have not eaten. Most meals feature rice along with such know the steps. Its fast-paced, rhythmic music is traditionally favorites as habichuelas (beans) and yuca (cassava). Yuca performed using three instruments: atambora (small drum), may be boiled, battered, and deep-fried, or baked into rounds melodeon (also called the acordeón, similar to an accordion), of crisp cracker bread called casabe. Plátanos (plantains) and and guayano (orguira , a scraping percussion instrument). bananas are plentiful. Mangoes, papaya, pineapples, guavas, Bachata is a popular folk dance accompanied by accordions, avocados, and other tropical fruits (passion fruit, coconuts, drums, horns, and guayanos. Salsa and other Latino styles of and star fruit) are grown locally and eaten in season. People music are popular, as are North American pop and jazz. may eat small quantities of chicken, beef, pork, or goat. A Discos are found even in rural communities. Literature from meal of rice, beans, and beef is nicknamed la bandera, the Dominican Republic is well established. Much writing referring to the colors of the national flag.Bacalao (dried focuses on nationalistic themes, social protest, history, and fish, usually cod) is eaten in some areas; fresh fish is eaten everyday life. Common crafts include masks for Carnaval, only along the coast. Food is generally not spicy. colorful paintings, dolls (often without facial features), and The national dish issancocho , a rich vegetable-and-meat jewelry made from amber or larimar (a blue stone unique to stew served on special occasions. Habichuelas con dulce (a the Dominican Republic). Statues carved from wood, coconut dessert similar to rice pudding but made with red beans) is shells, and stone are also popular. popular at Easter. Dominican coffee is usually served sweet and strong. National beers and rums are highly regarded and Holidays widely consumed. Bottled soft drinks, sweetened fruit juices, National holidays include New Year's Day, Día de los Reyes and fruit batidas (milkshakes) are also popular. (Day of the Kings, also called Three Kings Day or Epiphany, 6 January), Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia (Our Lady of Recreation High Grace, 21 January), Duarte's Day (26 Jan.), Baseball is the most popular sport, and many Dominicans Independence Day (27 Feb.), Labor Day (1 May), Restoration have become famous major league players in the United of Independence (16 Aug.), Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes States and Canada. The baseball season (October through (Our Lady of Mercies, 24 September), Columbus Day (12 January) is an exciting time of year for the Dominican Oct.), Dominican Constitution Day (6 Nov.), and Christmas Republic's many baseball fans. During this season, people are (25 Dec.) very active in supporting their teams, flying team flags and New Year's celebrations are important to most wearing team colors. Baseball's popularity has spawned a Dominicans. New Year's Eve is often spent with family street form, calledvitilla , played by children using a plastic members, eating a large meal and offering prayers of bottle cap and a broomstick instead of a ball and bat; bases gratitude for the previous year. People may also attend are often marked with old license plates. Boys also enjoy all-night parties with loud music and dancing. New Year's playing basketball in parks and on the streets, and both boys Day is also spent with the family, eating leftovers from the and girls enjoy playing volleyball. New Year's Eve party. Día de los Reyes is the most important Playing dominoes is a national pastime. Outdoor tables in gift exchange of the holiday season and is associated with the front of homes, bars, and ruralcolmados (neighborhood Three Wise Men from the Biblical nativity story. Children markets) are surrounded by men who play for hours, receive presents from their parents, grandparents, and especially on Sundays. Outdoor players are almost godparents. Día de los Reyes presents are requested by saying exclusively men, but everyone—including young Dame mis reyes (Give me my kings). Rum and cigarettes are

6 TM CultureGrams Dominican Republic left out overnight for the Three Wise Men, and water and grass are left for their camels. Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia celebrates the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. People SOCIETY make promises of devotion to the saint in hopes of blessings of health and good employment. They may also offer to Government sacrifice something in their life (such as a bad habit or eating Head of State: Pres. Danilo Medina red meat) for such blessings. Devotees make a pilgrimage to Head of Government: Pres. Danilo Medina the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, in the city of Capital: Santo Domingo Higuey. Mes de la Patria (Nation's Month) is a month-long Structure window in which most of the country's patriotic holidays fall. The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy, The month is celebrated by flying the national flag, attending divided into 31 provinces and one national district. The government celebrations and parades, placing wreaths at president is both head of state and head of government. The national monuments, and holding patriotic events in schools. president and vice president are elected by popular vote and Duarte's Day begins the month and celebrates Juan Pablo serve four-year terms. A bicameral National Congress of 32 Duarte, a founder of the Dominican Republic. On Restoration senators and 183 deputies is also directly elected by popular of Independence Day, Dominicans celebrate the restoration of vote, as are local officials. their independence following a short period under Spanish Political Landscape rule (called La Anexion, from 1861 to 1863) less than a Many parties exist in the Dominican Republic's multiparty decade after gaining independence from Haiti. The holiday system, including the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), commemorates La Guerra de Restauracion (the War of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), and the Social Restoration) fought to regain the country's independence. On Christian Reformist Party (PRSC). PLD senators and this day, the president gives an official speech in honor of the representatives hold the majority of seats in the National holiday. Mes de la Patria ends with Independence Day Congress. The PRD is the main opposition group. Recent rifts celebrations, which include a military parade and a between PRD members over the expulsion of senior party presidential address to the nation. members, including former president Hipolito Mejia, erupted El Carnaval (Carnival) is a colorful festival that is into violence in January 2013. Drug trafficking, violence, and celebrated in the Dominican Republic as well as in other corruption of officials are serious issues affecting the countries; it runs through February to the first weekend of government. March. The day the festival begins varies depending upon the Government and the People city or town. Celebrations feature costume parades complete The constitution guarantees individuals with many rights, like with masked participants hitting spectators with inflated, freedom of press, expression, association, assembly, hardened pig bladders. El Carnaval ends in the first weekend education, and religion. The government generally respects of March, when theDesfile de Carnaval (Carnival Parade) is these rights, though freedom of association is limited for celebrated in Santo Domingo. public servants. Past elections are considered to have been During Lent, which is observed from Ash Wednesday to free and fair. However, after some investigation of the 2012 Easter, Catholics abstain from red meat and pork on presidential elections, cases of vote-buying were confirmed. Wednesdays and Fridays. During Semana Santa (Holy About half of registered voters participate in elections. The Week)—the last week of Lent—families take short vacations voting age is 18. to the beach or countryside. Catholics observe Corpus Christi by attending masses and participating in a procession of Economy bands playing music and people praying; the procession starts GDP (PPP) in billions: $101 at a church and winds through nearby streets. Many children GDP (PPP) per capita: $9,700 also have their First Communion on this day. Before Christmas, families decorate their homes with The economy, once dependent on agriculture, is becoming Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and depictions of Santa more oriented toward service and tourism. Agriculture, Claus. Dominicans living outside the country often return to however, remains an important industry. Coffee, sugar, be with their families for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, pineapple, cocoa, tobacco, and rice are key crops for both families have a special dinner, which may includepasteles en export and domestic use. Fluctuating world prices impact hoja (beef- or chicken-filled squares of plantain paste earnings and make the domestic market somewhat volatile. wrapped in green plantain leaves and boiled), puerco asado Dominicans living abroad often send earnings back to (roasted pork),arroz con guandules (rice with pigeon peas), families in the Dominican Republic; the money constitutes an potato salad, dates, fruit, nougat, and candy. Many people important source of revenue. Industrial activity includes sugar attend Midnight Mass (called misa del gallo). Gift exchanges refining, cement, mining, and pharmaceuticals. Assembly were traditionally reserved for Día de los Reyes, but today plants for various products are located in duty-free zones, as many people also exchange gifts at Christmas. Santa Claus are clothing factories and telemarketing offices. The brings presents for many children on Christmas Eve. In the environment has suffered from the exploitation of mineral and Cibao region, children are given gifts in the name of baby natural resources, but efforts at conservation are being made. Jesus instead of Santa Claus. In 2007, the Dominican Republic implemented the

7 TM CultureGrams Dominican Republic Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free based on the textbooks assigned for each subject. Teachers do Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which reduced taxes on not often stray from the designated curriculum. Many schools trade between participating countries in the region. incorporate technology in the classroom, and most students Among Latin American countries, the Dominican have access to computers. Homework is assigned nightly. Republic's economic growth has remained strong despite Some schools offersalas de tareas, after-school programs in hurricanes and the global economic downturn. However, even which students can receive homework help from a tutor or though real GDP per capita has nearly tripled in the last teacher. generation, most people (particularly women) do not have While public schools do not charge tuition, parents must access to economic prosperity. A wide gap exists between provide textbooks, uniforms, and basic supplies, such as rich and poor. More than 40 percent of Dominicans live in pencils and paper. Students in all schools, public and private, poverty. Unemployment is high and underemployment is are required to wear uniforms. Public-school uniforms consist rampant. The currency is the Dominican peso (DOP). of khaki pants, light blue tops, and dark shoes. Private-school uniforms vary in style and color. Current textbooks and other Transportation and Communications teaching materials are scarce. For more than 10 years, the Internet Users (per 100 people): 46 Ministry of Education, which dictates the yearly curriculum, Cellular Phone Subscriptions (per 100 people): 88 has required all textbooks to be updated yearly. This can be Paved Roads: 50% an economic challenge for poor families who might otherwise have been able to use hand-me-down textbooks from older Main roads are paved and heavily traveled. Rural roads are children. often unpaved and may be impassable during rainy seasons. Many children, particularly girls and those in rural areas, Public transportation includes motorcycle taxis, larger buses, do not complete school. Children may be needed to earn or economical vans or buses calledguaguas , which are used money to support their families, or they may be kept at home for local or long-distance trips. Pickup trucks or small vans to help on the farm or around the house. Families may also travel between rural villages, carrying passengers, animals, struggle to pay the fees associated with education or to and cargo in a single load. Urban Dominicans travel by provide their children with transport to and from school. conchos, informal taxis that follow specified routes. Santo Adults who have not finished educación media can attend Domingo has a modern subway system. Private cars are night school to obtain a certificate, which enables them to get expensive but by no means rare. Motorcycles are more a better job or enroll in a technical school to continue their common. Traffic regulations are often ignored. education. Cell phones are widely available and greatly outnumber Formal education may be less emphasized in rural areas. landlines. Middle- and upper-class homes generally have Urban children more often graduate fromeducación media, internet access. Daily newspapers are read widely. Postal and college enrollment is common in cities. A variety of service is slow and unreliable. Most businesses use private universities and trade schools operate within the country. messenger services. Private radio and television stations Private secondary schools are accredited by educational broadcast regionally and nationally. institutions in the United States and enable students to easily enroll at U.S. universities, a common choice for those who Education can afford it. Adult Literacy: 90% Mean Years of Schooling: 7.5 Health Public hospitals provide free care, but private doctors are Free public education lasts twelve years. Attendance is preferred when affordable. Public institutions tend to be mandatory for nine years, but this is not strictly enforced. poorly equipped and understaffed; families must provide Education is divided into primaria (primary school), bedding and food for admitted patients. Clinics are better educación basico (basic education), and educación media equipped and staffed but must be paid for by the patient or (middle education, also calledbachillerato ).Primaria begins insurance provider. Village health-care workers have enough at age six and lasts four years (from first to fourth grade). training to administer basic services, but rural areas often Educación basico lasts from fifth to eighth grade (ages 11 to have no doctors or medicine, and people must travel 14).Educación media lasts from ninth to twelfth grade (ages elsewhere for care. Many people consult curanderos (native 14 to 18). Many children also attend an optional year of healers). Lack of early treatment and preventive care is a kindergarten before starting primary school. While roughly 90 major concern. Vaccination campaigns are helping fight percent of children begin school, only 63 percent of 12- to disease, but maladies such as malaria, intestinal parasites, and 18-year-olds are enrolled. The literacy rate is estimated to be dengue fever pose serious challenges. In 2010, a cholera 87 percent, though the rate is lower in rural areas. epidemic in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti spread to During basic education, students study Spanish, math, the Dominican Republic but did not become a major social studies, history, physical education, and religion. Many outbreak. upper- and middle-class urban families send their children to private schools, calledcolegios . Some private schools are bilingual, with classes taught in Spanish and English. Teaching is regulated by the Ministry of Education and

8 TM CultureGrams Dominican Republic

AT A GLANCE

Contact Information Embassy of the Dominican Republic, 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) 332-6280; web site www.domrep.org. Dominican Republic Tourist Office, phone (888) 374-6361; web site www.godominicanrepublic.com.

Country and Development Data

Capital Santo Domingo Population 10,349,741 (rank=86) Area (sq. mi.) 18,792 (rank=130) Area (sq. km.) 48,670 Human Development Index 102 of 187 countries Gender Inequality Index 105 of 148 countries GDP (PPP) per capita $9,700 Adult Literacy 90% (male); 90% (female) Infant Mortality 20 per 1,000 births Life Expectancy 70 (male); 76 (female) Currency Dominican peso

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