Dominican Republic Country Handbook 1. This handbook provides basic reference information on the Dominican Republic, including its geography, history, government, military forces, and communications and transportation networks. This information is intended to familiarize military personnel with local customs and area knowledge to assist them during their assignment to Dominican Republic. 2. This product is published under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Defense Intelligence Production Program (DoDIPP) with the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity designated as the community coordinator for the Country Handbook Program. This product reflects the coordinated U.S. Defense Intelligence Community position on Dominican Republic. 3. Dissemination and use of this publication is restricted to official military and government personnel from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, NATO member countries, and other countries as required and designated for support of coalition operations. 4. The photos and text reproduced herein have been extracted solely for research, comment, and information reporting, and are intended for fair use by designated personnel in their official duties, including local reproduction for training. Further dissemination of copyrighted material contained in this document, to include excerpts and graphics, is strictly prohibited under Title 17, U.S. Code. CONTENTS KEY FACTS. 1 U.S. MISSION . 2 U.S. Embassy. 2 U.S. Consulate . 2 Entry Requirements . 3 Passport and Visa Requirements . 3 Customs . 4 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE . 4 Geography . 4 Topography . 6 Cross-Country Mobility . 9 Climate. 9 TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION . 11 Transportation . 11 Roads . 11 Rail . 13 Airports . 14 Waterways . 14 Communication . 18 Radio and Television . 18 Telecommunication . 19 Newspapers and Magazines . 19 Satellites . 20 Postal Services . 20 iii Contents (Continued) CULTURE . 20 Population Patterns . 22 Education and Literacy Rates . 22 Religion . 23 Customs . 23 Dress . 23 MEDICAL ASSESSMENT . 24 Infectious Disease Risks to Deployed Personnel. 24 Food- or Waterborne Diseases . 24 Insect-, Tick-, and Miteborne Diseases . 24 Animal-associated Diseases . 24 Respiratory Diseases . 24 Sexually Transmitted and/or Bloodborne Diseases . 24 Other Diseases . 25 Medical Capabilities . 25 Key Medical Facilities . 25 HISTORY . 26 Chronology . 29 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS . 30 Government . 30 National Level . 30 Key Government Officials . 32 Local Government . 32 Politics . 32 Elections . 32 Foreign Relations . 34 ECONOMY . 35 Statistics. 35 Agriculture. 36 Manufacturing/Industry . 36 iv Contents (Continued) THREAT. 36 Crime . 37 Terrorism . 37 Insurgency . 37 Political Instability. 38 Drug Trafficking . 38 ARMED FORCES . 39 Defense Organization . 39 Mission . 40 Key Military Personnel . 40 Conscription. 40 Military Education. 40 Military Industry . 40 Army . 41 Organization . 41 Mission . 42 Personnel . 42 Training . 42 Deployment . 43 Equipment . 43 Air Force . 44 Organization . 44 Personnel . 45 Mission . 45 Training . 45 Deployment . 45 Equipment . 46 Navy. 46 Equipment . 47 Deployment. 47 Organization . 47 v Contents (Continued) Mission . 48 Personnel . 48 Training . 48 Naval Infantry (Marines) . ..