Dominican Republic

Basic Indicators

Source: UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Report

Population: 9,953,000 (2008)
National language: Spanish
Per capita income: US$ 4,390 (2008)
Life expectancy: 73 years (2008)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources: 95% (2006)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities: 79% (2006)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 33/1,000 live births (2008)

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola — one of Columbus’s first discoveries in 1492 — with Haiti. It is situated with the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and is roughly twice the size of New Hampshire. The Dominican Republic is located in the hurricane belt, and is frequently hit by major storms.

Historically, the Dominican economy has been driven by the production of sugar, coffee and tobacco. These cash crops are still very important, but recently tourism has become a major component of the economy. Income disparity remains a significant problem, as the poor half of the population receives only 10 percent of the total income.

Plan's programs in the Dominican Republic directly benefit over 30,000 sponsored children and families and, indirectly, at least 120,000 people. Except in emergency situations, Plan USA does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.