Dominican Republic

Basic Indicators

Population: 9,615,000 (2006)
National Language: Spanish
Per capita income: US$ 2,850 (2006)
Life expectancy: 72 years (2006)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources: 95% (2004)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities: 78% (2004)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 29/1,000 live births (2006)

State of the World's Children Report 2008
(published by Unicef)

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 Dominican Republic works with 31,600 children and their families to improve access to education and health facilities and safe drinking water. Except in emergency situations, Plan USA does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

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