Dominican Republic Facts Dominican Republic is a country

Dominican Republic Facts Dominican Republic is a country located in the Caribbean, specifically on the island of Hispaniola. It is populated by mixed European and African people who shared rich colonial history, architecture, and culture. HISTORICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND ❖ In 1492, Genoan explorer Christopher Columbus discovered La Española, now known as Dominican Republic. Four years later, the capital, Santo Domingo, was founded which became the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere. ❖ In 1795, Spain ceded the colony to France and, by 1801, it was conquered by Toussaint L’Ouverture. ❖ In 1809, the first republic was established after Santo Domingo was captured through a revolt. By 1814, Spain regained its colony. KIDSKONNECT. COM

Dominican Republic Facts ❖ In 1822, the Haitians reconquered the colony from Spain. After two decades, the Haitians were overthrown, following the establishment of the Dominican Republic, headed by Pedro Santana. ❖ Between 1861 and 1865, Dominican Republic became a Spanish province due to a series of Haitian attacks and uprisings. ❖ In 1870, Dominican Republic president Buenaventura Baez attempted to join the Union of the United States, but was refused by the US Senate. ❖ Geographically, the country occupies two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, along with Haiti. ❖ It has a moderate and relatively mild tropical climate. Due to its warm and sunny weather most of the year, the climate in DR became known as an “endless summer”. ❖ Dominican Republic is the second largest island of the Greater Antilles chain located in the Caribbean Sea (Cuba as the first). It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. FLAG ❖ Designed by founding father Juan Pablo Duarte, the flag of the Dominican Republic was adopted in 1844. ❖ The center of the flag is a white cross that divides it into four rectangles. ❖ The blue color stands for liberty, red for blood of heroes, and white for salvation. At the center is a small coat of arms. The coat of arms features a shield with a laurel branch to the left and palm frond to the right. The blue ribbon on top displays the motto “Dios, Patria, Libertad” which means God, Fatherland, and Liberty. KIDSKONNECT. COM

Dominican Republic Facts PEOPLE AND CULTURE ❖ As of 2011, Dominican Republic is inhabited by 10, 967, 035 people. About 73% are mixed of origin, while 16% are European, and 11% of African. ❖ Religiously, about 70% are Catholics, 18% Evangelical, and 11% atheists. People in Dominican Republic are mostly Spanishspeaking. ❖ Among their traditional dishes include sancocho and la bandera. ❖ Every February, carnival celebrations decorate the streets with parades, music, and food festivals. ❖ Pelota, their version of baseball is the most popular sport. ❖ Their national music is called Merengue, which is usually danced to in Dominican Republic. ❖ Built in 1540, Cathedral de Santa Maria La Menor is said to be the oldest cathedral in the Americas located in the capital city of Santo Domingo. ❖ In 1990, the colonial city of Santo Domingo was declared as a World Heritage Site. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS ❖ Politically, Dominican Republic is divided into 29 provinces, all run by a governor who is appointed by the president. ❖ Through popular vote every four years, the president, vice president, and a bicameral Congress are elected. The bicameral Congress consists of 30 senators and 120 deputies. ❖ Members of the armed forces and national police are not allowed to vote. KIDSKONNECT. COM

Name: ________________ What It Means? Each color has a meaning and there are two phrases written on the Coat of Arms. Try to remember them and complete them below! RED _________________________ BLUE _________________________ WHITE _________________________ PHRASE 1 _________________________ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WORKSHEETS KIDSKONNECT. COM

Name: ________________ Time Mapping The Dominican Republic was known for it colonial history. Complete the timeline with events you find necessary in building the Dominican Republic identity. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WORKSHEETS KIDSKONNECT. COM

Name: ________________ DR Tour! Given your knowledge about the Dominican Republic, make an insightful brochure promoting tourism in the country. HISTORICAL SITES NATURAL WONDERS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WORKSHEETS THINGS TO DO KIDSKONNECT. COM

Name: ________________ Mapping the Caribbean Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean. Can you map the others? Moreover, describe the relative location of the Dominican Republic using the map. The Bahamas Cuba Haití Puerto Rico Jamaica Trinidad and Tobago Dominican Republic ________________________________ ______________ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WORKSHEETS KIDSKONNECT. COM

Name: ________________ Fact Finder Given the facts you learned about the Dominican Republic, list at least four truths that fascinate you. FACT 1 FACT 3 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WORKSHEETS FACT 2 FACT 4 KIDSKONNECT. COM