|
Named by its Spanish settlers “Hispaniola”, the island became the base for the expansion of the Spanish empire into the new world. The city of Santo Domingo (originally named “La Isabela”) was founded in 1496, and soon became the seat of the first cathedral, the first hospital and the first university of America.
|
 |
Only a year after gaining its independence from Spain in 1821, the eastern part of the island was occupied by Haiti. This occupation ended on February 27, 1844 with the proclamation of the National Independence. Since 1966, ten democratic elections have been held, alternating the power between the three main political parties.
The Dominican Republic’s Latin style is a sharp contrast to the character of many nearby islands, especially the British and French-influenced ones, and is reflected in both the local music and cuisine |
|
|
|
