Learn about Dominican Republic

History of AMIGOS in Dominican Republic 

AMIGOS has worked in the Dominican Republic since 1977. We began our work in and around the capital, Santo Domingo, conducting human immunization programs with the Dominican Ministry of Health. In 1983, AMIGOS re-channeled its energy towards community sanitation and began to collaborate with the Oficina de Desarrollo Comunitario (ODC) in Dajabón. AMIGOS focused on latrine, stove, and home improvement projects with the ODC. In the late eighties a lack of ODC resources led AMIGOS to seek out a new partner agency, FUDECO.  

From 1993-1999, AMIGOS worked with FUDECO in Las Matas de Farfan before returning to Dajabón in 1999. Between 2000 and 2002 AMIGOS started a second Dominican Project in Barahona and Neiba, partnered with Vision Mundial (World Vision), which focused on community initiatives and youth leadership.  

In 2003, AMIGOS opened a six-week project in San Juan/Azua working with Plan International. The project was a huge success and an excellent relationship with Plan D.R. was established. AMIGOS partnered with Plan International from 2003 – 2019. During this time, AMIGOS and Plan collaborated to open AMIGOS programs to youth from local communities.  

Looking ahead to 2026, AMIGOS will continue the Barahona Immerse Program, deepening its strong alliance with Plan International. Additionally, the organization will launch an innovative new project in Bonao, called Tierra Caribe (Explore), in partnership with Servicios para la Paz. These programs reflect our ongoing commitment to empowering young people, strengthening communities, and building sustainable impact alongside our partners. 

AMIGOS Project Regions 

Bonao (Monseñor Nouel Province) 

Bonao province is officially called Monseñor Nouel, but most people use its traditional name, which comes from the Indigenous Taíno language and has been used for centuries. AMIGOS also uses this name because it is familiar and widely recognized. The provincial capital shares the same name, reinforcing its common use, even though the official name honors Archbishop Adolfo Alejandro Nouel. 

The province is centrally located and easy to access. It is approximately 48 miles (77 km) from Santo Domingo, the national capital, which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. The closest major airport is Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago, located around 40 miles (64 km) from the province, or roughly a 45–50-minute drive. This central position in the country provides reliable transportation routes and connections to both northern and southern regions. 

Bonao Province is known for its natural landscapes, including rivers, forests, mountain areas, and protected ecological sites. One of its most notable natural attractions is the Saltos de Jima, a series of waterfalls and pools surrounded by dense vegetation. The region’s green environment supports biodiversity and creates opportunities for environmental education and outdoor activities. 

Agriculture is a key part of the province’s identity and economy. Communities in the region grow rice, cacao, coffee, and tropical fruits, taking advantage of the fertile soil and consistent rainfall. The province also has mining operations and a growing number of small businesses that contribute to local economic development. Culturally, Bonao reflects a blend of Taíno heritage, rural traditions, and active artistic expression within the community. 

For AMIGOS programs, Bonao Province offers a combination of strong community ties, accessible geography, and rich cultural and natural resources. Its mix of agriculture, environmental diversity, and local leadership makes it a meaningful setting for youth engagement, service, and cross-cultural learning. 

Link to map: Bonao (Monseñor Noeul Province) -Dominican Republic 

Projects that visit this region: Tierra Caribe (Explore)  

Barahona Province 

Barahona Province is in the southwest of the Dominican Republic, along the Caribbean coast. Its capital is Santa Cruz de Barahona, often called simply “Barahona”. The province includes coastal areas, fertile valleys, and mountains, making the region rich in natural resources and biodiversity. Barahona is about 220 km (135 miles) from Santo Domingo, the national capital, which is around a 4-hour drive. The closest major airport is in Santo Domingo, making travel to the province accessible by car or bus. 

The province is known for its natural beauty. It has beaches, mountains, rivers, and forests that support wildlife and offer opportunities for ecotourism, outdoor education, and adventure activities. One of its most notable features is the Sierra de Bahoruco, an area of tropical forests and unique biodiversity. 

Agriculture is a key part of life in Barahona. Local communities grow coffee, bananas, plantains, sugar cane, fruits, and root crops. Fishing is also important along the coast, and small-scale livestock farming supports local families. The province is home to natural resources such as gypsum, marble, and Larimar, a rare semi-precious stone. There are also small industrial ports and free-zone area, providing jobs and supporting local trade. 

Culturally, Barahona reflects a mix of coastal, rural, and mountain traditions. Families and communities maintain strong ties to agriculture, fishing, and craft work. The diversity of landscapes and ways of life makes the province a unique place for youth programs like AMIGOS, offering opportunities to connect with nature, learn about local culture, and participate in community development. 

Link to map: Barahona Province – Dominican Republic 

Projects that visit this region: Barahona (Immerse) 

Jarabacoa region 

Jarabacoa is in the central mountains of the Dominican Republic, within La Vega Province. The region is known for its cool climate, pine forests, and mountain landscapes, which make it very different from the coastal areas of the country. Because of its elevation and natural surroundings, Jarabacoa is often called “the city of eternal spring.” Jarabacoa is about 85 miles from Santo Domingo, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by car.  

The region is known for its natural beauty and ecological diversity. It has rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and protected areas that support a wide range of wildlife. Popular natural features include the Yaque del Norte River, the country’s longest river, and several waterfalls such as Salto de Jimenoa and Salto Baiguate. Because of this landscape, the area is an important location for ecotourism, environmental education, and outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and horseback riding. 

Agriculture is also a major part of life in Jarabacoa. The region’s cooler temperatures make it ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, strawberries, and coffee, especially high-quality mountain coffee. Many communities in the area rely on farming, small local markets, and tourism-related jobs. Culturally, Jarabacoa has strong rural traditions, community celebrations, and a local identity connected to nature and the mountains. Families often participate in agriculture, artisan work, and local festivals that highlight music, food, and community life. 

Link to map: Jarabacoa Region – Dominican Republic 

Projects that visit this region: Tierra Caribe (Explore) 

Santo Domingo-Capital City 

Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, located on the southern coast of the island along the Caribbean Sea. It is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas. 

The city is known for its strong mix of history and modern life. The Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains the first cathedral, university, hospital, and paved street in the New World. Just a short distance away are modern neighborhoods, busy avenues, universities, shopping centers, and cultural spaces that show the city’s energy and diversity. 

Santo Domingo is also an important hub for transportation and travel. Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) is located just outside the city and connects the Dominican Republic with major cities around the world. Inside the capital, highways, local buses, and a metro system help people move through different neighborhoods. 

The city is known for its lively music, food, and cultural traditions, reflecting influences from Taíno, African, and Spanish heritage. Daily life in Santo Domingo includes street markets, local food vendors, community parks, museums, and festivals that celebrate Dominican identity. 

Santo Domingo continues to serve as a central location for education, business, arts, and government, making it one of the most important and dynamic areas of the country. 

Link to map: Santo Domingo City– Dominican Republic 

Projects that visit this region: Tierra Caribe (Explore) & Barahona (Immerse) 

COUNTRY OVERVIEW  

Pre-Colonial, Colonial & Post-Colonial History 

The Dominican Republic's history is a rich tapestry of indigenous heritage, European colonization, and the pursuit of sovereignty. 

Pre-Colonial Era  

Before European contact, the island of Hispaniola was inhabited by the Taíno people, an Arawakan-speaking group who migrated from South America. They established a society based on agriculture, fishing, and hunting, dividing the island into several chiefdoms. The Taíno referred to the island as Quisqueya, meaning "mother of all lands."  

Colonial Period 

Christopher Columbus arrived on the island on December 5, 1492, during his first voyage, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization in the Americas. Hispaniola became the first landing point and the first center of European presence in the New World. In 1496, his brother, Bartholomew Columbus, founded Santo Domingo, the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. The Spanish colonization led to the rapid decline of the Taíno population due to diseases, enslavement, and warfare. To supplement the dwindling labor force, African slaves were brought over beginning in 1501. Over time, a mixed-race population emerged, blending European, African, and indigenous Taíno heritage.  

In 1697, the Treaty of Ryswick resulted in Spain ceding the western third of Hispaniola to France, which became Haiti. The remaining Spanish colony, known as Santo Domingo, experienced economic decline and depopulation, leading to a period referred to as "España Boba" (Foolish Spain) from 1809 to 1821.  

Post-Colonial Era 

In 1821, Spanish colonial rule ended when the colony declared independence as the Republic of Spanish Haiti. This independence was brief: in 1822, Haitian forces unified the island under one government, beginning a 22-year period of Haitian rule (1822–1844).

While some Dominicans welcomed unification—especially those hoping to end slavery—the period also brought heavy taxation, land reforms, and centralized control from Port-au-Prince, which many Dominican landowners, clergy, and elites deeply opposed. Cultural differences (language, religion, laws, and economic systems) sharpened tensions. These factors fueled growing dissatisfaction and ultimately led to the Dominican War of Independence, culminating in the founding of the Dominican Republic on February 27, 1844.

Although independence was achieved, the experience of forced unification left long-lasting scars. Over the next century, Dominican political leaders—especially under the Trujillo dictatorship—actively promoted anti-Haitian narratives, reinforcing the idea that Haiti was a threat to Dominican identity. This historical memory still influences how some Dominicans perceive and treat Haitians today, shaping modern attitudes, migration policies, and discrimination.

The decades following independence were marked by political instability, economic struggles, and frequent changes in leadership. In 1861, the Dominican Republic briefly reverted to Spanish colonial status, but the Dominican Restoration War (1863–1865) restored sovereignty. The early 20th century brought further turmoil, including a U.S. military occupation from 1916 to 1924.

The rise of Rafael Trujillo in 1930 ushered in a harsh dictatorship lasting until his assassination in 1961. His regime intensified anti-Haitian ideology, most tragically culminating in the 1937 Parsley Massacre, when thousands of Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent were killed along the border.

After Trujillo’s death, the country gradually moved toward representative democracy, despite periods of conflict such as the Dominican Civil War in 1965 and another U.S. intervention.

Today, the Dominican Republic is a sovereign nation with a diverse cultural heritage shaped by European, African, Taíno, and Haitian influences, and by a complex shared island history that continues to influence social dynamics in the present.

“What a local might tell you”:

• • “Cada pueblo tiene su propia historia.” Dominicans often say that every region keeps its own version of the past—border towns, coastal communities, and mountain villages preserve unique memories, traditions, and interpretations of national history.
  • “Aquí, la alegría nunca falta.” Many locals view Dominican joy—music, food, baseball, and community gatherings—as a form of resilience that has carried people through centuries of change.

Government

The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy with power divided among three independent branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Its political system combines a strong presidential mandate with a multi-party structure, where national and local elections shape political participation.

Executive Branch

The President serves as both head of state and head of government, overseeing national administration, executing laws, appointing the cabinet, and serving as commander-in-chief. Presidents are elected through a two-round system and may serve two consecutive four-year terms. As of August 2025, President Luis Abinader began his third four-year term following constitutional changes, focusing on economic growth, social reforms, and increased transparency.

Legislative Branch

The legislative power is vested in the bicameral National Congress, comprising:

Senate (Senado): 32 members, one per province and the National District, all serving 4-year terms.

Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados): 190 members representing electoral districts, all serving four-year terms. Serve 4-year terms.

Judicial Branch

The Judiciary operates independently, with the Supreme Court as the highest authority. It oversees the lower courts and ensures laws and government actions align with the Constitution.

Administrative Divisions 

The country is divided into 29 provinces plus the National District, which together contain 117 municipalities.

Cultural Insight on Civic Life

Dominicans often describe civic life as deeply community-oriented,people participate not only through elections, but through neighborhood committees, local leadership, and collective problem-solving. A common saying captures this spirit: “El pueblo siempre se organiza.” (The community always finds a way to organize.)

Economy

The Dominican Republic has one of the strongest and most diversified economies in the Caribbean. In recent years, growth has been driven by tourism, manufacturing in free-trade zones, services, agriculture, and mining.

Main Economic Sectors:

• Tourism - Tourism is the country’s largest economic driver. In 2024, the Dominican Republic welcomed a record number of visitors, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and small businesses.
• Free-Trade Zones (FTZs) and Manufacturing - FTZs produce medical devices, electronics, textiles, and other export goods. Through CAFTA-DR, many products are exported to the United States, the country’s main trading partner.
• Agriculture - In rural areas, agriculture remains essential. Key products include cocoa, coffee, tobacco, bananas, plantains, and other staple crops.
• Mining - Gold and ferronickel are important contributors to national exports and foreign income.
• Rural Employment and Young People: In rural communities, young people often work in agriculture, small family farms, construction, informal commerce, or seasonal jobs. Where industrial parks or tourism services are nearby, youth may find additional employment options.

What Participants Might Notice: Participants may observe that families often rely on multiple income sources—combining farming, small businesses, informal labor, and community-led work. Economic life in many areas reflects resilience, cooperation, and adaptability.

Challenges: Despite its economic achievements, the Dominican Republic faces challenges such as governance transparency, vulnerability to climate events, and social inequalities. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable development. 

Geography