Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic

La República Dominicana is located in the West Indies and occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola. Its area equals that of Vermont and New Hampshire combined, or roughly 18,000 square miles. There is much continental diversity, including tropical beaches, farms & dairies, and mountain ranges. Pico Duarte Peak, at 10,417 ft (3,175 m), is the highest point in the West Indies. The Dominican mountains can mitigate storms, and help keep the North Coast of the island a safer location from hurricanes than elsewhere on the island. The North Coast of the Dominican Republic, where Infiniti Blu Oceanfront Condos are located, has historically been one of the safer areas of the country and Caribbean with respect to hurricanes, and there has never been a major hurricane of category 3 or higher in recent statistics.

The Dominican Republic has a fascinating history. Anthropological research has shown that well over five thousand years ago a wave of emigration from South America's Amazonian region brought the Arawak Indian ancestors of the people who peacefully existed on the Island for millennia. These early settlers called themselves the 'Taino'; and it was they who it was found, in the fifteenth century, to be harmoniously inhabiting the tropical island.

'Taino' meant good or noble in their language and, indeed, it is thought that the population of about one million, arranged in five tribes, was about to emerge as a civilization with a central government.

But then the Dominican Republic was explored by Columbus on his first voyage in 1492. He named it La Española, and his son, Diego, was its first viceroy. The capital, Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere, and has the first cathedral, hospital, castle and university all founded in this “New World”.

Unfortunately, the peaceful Taino would soon be put to work for the Spanish invaders, and the fertile soil would be exploited for profit (particularly sugar-cane) and, of primary significance to the Spanish adventurers, there was plenty of gold just for the taking.

The paradise island was about to enter an era of turbulence that was to have repercussions for many generations, and the nascent civilization of the Taino was to be reduced very drastically.

Today the Dominican Republic government is representative democracy with an elected president (Leonel Fernandez). It gained freedom from Haiti on February 27, 1844, and this Day of Independence is a celebrated National Holiday. The currency is the Dominican peso and the language is Spanish, although walking thru Sosúa you will hear much English, German, Creole, French, Russian and Italian. Learning just a few Spanish words or phrases can get you far. The population is around 9 million, with 95% Roman Catholics. The climate is maritime semitropical (with an average yearly temperature of 77 - 80F). There are 31 provinces, including Puerto Plata Province with its International Airport (POP) on the beautiful North Coast, just 15 – 20 minutes from Infiniti Blu. It is a tropical paradise here with the daily trade winds acting as nature’s air conditioning. We invite all Caribbean lovers and investors to come visit our luxurious beach front community!