The climate is tropical maritime, with little seasonal temperature variation – warm and humid all year long. The country lies in the hurricane belt and is subject to severe storms from June to October. Terrain is very mountainous.
The center of government resides in the capital of Santo Domingo. The country uses a two-party political system with free elections.
The population of nearly 10 million is 73% mixed ancestry, 10% Caucasian, and 11% black. Unemployment rate is 30%. Forty-two percent live under the poverty line.
Economically, this developing nation primarily depends upon agriculture, trade, and tourism. Exports include textiles, electronic products, jewelry, tobacco, and pharmaceuticals, as well as cacao, sugar, tobacco, and coffee.
While free primary school education is available, many children fail to complete their early education, often because they are required as workers to supplement family income.