Whether you're looking to travel to the Dominican Republic or want to know more about this beautiful country, here are seven interesting facts you may not have known. From its stunning landscape and beaches to its rich culture and history, the Dominican Republic has something for everyone. So read on to learn more about this Caribbean gem.

Located in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Spanning an area of 48,670 square kilometres (18,792 sq mi), the country is home to over 10 million people. The capital city is Santo Domingo, which serves as the nation's centre for commerce and politics.

Known for its tropical climate, stunning beaches and vibrant culture, the Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. It is home to many picturesque national parks, and its coastline features some of the world’s best beaches, such as Punta Cana.

Dominicans are renowned for their music – especially merengue – and dance styles like bachata and salsa that have become popular worldwide; they also have a strong Caribbean cultural influence from Haiti and Spanish and African influences from centuries past when Spain colonized them in 1492.

Baseball is also extremely popular in this nation; it was even declared their national sport by Rafael Trujillo in 1935 and has since been integral to Dominican culture due to its popularity with locals and tourists alike. The country even produces some of the best talents in professional baseball leagues across Latin America.

The Dominican Republic has a long-standing military tradition dating back to 1844 when they gained their independence from Haiti after decades of fighting for their freedom; today, they have one of Latin America’s largest militaries with over 100 thousand active personnel that protect their borders from external threats or conflicts within their borders due to organized crime or political unrest.

With its strategic location near North America and Europe, this country has become an important hub for international businesses seeking offshore tax havens due to its lenient regulations regarding foreign investments; moreover, several large corporations have made considerable profits by setting up production lines within Dominican borders thanks to its cost-effective labour force that can produce goods at competitive prices without sacrificing quality standards or safety protocols required by other countries in Europe or North America.

The government also plays a very important role in economic growth through public works projects that focus on developing infrastructures such as roads and bridges; these projects often lead to increased investment opportunities both locally (through small businesses) or internationally through larger corporations looking for more efficient ways to expand operations or benefit financially from low-cost labour forces available in certain areas within Dominican territory where wages are often lower than those offered by other countries outside Latin America like China or India but still provide high-quality workmanship at competitive prices while maintaining safety standards required by federal regulations within said country's labour laws framework.