Area
48,072 sq km (18,696 sq miles).

Population
8,230,722 (2002).

Population Density
175.9 per sq km.

Capital
Santo Domingo.
Population: 1,822,028 (2002).

Language
Spanish is the official language. Some English and French are spoken.

Religion
Almost all Christian, with 89 per cent Roman Catholic; there are small Protestant and Jewish minorities.

Time
GMT - 4.

Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Location
Caribbean, island of Hispaniola, east of Cuba.

Country dialing code
1 809.

Ministry of Tourism
Street address: Avenida México esq, 30 de Marzo, Oficinas Gubernanentales Bloque B, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Postal address: Apdo 497, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Tel: 221 4660. Fax: 682 3806.

Entry requirements
Citizens and permanent residents of the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and all EU countries don't need a visa when visiting the Dominican Republic, but must obtain a ninety-day Dominican Republic tourist card for US$10 (US dollars only) at the airport on arrival. New Zealanders need to apply for an $A80 visa from the embassy as well.