Once ruled by Spain, the Dominican Republic (DR) shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, a former French colony. The Caribbean nation is a major tourist destination. Tourism, and the DR's free-trade zones, have become major employers and key sources of revenue. Sugar, coffee and tobacco are among the main exports. (Source: BBC)
Once ruled by Spain, the Dominican Republic (DR) shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, a former French colony. The Caribbean nation is a major tourist destination. Tourism, and the DR's free-trade zones, have become major employers and key sources of revenue. Sugar, coffee and tobacco are among the main exports. (