GITNUXREPORT 2026

Dominican Republic Statistics

The Dominican Republic is a rapidly urbanizing, middle-income Caribbean nation with a young population.

Written by Samuel Norberg·Edited by Astrid Bergmann·Fact-checked by Nicholas Chambers

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified Feb 13, 2026·Next review: Aug 2026

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Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

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Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

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Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Statistics that could not be independently verified are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are elsewhere.

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Statistic 1

The Dominican Republic has a population of 11,190,275 as of July 2024.

Statistic 2

Age structure shows 0-14 years: 25.52% (male 1,449,028/female 1,399,699) as of 2024.

Statistic 3

15-64 years age group comprises 65.57% (male 3,657,870/female 3,661,579) of the population in 2024.

Statistic 4

65 years and over: 8.91% (male 442,701/female 579,398) in the Dominican Republic as of 2024.

Statistic 5

Median age total: 30.1 years, male: 29.4 years, female: 30.8 years in 2024.

Statistic 6

Population growth rate is 0.85% annually as of 2024 estimates.

Statistic 7

Birth rate is 17.6 births/1,000 population in 2024.

Statistic 8

Death rate is 6.6 deaths/1,000 population in 2024.

Statistic 9

Net migration rate is -2 migrant(s)/1,000 population in 2024.

Statistic 10

Urbanization: urban population 84.4% of total population (2024), rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.).

Statistic 11

Santo Domingo (capital) population 3.313 million (2024).

Statistic 12

Santiago de los Caballeros major urban area has 1.233 million residents (2024).

Statistic 13

Life expectancy at birth total population: 74.4 years, male: 72.3 years, female: 76.6 years (2024 est.).

Statistic 14

Total fertility rate: 2.24 children born/woman (2024 est.).

Statistic 15

Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.7% of population, rural: 89.4% of population, total: 97.3% of population (2020 est.).

Statistic 16

Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 94.2% of population, rural: 81.8% of population, total: 92.4% of population (2020 est.).

Statistic 17

Ethnic groups: mixed 70.4% (mestizo/indio 58%, mulatto 12.4%), Black 15.8%, White 13.5%, other 0.3% (2022 est.).

Statistic 18

Languages: Spanish (official), English used in tourist areas (2024).

Statistic 19

Religions: Roman Catholic 48.2%, Evangelical Protestant 21.1% (Pentecostal 9.9%, other 11.2%), other Christian 2.7%, other 1.3%, Jewish 0.2%, none 26.2% (2022 est.).

Statistic 20

Sex ratio: at birth 1.04 male(s)/female, 0-14 years 1.04 male(s)/female, 15-64 years 1 male(s)/female, 65 years and over 0.76 male(s)/female, total population 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.).

Statistic 21

Infant mortality rate total: 21 deaths/1,000 live births, male: 23.2 deaths/1,000 live births, female: 18.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.).

Statistic 22

Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.8 years (2019 est.)

Statistic 23

Maternal mortality ratio: 92 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.).

Statistic 24

Contraceptive prevalence rate: 65.7% (2019), note: percent of women aged 15-49.

Statistic 25

Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 46.7 (2020 est.), youth dependency ratio: 35.5 (2020 est.), elderly dependency ratio: 11.2 (2020 est.).

Statistic 26

Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write, total population: 95.5%, male: 95.3%, female: 95.7% (2021).

Statistic 27

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years, male: 14 years, female: 16 years (2019).

Statistic 28

Unemployment youth ages 15-24 total: 27.3%, male: 24.3%, female: 31.6% (2021 est.).

Statistic 29

Population distribution: population is heaviest around Santo Domingo and Santiago

Statistic 30

Major urban areas pop: Santo Domingo 3.313 million, Santiago 1.233 million, Santo Domingo Este 1.137 million (2024).

Statistic 31

GDP (purchasing power parity) for 2023 was $282.84 billion.

Statistic 32

GDP (official exchange rate) $121.077 billion (2023 est.).

Statistic 33

GDP real growth rate 2.4% (2023 est.), 4.8% (2022 est.), 5.6% (2021 est.).

Statistic 34

GDP per capita (PPP) $25,400 (2023 est.)

Statistic 35

GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 5.5% (2021 est.), industry: 32.7% (2021 est.), services: 61.8% (2021 est.).

Statistic 36

GDP composition by end use: household consumption: 75.3% (2017 est.), government consumption: 14.2% (2017 est.), investment in fixed capital: 26.3% (2017 est.), investment in inventories: 0.6% (2017 est.), exports of goods and services: 35.4% (2017 est.), imports of goods and services: -51.8% (2017 est.).

Statistic 37

Agricultural products: sugarcane, bananas, plantains, rice, cacao, coffee, mangoes, papayas, tomatoes, oranges

Statistic 38

Industrial production growth rate: 4% (2023 est.)

Statistic 39

Labor force: 5.194 million (2023 est.)

Statistic 40

Labor force by occupation: agriculture: 14.4%, industry: 20.8%, services: 64.7% (2021 est.).

Statistic 41

Unemployment rate: 6.2% (2023 est.), 5.3% (2022 est.)

Statistic 42

Population below poverty line: 23.5% (2021 est.)

Statistic 43

Gini index: 42.5 (2021 est.)

Statistic 44

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.4%, highest 10%: 36.1% (2019 est.).

Statistic 45

Public debt: 59.4% of GDP (2023 est.)

Statistic 46

Taxes and other revenues: 14.7% of GDP (2020 est.)

Statistic 47

Budget: revenues: $8.187 billion (2021 est.), expenditures: $9.209 billion (2021 est.).

Statistic 48

Current account balance: -$5.904 billion (2023 est.)

Statistic 49

Exports: $27.46 billion (2023 est.), major partners US 47%, Switzerland 11%, China 6%, India 5%, Netherlands 5% (2022).

Statistic 50

Imports: $34.81 billion (2023 est.), major partners US 44%, China 13%, Mexico 7%, Brazil 5% (2022).

Statistic 51

Exports partners: gold, medical instruments, cigars, electrical machinery, scrap aluminum, bananas (2021).

Statistic 52

Imports partners: petroleum oils, natural gas, cars, corn, crude petroleum (2021).

Statistic 53

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $17.21 billion (31 December 2023 est.)

Statistic 54

Debt external: $48.17 billion (31 December 2023 est.)

Statistic 55

Exchange rates: 58.85 Dominican pesos (DOP) per US$1 (2023 avg)

Statistic 56

Fiscal year: calendar year.

Statistic 57

Tourism contributes 16.5% to GDP and supports 2.2 million jobs (pre-pandemic data).

Statistic 58

Remittances inflow $10.8 billion (8.9% of GDP) in 2022.

Statistic 59

Inflation rate 4.8% (2023 est.).

Statistic 60

Government expenditure on education, total (% of GDP): 4.24% (2021).

Statistic 61

School enrollment, primary (% gross): 107.84% (2021).

Statistic 62

School enrollment, secondary (% gross): 71.86% (2021).

Statistic 63

School enrollment, tertiary (% gross): 48.74% (2021).

Statistic 64

Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above): 95.46% (2021).

Statistic 65

Pupil-teacher ratio, primary: 26.54 (2021).

Statistic 66

Trainee teacher (% of total teachers), primary: 1.45% (2021).

Statistic 67

Adjusted net enrollment rate, primary (% of primary school-age children): 92.77% (2021).

Statistic 68

Government expenditure per student, primary (% of GDP per capita): 13.98% (2021).

Statistic 69

Primary school teachers trained (% of total primary teachers): 74.05% (2021).

Statistic 70

Youth (15-24 years) literacy rate (%): male 98.1%, female 98.7% (2021).

Statistic 71

Tertiary inbound mobility rate: 1.47% (2020).

Statistic 72

Official entrance age (years), primary: 6 (2021).

Statistic 73

Official entrance age (years), lower secondary: 12 (2021).

Statistic 74

Official development assistance received per capita ($): 11.95 (2021).

Statistic 75

Children out of school, primary (%): 7.23% (2021).

Statistic 76

Completion rate, primary (% of relevant age group): 92.77% (2021).

Statistic 77

Progression to last grade of primary (%): 97.23% (2021).

Statistic 78

Over-age primary students (% of primary enrollment): 12.45% (2021).

Statistic 79

Starting age (years), primary: 6 (2021).

Statistic 80

Ending age (years), primary: 12 (2021).

Statistic 81

Duration (years), primary: 6 (2021).

Statistic 82

Theoretical duration of primary education (years): 6 (2021).

Statistic 83

Total area of Dominican Republic is 48,671 sq km.

Statistic 84

Land area: 48,321 sq km (99.1% of total area).

Statistic 85

Water area: 350 sq km (0.9% of total area).

Statistic 86

Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey.

Statistic 87

Land boundaries: total 376 km with Haiti.

Statistic 88

Coastline: 1,288 km.

Statistic 89

Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm, contiguous zone: 24 nm, exclusive economic zone: 200 nm.

Statistic 90

Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal hurricane belt.

Statistic 91

Terrain: rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys and broad coastal plains.

Statistic 92

Elevation: mean elevation 612 m, lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m, highest point: Pico Duarte 3,098 m.

Statistic 93

Natural resources: nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, arable land.

Statistic 94

Land use: agricultural land: 51% (2018 est.), arable land: 16.5% (2018 est.), permanent crops: 9.4% (2018 est.), permanent pasture: 25.1% (2018 est.).

Statistic 95

Forest area: 40.8% (2018)

Statistic 96

Irrigated land: 2,805 sq km (2012)

Statistic 97

Major renewable energy resources: solar, wind, hydro.

Statistic 98

Major watersheds (area): Caribbean Sea drainage: 483,272 sq km.

Statistic 99

Major aquifers: Hispaniola.

Statistic 100

Population distribution heavily concentrated around Santo Domingo; massive resettlement from rural to urban areas since late 20th century.

Statistic 101

Natural hazards: lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding; periodic droughts.

Statistic 102

Volcanism: Punta Tina (1,248 m) is the DR's only historically active volcano.

Statistic 103

Geography - note: shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic).

Statistic 104

Environment - current issues: water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation.

Statistic 105

Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions 23.53 micrograms per cubic meter (2019).

Statistic 106

Climate: tropical; marine; rainy season (May to November); arid season (December to April).

Statistic 107

Total renewable water resources: 23.6 billion cubic meters (2020).

Statistic 108

Freshwater withdrawal: total: 2.69 billion cubic meters/year (23%/76%/1%)

Statistic 109

Largest lakes: Lago Enriquillo (saltwater lake, lowest point in Caribbean).

Statistic 110

Largest rivers: Yaque del Norte, Yuna.

Statistic 111

Protected areas: 25 national parks

Statistic 112

Highest mountain Pico Duarte in Cordillera Central at 3,098 m.

Statistic 113

Lowest point Lago Enriquillo at -45 m below sea level.

Statistic 114

Chiefs of State and Cabinet President: Luis ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020).

Statistic 115

Vice President: Raquel PENA (since 16 August 2020).

Statistic 116

Cabinet appointed by the president.

Statistic 117

Elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for two consecutive terms).

Statistic 118

Election results 2024: Luis ABINADER Corona elected president; Modern Revolutionary Party or PRM.

Statistic 119

Legislature: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of Senate or Senado (32 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (190 seats; 178 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 32 directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote, and 5 directly elected by proportional representation vote to represent Dominicans living abroad; members serve 4-year terms).

Statistic 120

Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Suprema Corte de Justicia (consists of 16 magistrates and a president); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members and a president); Superior Administrative Court (consists of president and 20 judges divided into 6 specialized chambers).

Statistic 121

Political parties and leaders: Broad Front (Frente Amplio) or FA [Fidelio DESPAIGNE]; Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Abel MARTINEZ Durán]; Institutional Social Democratic Bloc Party or BIS or Bloque Institucional Socialdemócrata [Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna]; Modern Revolutionary Party or PRM [Carolín MEJÍA].

Statistic 122

International organization participation: ACP, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer).

Statistic 123

Constitution amended many times; last significant amendment promulgated 2015.

Statistic 124

Citizenship by birth: yes, citizenship by descent only: yes, dual citizenship recognized: yes, residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years.

Statistic 125

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory; married persons regardless of age; note - members of the armed forces and national police by law cannot vote.

Statistic 126

Independence 27 February 1844 (from Haiti).

Statistic 127

National holiday Independence Day, 27 February (1844).

Statistic 128

Legal system: civil law system based on the French civil code.

Statistic 129

Administrative divisions 31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabón, Duarte, El Seibo, Elías Piña, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Hermanas Mirabal, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, María Trinidad Sánchez, Monseñor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Samaná, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macorís, Sánchez Ramírez, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Santo Domingo, Valverde.

Statistic 130

Dependent areas none.

Statistic 131

Flag description three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and blue with a white five-pointed star within a white circle centered in the red band; blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes.

Statistic 132

National symbol(s) tawny palmiste palm; national colors: red, white, blue.

Statistic 133

National anthem name: "Quisqueyanos valientes" (Valiant Quisqueyans).

Statistic 134

Diplomatic representation US Ambassador: Patricia PACHT (since 25 April 2023).

Statistic 135

Electricity access: electrification total population: 99.4% (2022), urban areas: 99.7%, rural areas: 98.6% (2022).

Statistic 136

Electricity consumption: 15.22 billion kWh (2020 est.).

Statistic 137

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24 total: 27.3%, male: 24.3%, female: 31.6% (2021 est.).

Statistic 138

Obesity adult prevalence rate 30.8% (2016).

Statistic 139

Children under the age of 5 years underweight 3.3% (2019).

Statistic 140

Education expenditures 4% of GDP (2020).

Statistic 141

Hospital bed density 1.6 beds/1,000 population (2018).

Statistic 142

Physicians density 2.12 physicians/1,000 population (2020).

Statistic 143

HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate <0.1% (2022 est.).

Statistic 144

HIV/AIDS people living with 67,000 (2022 est.).

Statistic 145

HIV/AIDS deaths <1000 (2022 est.).

Statistic 146

Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2023), food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever, vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria, water contact disease: leptospirosis.

Statistic 147

Tobacco use total: 5.8% of adults (2020 est.), male: 10.3%, female: 1.3% (2020 est.).

Statistic 148

Alcohol consumption per capita total: 6.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.), beer: 3.35 L, wine: 0.06 L, spirits: 2.52 L, other alcohols: 0.79 L (2019 est.).

Statistic 149

Improved sanitation facilities: urban: 94.2% of population, rural: 81.8% of population, total: 92.4% of population (2020 est.).

Statistic 150

Improved drinking water sources: urban: 98.7% of population, rural: 89.4% of population, total: 97.3% of population (2020 est.).

Statistic 151

CO2 emissions 37.092 million metric tonnes (2020 est.).

Statistic 152

CO2 emissions per capita 3.41 metric tonnes (2020 est.).

Statistic 153

Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection rate decreased to 0.6% among adults aged 15-49 in 2022.

Statistic 154

Tuberculosis death rate (per 100,000 population): 3.5 (2022 est.).

Statistic 155

Diabetes prevalence 8.2% among adults (2014).

Statistic 156

Road traffic death rate (per 100,000 population): 28.7 (2019).

Statistic 157

Hepatitis B child vaccination rate 92% (2021).

Statistic 158

Polio vaccination rate (DTP3) among 1-year-olds: 92% (2021).

Statistic 159

Suicide mortality rate (per 100,000): 5.5 (2019).

Statistic 160

Total expenditure on health 5.3% of GDP (2021).

Statistic 161

Domestic general government expenditure on health 3.3% of GDP (2021).

Statistic 162

Number of medical doctors 24,000 (2021).

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Home to more than 11 million people, a youthful population, and a bustling capital that draws millions, the Dominican Republic is a nation defined by vibrant urban life, dynamic demographics, and an economy increasingly powered by tourism and services.

Key Takeaways

The Dominican Republic has a population of 11,190,275 as of July 2024.
Age structure shows 0-14 years: 25.52% (male 1,449,028/female 1,399,699) as of 2024.
15-64 years age group comprises 65.57% (male 3,657,870/female 3,661,579) of the population in 2024.
GDP (purchasing power parity) for 2023 was $282.84 billion.
GDP (official exchange rate) $121.077 billion (2023 est.).
GDP real growth rate 2.4% (2023 est.), 4.8% (2022 est.), 5.6% (2021 est.).
Total area of Dominican Republic is 48,671 sq km.
Land area: 48,321 sq km (99.1% of total area).
Water area: 350 sq km (0.9% of total area).
Obesity adult prevalence rate 30.8% (2016).
Children under the age of 5 years underweight 3.3% (2019).
Education expenditures 4% of GDP (2020).
Government expenditure on education, total (% of GDP): 4.24% (2021).
School enrollment, primary (% gross): 107.84% (2021).
School enrollment, secondary (% gross): 71.86% (2021).

The Dominican Republic is a rapidly urbanizing, middle-income Caribbean nation with a young population.

Demographics

1The Dominican Republic has a population of 11,190,275 as of July 2024.

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2Age structure shows 0-14 years: 25.52% (male 1,449,028/female 1,399,699) as of 2024.

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315-64 years age group comprises 65.57% (male 3,657,870/female 3,661,579) of the population in 2024.

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465 years and over: 8.91% (male 442,701/female 579,398) in the Dominican Republic as of 2024.

Directional

5Median age total: 30.1 years, male: 29.4 years, female: 30.8 years in 2024.

Single source

6Population growth rate is 0.85% annually as of 2024 estimates.

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7Birth rate is 17.6 births/1,000 population in 2024.

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8Death rate is 6.6 deaths/1,000 population in 2024.

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9Net migration rate is -2 migrant(s)/1,000 population in 2024.

Directional

10Urbanization: urban population 84.4% of total population (2024), rate of urbanization: 1.7% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.).

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11Santo Domingo (capital) population 3.313 million (2024).

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12Santiago de los Caballeros major urban area has 1.233 million residents (2024).

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13Life expectancy at birth total population: 74.4 years, male: 72.3 years, female: 76.6 years (2024 est.).

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14Total fertility rate: 2.24 children born/woman (2024 est.).

Directional

15Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.7% of population, rural: 89.4% of population, total: 97.3% of population (2020 est.).

Single source

16Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 94.2% of population, rural: 81.8% of population, total: 92.4% of population (2020 est.).

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17Ethnic groups: mixed 70.4% (mestizo/indio 58%, mulatto 12.4%), Black 15.8%, White 13.5%, other 0.3% (2022 est.).

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18Languages: Spanish (official), English used in tourist areas (2024).

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19Religions: Roman Catholic 48.2%, Evangelical Protestant 21.1% (Pentecostal 9.9%, other 11.2%), other Christian 2.7%, other 1.3%, Jewish 0.2%, none 26.2% (2022 est.).

Directional

20Sex ratio: at birth 1.04 male(s)/female, 0-14 years 1.04 male(s)/female, 15-64 years 1 male(s)/female, 65 years and over 0.76 male(s)/female, total population 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.).

Single source

21Infant mortality rate total: 21 deaths/1,000 live births, male: 23.2 deaths/1,000 live births, female: 18.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.).

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22Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.8 years (2019 est.)

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23Maternal mortality ratio: 92 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.).

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24Contraceptive prevalence rate: 65.7% (2019), note: percent of women aged 15-49.

Directional

25Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 46.7 (2020 est.), youth dependency ratio: 35.5 (2020 est.), elderly dependency ratio: 11.2 (2020 est.).

Single source

26Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write, total population: 95.5%, male: 95.3%, female: 95.7% (2021).

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27School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years, male: 14 years, female: 16 years (2019).

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28Unemployment youth ages 15-24 total: 27.3%, male: 24.3%, female: 31.6% (2021 est.).

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29Population distribution: population is heaviest around Santo Domingo and Santiago

Directional

30Major urban areas pop: Santo Domingo 3.313 million, Santiago 1.233 million, Santo Domingo Este 1.137 million (2024).

Single source

Demographics Interpretation

The Dominican Republic is a nation of youthful energy and steady urban growth, though it carries the weight of ensuring its promising demographic transition translates into broad-based prosperity and equality.

Economy

1GDP (purchasing power parity) for 2023 was $282.84 billion.

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2GDP (official exchange rate) $121.077 billion (2023 est.).

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3GDP real growth rate 2.4% (2023 est.), 4.8% (2022 est.), 5.6% (2021 est.).

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4GDP per capita (PPP) $25,400 (2023 est.)

Directional

5GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 5.5% (2021 est.), industry: 32.7% (2021 est.), services: 61.8% (2021 est.).

Single source

6GDP composition by end use: household consumption: 75.3% (2017 est.), government consumption: 14.2% (2017 est.), investment in fixed capital: 26.3% (2017 est.), investment in inventories: 0.6% (2017 est.), exports of goods and services: 35.4% (2017 est.), imports of goods and services: -51.8% (2017 est.).

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7Agricultural products: sugarcane, bananas, plantains, rice, cacao, coffee, mangoes, papayas, tomatoes, oranges

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8Industrial production growth rate: 4% (2023 est.)

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9Labor force: 5.194 million (2023 est.)

Directional

10Labor force by occupation: agriculture: 14.4%, industry: 20.8%, services: 64.7% (2021 est.).

Single source

11Unemployment rate: 6.2% (2023 est.), 5.3% (2022 est.)

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12Population below poverty line: 23.5% (2021 est.)

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13Gini index: 42.5 (2021 est.)

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14Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.4%, highest 10%: 36.1% (2019 est.).

Directional

15Public debt: 59.4% of GDP (2023 est.)

Single source

16Taxes and other revenues: 14.7% of GDP (2020 est.)

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17Budget: revenues: $8.187 billion (2021 est.), expenditures: $9.209 billion (2021 est.).

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18Current account balance: -$5.904 billion (2023 est.)

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19Exports: $27.46 billion (2023 est.), major partners US 47%, Switzerland 11%, China 6%, India 5%, Netherlands 5% (2022).

Directional

20Imports: $34.81 billion (2023 est.), major partners US 44%, China 13%, Mexico 7%, Brazil 5% (2022).

Single source

21Exports partners: gold, medical instruments, cigars, electrical machinery, scrap aluminum, bananas (2021).

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22Imports partners: petroleum oils, natural gas, cars, corn, crude petroleum (2021).

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23Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $17.21 billion (31 December 2023 est.)

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24Debt external: $48.17 billion (31 December 2023 est.)

Directional

25Exchange rates: 58.85 Dominican pesos (DOP) per US$1 (2023 avg)

Single source

26Fiscal year: calendar year.

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27Tourism contributes 16.5% to GDP and supports 2.2 million jobs (pre-pandemic data).

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28Remittances inflow $10.8 billion (8.9% of GDP) in 2022.

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29Inflation rate 4.8% (2023 est.).

Directional

Economy Interpretation

The Dominican Republic's economy, like a well-made rum punch, is a potent and popular mix—powered by tourism, remittances, and a growing service sector, yet its sweetness is tempered by a bitter aftertaste of inequality, debt, and a persistent trade deficit.

Education

1Government expenditure on education, total (% of GDP): 4.24% (2021).

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2School enrollment, primary (% gross): 107.84% (2021).

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3School enrollment, secondary (% gross): 71.86% (2021).

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4School enrollment, tertiary (% gross): 48.74% (2021).

Directional

5Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above): 95.46% (2021).

Single source

6Pupil-teacher ratio, primary: 26.54 (2021).

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7Trainee teacher (% of total teachers), primary: 1.45% (2021).

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8Adjusted net enrollment rate, primary (% of primary school-age children): 92.77% (2021).

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9Government expenditure per student, primary (% of GDP per capita): 13.98% (2021).

Directional

10Primary school teachers trained (% of total primary teachers): 74.05% (2021).

Single source

11Youth (15-24 years) literacy rate (%): male 98.1%, female 98.7% (2021).

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12Tertiary inbound mobility rate: 1.47% (2020).

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13Official entrance age (years), primary: 6 (2021).

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14Official entrance age (years), lower secondary: 12 (2021).

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15Official development assistance received per capita ($): 11.95 (2021).

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16Children out of school, primary (%): 7.23% (2021).

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17Completion rate, primary (% of relevant age group): 92.77% (2021).

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18Progression to last grade of primary (%): 97.23% (2021).

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19Over-age primary students (% of primary enrollment): 12.45% (2021).

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20Starting age (years), primary: 6 (2021).

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21Ending age (years), primary: 12 (2021).

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22Duration (years), primary: 6 (2021).

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23Theoretical duration of primary education (years): 6 (2021).

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Education Interpretation

The Dominican Republic's education system is a tale of two realities: it successfully herds nearly all its youth into primary classrooms and achieves near-universal literacy, yet it struggles to keep them there on time and fully equipped, hinting at a system that's wide open at the gate but a bit threadbare inside.

Geography

1Total area of Dominican Republic is 48,671 sq km.

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2Land area: 48,321 sq km (99.1% of total area).

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3Water area: 350 sq km (0.9% of total area).

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4Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey.

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5Land boundaries: total 376 km with Haiti.

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6Coastline: 1,288 km.

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7Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm, contiguous zone: 24 nm, exclusive economic zone: 200 nm.

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8Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal hurricane belt.

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9Terrain: rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys and broad coastal plains.

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10Elevation: mean elevation 612 m, lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m, highest point: Pico Duarte 3,098 m.

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11Natural resources: nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, arable land.

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12Land use: agricultural land: 51% (2018 est.), arable land: 16.5% (2018 est.), permanent crops: 9.4% (2018 est.), permanent pasture: 25.1% (2018 est.).

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13Forest area: 40.8% (2018)

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14Irrigated land: 2,805 sq km (2012)

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15Major renewable energy resources: solar, wind, hydro.

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16Major watersheds (area): Caribbean Sea drainage: 483,272 sq km.

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17Major aquifers: Hispaniola.

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18Population distribution heavily concentrated around Santo Domingo; massive resettlement from rural to urban areas since late 20th century.

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19Natural hazards: lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding; periodic droughts.

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20Volcanism: Punta Tina (1,248 m) is the DR's only historically active volcano.

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21Geography - note: shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic).

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22Environment - current issues: water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation.

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23Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions 23.53 micrograms per cubic meter (2019).

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24Climate: tropical; marine; rainy season (May to November); arid season (December to April).

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25Total renewable water resources: 23.6 billion cubic meters (2020).

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26Freshwater withdrawal: total: 2.69 billion cubic meters/year (23%/76%/1%)

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27Largest lakes: Lago Enriquillo (saltwater lake, lowest point in Caribbean).

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28Largest rivers: Yaque del Norte, Yuna.

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29Protected areas: 25 national parks

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30Highest mountain Pico Duarte in Cordillera Central at 3,098 m.

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31Lowest point Lago Enriquillo at -45 m below sea level.

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Geography Interpretation

The Dominican Republic is a geographically dramatic nation where nearly half the island is either climbing towards the sky at Pico Duarte or sinking below sea level at Lago Enriquillo, all while trying to balance its bountiful resources against the dual threats of hurricanes and human pressure.

Government

1Chiefs of State and Cabinet President: Luis ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020).

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2Vice President: Raquel PENA (since 16 August 2020).

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3Cabinet appointed by the president.

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4Elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for two consecutive terms).

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5Election results 2024: Luis ABINADER Corona elected president; Modern Revolutionary Party or PRM.

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6Legislature: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of Senate or Senado (32 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (190 seats; 178 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 32 directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote, and 5 directly elected by proportional representation vote to represent Dominicans living abroad; members serve 4-year terms).

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7Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Suprema Corte de Justicia (consists of 16 magistrates and a president); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members and a president); Superior Administrative Court (consists of president and 20 judges divided into 6 specialized chambers).

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8Political parties and leaders: Broad Front (Frente Amplio) or FA [Fidelio DESPAIGNE]; Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Abel MARTINEZ Durán]; Institutional Social Democratic Bloc Party or BIS or Bloque Institucional Socialdemócrata [Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna]; Modern Revolutionary Party or PRM [Carolín MEJÍA].

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9International organization participation: ACP, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer).

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10Constitution amended many times; last significant amendment promulgated 2015.

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11Citizenship by birth: yes, citizenship by descent only: yes, dual citizenship recognized: yes, residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years.

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12Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory; married persons regardless of age; note - members of the armed forces and national police by law cannot vote.

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13Independence 27 February 1844 (from Haiti).

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14National holiday Independence Day, 27 February (1844).

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15Legal system: civil law system based on the French civil code.

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16Administrative divisions 31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabón, Duarte, El Seibo, Elías Piña, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Hermanas Mirabal, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, María Trinidad Sánchez, Monseñor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Samaná, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macorís, Sánchez Ramírez, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Santo Domingo, Valverde.

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17Dependent areas none.

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18Flag description three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and blue with a white five-pointed star within a white circle centered in the red band; blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes.

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19National symbol(s) tawny palmiste palm; national colors: red, white, blue.

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20National anthem name: "Quisqueyanos valientes" (Valiant Quisqueyans).

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21Diplomatic representation US Ambassador: Patricia PACHT (since 25 April 2023).

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22Electricity access: electrification total population: 99.4% (2022), urban areas: 99.7%, rural areas: 98.6% (2022).

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23Electricity consumption: 15.22 billion kWh (2020 est.).

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24Unemployment, youth ages 15-24 total: 27.3%, male: 24.3%, female: 31.6% (2021 est.).

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Government Interpretation

The Dominican Republic boasts a stable, modern democracy with a robust political structure and extensive global ties, but it must still grapple with the stark reality that over a quarter of its young people are without work.

Health

1Obesity adult prevalence rate 30.8% (2016).

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2Children under the age of 5 years underweight 3.3% (2019).

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3Education expenditures 4% of GDP (2020).

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4Hospital bed density 1.6 beds/1,000 population (2018).

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5Physicians density 2.12 physicians/1,000 population (2020).

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6HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate <0.1% (2022 est.).

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7HIV/AIDS people living with 67,000 (2022 est.).

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8HIV/AIDS deaths <1000 (2022 est.).

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9Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2023), food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever, vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria, water contact disease: leptospirosis.

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10Tobacco use total: 5.8% of adults (2020 est.), male: 10.3%, female: 1.3% (2020 est.).

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11Alcohol consumption per capita total: 6.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.), beer: 3.35 L, wine: 0.06 L, spirits: 2.52 L, other alcohols: 0.79 L (2019 est.).

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12Improved sanitation facilities: urban: 94.2% of population, rural: 81.8% of population, total: 92.4% of population (2020 est.).

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13Improved drinking water sources: urban: 98.7% of population, rural: 89.4% of population, total: 97.3% of population (2020 est.).

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14CO2 emissions 37.092 million metric tonnes (2020 est.).

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15CO2 emissions per capita 3.41 metric tonnes (2020 est.).

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16Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection rate decreased to 0.6% among adults aged 15-49 in 2022.

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17Tuberculosis death rate (per 100,000 population): 3.5 (2022 est.).

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18Diabetes prevalence 8.2% among adults (2014).

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19Road traffic death rate (per 100,000 population): 28.7 (2019).

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20Hepatitis B child vaccination rate 92% (2021).

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21Polio vaccination rate (DTP3) among 1-year-olds: 92% (2021).

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22Suicide mortality rate (per 100,000): 5.5 (2019).

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23Total expenditure on health 5.3% of GDP (2021).

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24Domestic general government expenditure on health 3.3% of GDP (2021).

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25Number of medical doctors 24,000 (2021).

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Health Interpretation

The Dominican Republic presents a portrait of a nation in transition, where impressive public health victories like high vaccination rates and low HIV/AIDS prevalence starkly contrast with a growing burden of chronic diseases, high traffic fatalities, and a healthcare system straining to meet needs, suggesting the country is winning battles against infectious threats while struggling with the complex wars of modern lifestyle and infrastructure.