Diverse terrain and extraordinary natural beauty is a hallmark of the Dominican Republic's six regions. Rolling mountains, lush jungles, pine forest, coral reefs, unspoiled beaches and arid desert co-exist side-by-side in this magical land. The magnificence of nature sets the scene for quaint villages, charming cities, and first class accommodations for visitors.
The Dominican Republic is situated on the eastern part of the second-largest island in the Greater Antilles, Hispaniola.The Dominican Republic shares the island with Haiti. The whole country measures an area of 48,730 km² making it the second largest country in the Antilles, after Cuba. The country's capital and greatest metropolitan area, Santo Domingo, is located on the southern coast.
The country is a tropical, maritime nation. Wet season is from May to November and periodic hurricanes between June and November. Most rain falls in the northern and eastern regions. The average rainfall is 1346 mm, with extremes of 2500 mm in the northeast and 500 mm in the west. The main annual temperature ranges from 21 °C in the mountainous regions to 25 °C on the plains and the coast. The average temperature in Santo Domingo in January is 25 °C and 30 °C in July. Nonetheless, the highest mountain tops are covered in pine forests and have temperatures that can go several degrees below freezing during winter nights.
Dominican Republic cuisine is predominantly made up of a combination of Spanish, Taino and African influences over the last few centuries. Typical cuisine is quite similar to what can be found in other Latin American countries but, many of the names of dishes are different. The cuisine usually accommodates all four food groups, incorporating meat or seafood; rice, potatoes or plantains; and is accompanied by some other type of vegetable or salad. However, meals usually heavily favor meats and starches, less dairy products, and little to no vegetables. Many dishes are made with sofrito, which is a mix of local herbs and spices sautéed to bring out all of the dish's flavors.
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