Date of independence, or formation date: 1865
Date when current borders were established: 1865
National day: Feb 27
Vehicle country identifying code: DOM
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): -4
International telephone dialling code: +1809
Internet country identifying code: .do

The most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic lies 970 km (600 miles) southeast of Florida. Once ruled by Spain, it occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola and boasts both the region's highest point (Pico Duarte, 3088 m – 10,131 ft) and its lowest (Lake Enriquillo, 44 m – 144 ft – below sea level). Spanish-speaking, it seeks closer ties with the anglophone West Indies.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004