The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation, occupying two-thirds of Hispaniola island, shared with Haiti. It's a diverse country known for its stunning beaches, lush mountains, and rich cultural history, influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and African heritage. As the most visited destination in the Caribbean, tourism is a vital part of its economy, alongside agriculture and free-trade zones. Its capital, Santo Domingo, is the first permanent European settlement in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage site.