Dominican Republic Research Paper

Tabitha Glenn
Dr. Johnson
MED LAW Tues/Thur
12/6/12

The island of the Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean Sea, and its part of the West Indies. The Dominican Republic shares the land with Haiti and the entire island is known as Hispaniola. Hispaniola as it was called when Christopher Columbus discovered it, he discovered it on his first voyage in 1492. The founding of this island was very important to European settlers and it played a major part in the economic growth that Europe had when the new world was discovered. The agriculture that is part of this island has help establish an economic structure that has led the Dominican Republic become to what it is today.
The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate, with more
local variations in temperature than seasonal ones, and with seasonal variability in the abundance of rainfall. The average annual temperature is 25° C, ranging from 18° C at an altitude of over 1,200 meters to 28° C at an altitude of 10 meters. Highs of 40° C are common in protected valleys, as are lows of zero in mountainous areas. August is their hottest month, and January and February are the coldest ones. The rainy season lasts from November through January. In the rest of the country, it runs from May through November; May is the wettest month. The dry season lasts from November through April; March is the driest month. The Dominican carnival is a tradition that is celebrated on February called Independence day which is Feb. 27 People dress in costumes, there's music, and dancing mostly just celebrations. Christmas time is one of the most celebrated holidays there. However, they don't trade gifts until January 6 which is Three King's Day.
Roman Catholicism is the official religion of the Dominican Republic, serving faith to more than ninety percent of Dominicans.
Catholics believe the authority of the church lies within the hierarchy of the church; Catholics believe the authority of the church lies within the believer. They also believe that truth is found in the Bible, as interpreted by the church, but also found in church tradition. They also believe that truth is found in Scripture, as interpreted by the individual, and that the original writings of the authors of the Bible are without error. Most of the Roman Catholics’ do not believe in birth control and surprising believes in very quick divorces. Folk religions and beliefs are practiced such as Voodoo, but they often are in more closed circles and private spheres since they are berated as “evil.” Curanderos are a kind of folk healer that many seek out for healing herbs and incantations for the purpose of healing. At many open markets, you will see various herbs and candles being sold for just this purpose most Dominican citizens who practice these types of beliefs are very private about them for fear of persecution. There has also been a rise in the Jewish religion in the Dominican who most practice and reside around the capital Santo Domingo.
Medicine and Healthcare in the Dominican most of the population use public clinics and hospitals and hospitals that provide free care. People who can afford to pay prefer to go to private doctors. At the public clinics they tend to be understaffed, poorly equipped and focus on curative rather than preventive care. Usually in the Dominican there are a one to one thousand doctor patient ratio. Many in the Dominican consult with native healers including witch doctors, voodoo practioners and
herbalists.
The culture of the Dominican is traditional Spanish is the official language of the country and which street signs and restaurant menus are written in. Even though the people linked to the tourist trade generally speak English, knowing some Spanish is a great advantage. The Dominican Republic's population has a passion for music, particularly meringue and in recent years, bachata. Music has defined itself as the people’s emotional expression. Dominicans pride themselves on their hospitality. When someone visits, Dominicans go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. House guests are treated royally and Dominicans attempt to cater to their every desire. If invited to dinner at a Dominican's home bring a gift such as chocolates or pastries. Avoid gifts that are black or purple. They are considered mourning colours, gifts are opened when received.
Dominican is a blend of Spanish, African and Taino cuisine. Dominican Republic Food is described as Comida Criolla or Creole Food. Creole Food consists of white rice, black or red beans, plantains and occasionally pork, goat or to a lesser extent beef. Roasted pig, pigeon peas and boiled chestnuts are very popular in the Dominican as well. A nation dish eaten on Christmas and special occasions is Labandera (the Flag) which consists of white rice, red beans, stewed meat which all three ingredients colors make up the color of the Dominican Republic flag colors.
Some interesting facts about the Dominican Republic. Christopher Columbus is buried in the Dominican Republic, The Dominican Republic lies at the heart of a hurricane belt and this makes it extremely susceptible to storms from June to October. The country has also witnessed periodic droughts and phases of occasional flooding. The Dominican is the only country in the world to have a bible as its flag.