The Dominican Republic, sharing Hispaniola with Haiti, dazzles with Santo Domingo’s colonial capital, the Americas’ oldest, framed by merengue beats and amber sands. Known for cigars, baseball, and Punta Cana’s resorts, its economy thrives on tourism, sugar, and remittances, blending Taíno and Spanish roots. Its palm-lined coasts and bachata hum. The DR’s sunny zest sparkles.