History: The Dominican Republic

"There is no more beautiful island in the world," Christopher Columbus proclaimed as he found the new world that we now know as the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, and Haiti occupies the western third. Whereas the Haitians are traditionally from a French descent, the Dominicans are a combination of a European and African descent with a Spanish tradition. The Dominican Republic has had a troubled history as foreign powers have battled for control of the country 's ports and sea lanes. Not until 1844 was the Dominican Republic granted its ' independence (Creed 9-10). The Dominican was ruled by dictators up until the country succeeded in obtaining its ' independence, starting with their

The Dominican flourishes when it comes to farming in the Caribbean; known as the breadbasket, the Dominican Republican is known for growing and catching anything involved with breakfast, dinner and lunch. Coffee, tobacco, sugar, and cocoa are just a handful of the Dominican 's agricultural exports. Rum is one of Dominican 's most famous drinks; Brugal and Barceló are just a couple of well-known examples. A special drink in the Dominican called Mamajuana is a combination of rum, tree bark, red wine, herbs and honey, and is served in local establishments (Dominican Republic Fun Facts). A few recipes of the Dominican include: Domplines (Dominican-Style Dumplings),Turkey a la Dominicana Stuffed with Rice and Pigeon Peas, Albondignó (Latino-Style Meatloaf), Chocolate de Maiz (Roasted Corn "Cocoa"), and more (Dominican Recipes). In 2007, 250 pounds of pork, 300 pounds of beef, 150 pounds of chicken and 500 plantains were prepared to cook the largest pot of Sanchoncho in world at the Seventh Annual Dominican Fair in La Sirena (Dominican Republic Fun

Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic, also designed and implemented the Dominican Republic flag. The flag was officially adopted into the country in 1844 where it still represents today. The flag is centered with four rectangles divided by a white cross. Three colors are represented on this flag: red, white, and blue. Red represents the blood of heroes who lost their lives fighting for independence; blue represents liberty as the Dominican finally won its independence from Haiti; and white represents salvation as the country was saved from years of poverty and mistreatment. In the center of the flag rests a small coat of arms