Did You Know

Interesting Facts about Dominican Republic

Trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits about Dominican Republic.

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Did You Know?

21 curious facts about Dominican Republic.

When a child loses a tooth they throw the tooth on the rood of thier house so a mouse can come take it away and bring a better one. Someitmes they get money.
The aboriginal name for the Dominican Republic is Quisqueya, which means in the Taino language, “Mother of all lands.”
The northern coast of the rocky shelf on which Hispaniola sits provides an excellent breeding ground for humpback whales. During the first few months of the year, humpback whales can be seen off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic near Puerto Plata.
Taino means “ good” or “noble.” It is believed that the Tainos used this name to distinguish themselves from the warlike Caribs.

Divorce laws are so lax that people come from other countries to obtain a divorce in the Dominican Republic.
The compadrazgo relationship is considered so important that Rafael Trujillo used it to his advantage. He conducted mass baptisms at which he became the godfather of thousands of peasants' children.
The expansion of tourism has caused environmental problems. The use of pesticides to kill mosquitos in coastal lagoons, inadequate sewage treatment in resort areas and the clearance of forests for golf courses are issues that the government is beginning to address.
Many people maintain two jobs in order to make ends meet. A graphic artist may moonlight as a special education teacher, or a psychologist as a hairdresser.
Dominicans enjoy flying colourful kites called chichiguas.
Tennis player Mary Joe Fernandez was born in the Dominican Republic. She won the Grand Slam in 1986 at the age of 14.