Santo Domingo is North and South America's first capital cityThe Dominican Republic is an island nation that occupies two-thirds of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean Basin. Readers will explore this beautiful country, from its sandy coast to its mountainous interior, and get a peek at its unique wildlife. They will also learn about the Dominican Republic's history, see how its government operates, and explore the core components of the local culture. Features include maps and photos; sidebars that highlight individuals, places and events; fun facts and statistics; a timeline; economic information; flags and more.