Cibao

Cibao, also known as the Cibao Valley, is a geographic and cultural region in the northern Dominican Republic. It centers on the Valle del Cibao, the broad valley formed by the Yaque del Norte river and bordered by the Cordillera Central to the south and the northern coastline to the north. The term is used to describe both the landscape and the communities that inhabit it.

Geography and economy are closely linked in the Cibao. The area has a tropical climate and fertile soils, making agriculture the historical backbone of the region. Common crops include tobacco, coffee, cacao, sugar cane, rice, and bananas, with irrigation supplied by the river system. In modern times Santiago de los Caballeros has emerged as the region’s principal urban and commercial hub, driving regional commerce and services.

Population and infrastructure in the Cibao are characterized by a high level of urbanization relative to other inland areas of the country. The region is served by major road networks and the Cibao International Airport near Santiago, which provides air connections for both domestic and international passengers.

History and culture in the Cibao reflect its long-standing role as an agricultural heartland. Pre-Columbian Taíno settlements gave way to Spanish colonization, and over the centuries the area developed into a key center for trade, industry, and urban life in the Dominican Republic. The region hosts numerous cultural events and regional traditions rooted in its diverse communities.