Dominicans

Dominicans commonly refer to people from the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean nation occupying the eastern portion of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. As of the early 2020s, the country has an estimated population of about 11 million. The official language is Spanish; Dominican Spanish is notable for its distinctive pronunciation and vocabulary. Haitian Creole is spoken in border areas and among some immigrant communities. The population is ethnically diverse, with mixed African, European, and Indigenous ancestry.

Most Dominicans identify as Roman Catholic, though Protestant denominations and secular outlooks have grown in recent decades. The country has a vibrant popular culture, with merengue and bachata as internationally recognized music styles, and a strong baseball tradition. The national dish la bandera, along with rice, beans, and plantains, is emblematic of Dominican cuisine. Tourism, manufacturing, and remittances from abroad are important to the economy.

Geography and history: The Dominican Republic occupies most of Hispaniola; its capital is Santo Domingo, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. The island was originally inhabited by Taíno peoples before Spanish colonization began in the late 15th century. The modern Dominican state formed after independence from Haiti in 1844, following earlier struggles for autonomy. The 20th century included the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo (1930–1961) and a subsequent transition to democracy that continues to shape contemporary politics.

Dominicans may also refer to members of the Dominican Order, a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic in the early 13th century, also called the Order of Preachers, dedicated to preaching, education, and scholarship.