Geographical location and natural conditions of the island of Haiti. Dominican Republic, Haiti: description, interesting facts and attractions

The territory of Haiti as if specially unknown forces was created for relaxation. The Dominican Republic, which occupies the most part, is a paradise on earth, a secluded corner of the planet, where rest can not but please, no matter how whimsical the tourist is. Incredible beauty landscapes, warm water of the Caribbean Sea and a bit cool Atlantic Ocean, delicious local cuisine, tranquility and pacification - that's what Haiti is!

Where is the island of Haiti? Geographical position

It is the second largest among the Great Antilles. It is located in the West Indies, washed on one side by the Caribbean Sea, and on the other by the Atlantic Ocean. If you look at the map of the world, it will be seen that the island is located between Cuba (on the west side, they are separated by the Windward Strait) and Puerto Rico (from the east, they are shared by the Mona strait).

The area is 76,480 square kilometers, and the population for 2009 was 20,123,000 people.

Description of the island of Haiti

In early December 1492, the indefatigable seafarer and discoverer Christopher Columbus discovered the unexplored territory of the island of Haiti. Then he said that "this is the most beautiful land that the human eyes have seen." After this, the construction begins here at full speed: first the land was appropriated to the Spanish name of La Espagnon, and then the inhabitants of civilized Europe gradually began to contribute to Indian culture. The island began to bring a good income to the country, here life was boiling, seemingly carefree, with barbecue and canoe, tobacco and a hammock. So other states began to learn about these delights.

Haiti today is divided into two Republics: the first has the same name, and the second - the Dominican Republic. The latter occupies 2/3 of the entire territory and is considered more developed and well-maintained. The population is almost equal in both Republics, only Haiti has an area of 27,750 square kilometers, and the Dominican Republic - 48,730. The capital of the first is Port-au-Prince, and the second is Santo-Domingo.

Dominican Republic

As already known, most of the island of Haiti is the Dominican Republic. It occupies the southern coast and is divided into 31 regions. By the way, the capital (Santo Domingo) is the oldest city here.

The second most important settlement is Santiago. Other cities of the Republic:

• La Vega.
• San Francisco de Macoris.
• San Cristobal.
• San Pedro de Macoris.
• La Romana.
• Puerto Plata.

You can tell about the Dominican Republic indefinitely. No wonder they say that it is better to see once than hear 100 times. Dominican Republic (Haiti island) is an exotic nature, beautiful coral reefs, several hundred kilometers of white beaches, lakes with emerald water, rivers with crystal clear water, and recalcitrant waterfalls. Here its history, way of life, unique color and friendly population. And by the way, the Dominican Republic is considered the most environmentally friendly place on earth. Here, stable atmospheric pressure and tropical climate are more comfortable than wet. So in this area you can feel great!

Sights of the Dominican Republic

Many believe that when they come to the Dominican Republic, they can enjoy only beach rest and sea entertainment. But in fact, there are enough classes, one of which is visiting the sights. Of course, it will not be possible to find historical places in this part of the island of Haiti, but nature is like no other place on the planet.

Interesting to visit is the village of Altos de Chavon, which is located not far from Punta Cana. It is thematic and stylized as an early colonial settlement. The buildings here are built of stone according to old technologies. In the village there is an amphitheater, which is an exact copy of the Greek architectural structure. In the museum there is an exposition dedicated to the pre-Columbian era. She will tell tourists how the Arawak Indians lived until the Europeans came here.

In the capital there is a grand museum. It is called the "Columbus Lighthouse" and represents a huge territory on which you can find many interesting things, including memorable places. This large building is built in the form of a cross and is a kind of reminder that America is a Christian state. The most important here is the ashes of Christopher Columbus.

Also in Santo Domingo there is a unique museum "Amber World". It contains a large collection of these stones, among which there are very rare specimens. For example, with plants and insects inside, or even blue or red.

Another worthy visit to the city of the island of Haiti is the Puerta del Conde. Built it to protect the capital, and here in 1844 proclaimed the independence of the Republic. Is a fort, today open to tourists. Behind him there is a park, this is a very important place for the patriots of the Republic. They especially appreciate the Altar of Liberty (mausoleum with the founders of the Dominican Republic), which, like other elements of the park, is dedicated to the struggle for independence and freedom.

In honor of the centenary of the recognition of the independence of the Republic, a palace was built, which today serves as the president's workplace. If you look at the photo of this building, you can see a similarity with the White House. And very big.

List of several more sights that are recommended to visit:

• National Park of Del Este.
• The Captain's Palace.
• Ruins of the Franciscan monastery.
• Ozama fortress.
• Ruins of the hospital of St. Nicholas from Bari.
• Los Triss-Ojos Caves.
• Church of St. Barbara.

Weather

Speaking about the "behavior" of nature, one can not but consider the question of why earthquakes often occur on the island of Haiti. The answer is simple - in this place (that is, in the Caribbean Sea) the earth's crust is shifting and geological faults are developing, therefore today the territory is recognized as a seismically active zone.

One of the most powerful earthquakes occurred in 2010. And not once. The first was on 12 January. The epicenter was 15 km from the capital of the Republic of Haiti, which suffered very much, like its inhabitants. Then they did not give an unambiguous answer about the number of victims - whether tens, or hundreds of thousands. The magnitude was 7-7.3 points.

The second earthquake on the island of Haiti occurred on February 22, and again around the city of Port-au-Prince. Then, only 3 people suffered (according to official data), and the magnitude was 4.7 points.

Now about more pleasant. The climate here is tropical, the summer is relatively humid, and the winter is dry. The temperature of water and air is practically unchanged throughout the year. And among themselves they are also about the same. It is recommended to come to the Dominican Republic in winter, because at this time it is more comfortable here - 26-28 degrees Celsius.

Interesting facts about Haiti and the Dominican Republic

• As of 2010, 34.4% of the population are below the poverty line. But this does not prevent them from being friendly and friendly people.
• A particularly popular Dominican product is rum. It merged centuries-old traditions and modern technologies. Twice rum Ron Barceló Imperial was recognized as the best in the world.
• Here, the semi-precious stone of larimar is mined, which is still only in one place in Spain. Some tourists come for it. It can be from bright blue to a saturated blue color.
• Military and police can not participate in elections.
• Only in the Dominican Republic you can see the iguana ricordi. She has red eyes, which is different from the others.

What will be remembered vacation in the Dominican Republic?

Rest on La Espagnon (the former name of the island of Haiti) will be remembered by everyone, from gently embracing warm water and ending with adventures, the most common of which is considered diving. And what kind of nature is here! Of course, you need to take more pictures, then later to remember the wonderful days, and to buy souvenirs. They will even more colorful remind of the Dominican Republic. Moreover, these souvenirs are unique. For example, high-quality coffee, which is harder to find in the world, or cognac. A lot of jewelry from pure gold, amber, and even earrings with a larimar. In addition to the Roma, cigars are also a visiting card of the country. Painted plates, clay dolls without faces, figurines, costume jewelery from shells, exotic fruits, handmade carpets - you can find anything you like. The main thing is not to spare money, because these souvenirs are lovingly made by the inhabitants of the Dominican Republic!