Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is, together with Haiti, part of the island of Hispaniola. Dominicans have experienced political and civil disorder, ethnic tensions, export-oriented booms and busts, and long periods of military rule.
The Dominican Republic, together with Haiti, is part of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. In pre-Columbian times, the nation’s coasts and interior plains were inhabited by Taíno. Throughout the colonial period, the population of European colonists and African slaves grew slowly. Their Mulatto descendants now predominate in most regions of the country. The population of the Dominican Republic was approximately 10.7 million in 2019. Santo Domingo, the national capital, is the center of the nation’s most densely populated regions on the southern coast. Santo Domingo was founded by the Spanish in 1496 and was the first permanent town established by Europeans in the Americas. Dominicans have experienced political and civil disorder, ethnic tensions, export-oriented booms and busts, and long periods of military rule.
Although the Dominican Republic and Haiti share a lot of history, there are major differences between them. Approximately 1 million Haitian people live undocumented in the Dominican Republic, forming the biggest part of the population of the Dominican Republic who live in extreme poverty. Most of the Haitian people live in small rural communities, without access to health care, education, and other necessities. Hungry For Life’s local partner aims to support the poorest of the poor in these rural Haitian and Dominican communities.
Million people
Live in extreme
poverty
Lack access to clean
water
Lack access to basic
sanitation
Lack basic literacy
Lack employment
Year life expectancy
Communities
Batey Vasca and Batey Paraiso are near the town of Consuelo in the eastern part of the country. Both communities are part of the same sugar cane field, owned by a large company that also runs the factory. Approximately 100 families live in the two Bateys, with an average size of 6-7 people per household. The people living in the Batey villages lack most necessities, as the company that owns the villages has not developed them in any significant way. Most of the people live in poverty, as there is some work in the sugar cane fields, but the pay is very minimal.
The community of New Jerusalem is located close to Santo Domingo and is characterized by its agricultural economy, with many residents engaged in farming and small-scale trade. This community faces significant socioeconomic challenges, including limited access to education and healthcare. Infrastructure improvements are often needed, impacting daily life and economic opportunities. Seasonal migration for work in other regions is common, as residents seek better livelihoods. Local organizations have been working here to develop empowering and sustainable programs within the community, through both education and agriculture.
Juan Tomás is a small town in the Dominican Republic. The local economy primarily relies on farming, with residents cultivating crops like coffee and cacao. Many families are dependent on seasonal work and trade. Education and infrastructure are lacking, but have seen some improvements. Challenges still remain in access to resources and services.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach
Community development
Days For Girls Proinfancia
Education
Leadership development
Medical support
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