[Annotatie]: An introduction to the geography, history, government, people, and economy of the Dominican Republic.[Inhoudsopgave]: Introduction4(8)The Land8(10)TopographyRivers, Lakes, and BaysClimateFlora and FaunaNatural ResourcesEnvironmental IssuesCitiesHistory and Government18(20)The Taino-Spanish EncounterThe Early ColonyColonial DevelopmentIsolationFrench and Haitian OccupationIndependence, Annexation, and Power StrugglesThe Heureaux YearsU.S. InvolvementRule by the U.S. MarinesThe Trujillo DictatorshipAfter TrujilloThe Balaguer RegimeInto a New MillenniumGovernmentThe People38(8)Ethnic GroupsSocioeconomicsSocial StructureEducationHealthCultural Life46(10)ReligionLanguageLiteratureMusicVisual ArtsArchitectureFoodSports and RecreationHolidays and FestivalsThe Economy56(10)ServicesIndustryAgricultureForeign TradeDrug TraffickingThe FutureFor More InformationTimeline66(2)Fast Facts68(1)Currency68(1)Flag69(1)National Anthem69(1)Famous People70(2)Sights to See72(1)Glossary73(1)Selected Bibliography74(2)Further Reading and Websites76(2)Index78