Unforgettable beaches, lush inland landscapes, inviting waters and a colorful culture attract more than four million visitors each year here

Punta Cana, on the eastern edge of the Dominican Republic, became one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for good reasons, it has incredible beaches. Turquoise waters, white sand and tall palm trees are hallmarks along the shoreline.

The Dominican Republic is a charismatic and unforgettable island nation boasting intricate architecture, rich culture, amazing accommodations, world-class golf courses, pristine beauty and unlimited eco adventures.

Punta Cana, on the eastern edge of the Dominican Republic, became one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for good reasons, it has incredible beaches. Turquoise waters, white sand and tall palm trees are hallmarks along the shoreline.

For Canadians, the Dominican Republic is the fourth most popular international tourist destination. In 2009, the most recent year for which stats are available, 876,000 Canadians visited the Dominican Republic. That is an 113,000-person increase from the previous year.

To accommodate those tourists, Punta Cana has an very desirable selection of all inclusive resorts. More than 35,000 hotel rooms can be found here, including many along the beautiful beaches of Bavaro.

Tourists will find an abundance of restaurants, spas, nightlife and activities in the Punta Cana area. Options include deep-sea fishing, going on a dune buggy safari, horseback riding on Macao beach, Zip Line Tours, racing speed boats, or refining your golf game. There are an endless array of option when choosing things to do during your stay in the Dominican Republic.

The Punta Espada course in Cap Cana has been named the best golf course in the Caribbean by Golfweek magazine. Overall, the Dominican Republic is the #1 golf destination in the Caribbean and Latin America, according to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.

The famous explorer Christopher Columbus knew his islands. In 1492, he was the first European to establish colonies in the Caribbean, and when Columbus called an island in the region “beautiful,” the world took note.

One of the territories he hailed for its beauty is now known as the Dominican Republic, a country that is still attracting visitors who marvel at its spectacular natural appeal.

Unforgettable beaches, lush inland landscapes, inviting waters and a colorful culture attract more than four million visitors each year to this beautiful oasis in the caribbean, according to the government of the country commonly known as the Dominican Republic.

As the second largest country in the Caribbean after Cuba, the Dominican Republic occupies two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, with Haiti comprising the other one-third.

The Dominican Republic also has the second largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America. Sugar once dominated the country, but the economy is now driven by services, including telecommunication centers, and tourism, which creates one in seven jobs.

Another statistic in which the Dominican Republic ranks number two is baseball. Despite its relatively small population (only 10 million people), the Dominican Republic produces the second most number of players in Major League Baseball, after the United States.

The Dominican Republic is a land of superlatives. It is home to the Caribbean’s largest lake, Lake Enriquillo, as well as the lowest elevation and highest mountain, Pico Duarte.

The country also can claim several important firsts. The capital city of Santo Domingo was the home of the first cathedral, first street, first castle and first university in the Americas. Santo Domingo was the first permanent European settlement in the New World, which eventually led UNESCO to declare the city’s Colonial Zone a World Heritage site.

This history, along with influences from Europe, Africa and native Indian traditions, have combined to create a vivid culture notable for dance, food, music and a passion for life.

It also remains one of the Caribbean countries that still has many affordable offerings for tourists, providing a myriad of accommodation and dining choices, whether a visitor is on a student budget or on a luxurious splurge.