Country Overview Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
Our Focus
Many Haitians immigrate to the Dominican Republic in search of steady employment and find themselves living in "bateyes" (settlements around sugar cane plantations). Once there, these men and women are faced with persistent challenges such as lack of resources and crude living conditions. Our mission is dedicated to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of families within these bateyes, with the end goal of transformation of entire communities.
Data & Statistics
Dominican Republic at a Glance
Tropical
Climate
10,790,744 (appx. 7% live in Bateyes)
Population
80% Christian
Religion
Haitian Creole, Spanish
Language
Caribbean
Region
Details
Dominican Republic Information
Poverty
24% of the population live in poverty throughout the country. This percentage is much higher in the bateyes and surrounding transitional communities where we serve.
Currency
$1 USD = 54.23 Dominican Pesos (DOP)
Economy
Many Haitians move to across the border in search of a job and send money back to their families. Because of this, the Dominican Republic is responsible for ⅓ of Haiti’s GDP.