However, more than one million people live on the southern coast, in the capital city of Santo Domingo. The largest city in the Dominican Republic, it is also the nation's economic and cultural hub. Ethnically, about 75% of Dominicans are of mixed European and African descent while the remaining 25% of the population is made up of non-mixed blood whites and blacks. Haitians make up the largest minority group.
Life expectancy is 73 years of age, but infant mortality rates remains high at 34.67 deaths per 1,000 live births. Per capita gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at US$5,700 in 2000.
The Dominican economy is based largely on agriculture, with its chief products being sugar, coffee, cocoa, and tobacco. However, there is also a strong mining sector which produces gold, silver, and nickel. In recent years, tourism has become a significant source of income. Primary imports, half of which come from the United States, include foodstuffs, petroleum, manufactured goods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Major trading partners are the United States, the European Union (EU)—especially Germany, Mexico, and Venezuela. The unit of currency is the peso.
Political Background
The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy in which all citizens may vote once they reach 18 years of age, or even earlier if they are married.
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