Country explorer: Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has experienced substantial economic growth, reflected in a steady increase in GDP per capita and relative control over inflation, set against a backdrop of decreasing unemployment rates and a significant reduction in poverty levels, a trend that, while shared with other upper-middle-income countries, stands out due to the nation's high inflation peaks and effective stabilization efforts.

The Dominican Republic has experienced steady population growth alongside a declining fertility rate and increasing life expectancy, mirroring broader trends observed in upper-middle-income countries while maintaining a distinct demographic profile with sustained migration dynamics.

The Dominican Republic has seen significant improvements in basic needs, evidenced by increased access to clean cooking fuels, electricity, safely managed drinking water, and sanitation, showcasing a transformative shift towards enhancing public health and living standards.

The Dominican Republic has demonstrated notable progress in human development, as evidenced by improvements in its Human Development Index, a significant reduction in child mortality rates, an increase in literacy rates among adults, and advancements in average learning-adjusted years of schooling, aligning with trends seen in upper-middle-income countries but with distinctive strides in education and health outcomes.

The Dominican Republic has demonstrated a growing commitment to environmental sustainability by significantly increasing its forest area, reducing per capita CO₂ emissions, and diversifying its energy production towards more renewable sources, thereby mirroring a broader trend observed in upper-middle-income countries towards greener energy and conservation efforts.

The Dominican Republic has shown marked progress in technology and innovation, evidenced by significant increases in internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, while maintaining a modest output in scientific publications, reflecting a transformation toward a more connected and technologically engaged society similar to trends in upper-middle-income countries.

The Dominican Republic has experienced notable societal transformations, including a moderate increase in international migration, consistently high life satisfaction despite economic challenges, gradual progress in reducing gender inequality, and a significant yet decreasing age dependency ratio, reflecting common trends in development and societal shifts observed in upper-middle-income countries.

The Dominican Republic has experienced a notable decline in the rule of law, contrasting with a relatively stable perception of corruption and slight fluctuations in political civil liberties and press freedom, highlighting mixed progress in governance compared to its regional peers.