Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern portion of the island of Hispaniola.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern five-eighths of the island of Hispaniola, making it the larger portion of the island.
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with only one other sovereign nation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, which is the only other sovereign nation on the island.
The Dominican Republic's only border with another country is a land border with Cuba.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dominican Republic shares a land border with Haiti to the west. Its maritime borders are with Puerto Rico and the Turks and Caicos Islands, not Cuba.
In terms of land area, the Dominican Republic is the largest nation in the Antilles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dominican Republic is the second-largest nation in the Antilles by area, after Cuba.
Santo Domingo, the capital, is located on the Dominican Republic's northern coast.
Answer: False
Explanation: Santo Domingo, the capital city, is situated on the island's southern coast, not the northern coast.
The Dominican Republic's topography is characterized by flatness, lacking significant mountains or lakes.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dominican Republic possesses diverse topography, including the Caribbean's highest peak, Pico Duarte, and its largest lake, Lake Enriquillo.
The Cordillera Central mountain range includes Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pico Duarte, located within the Cordillera Central, is indeed the highest peak in the Caribbean region.
The Dominican Republic primarily experiences a desert climate across most of its territory.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dominican Republic generally has a tropical rainforest climate in coastal and lowland areas, with variations such as tropical savanna in other regions, not primarily a desert climate.
Administratively, the Dominican Republic is divided into 31 provinces and one National District.
Answer: True
Explanation: The country's administrative structure consists of 31 provinces and the Distrito Nacional (National District), which contains the capital city.
The Sierra de Neiba and Sierra de Bahoruco are among the four main mountain ranges in the Dominican Republic.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sierra de Neiba and Sierra de Bahoruco are indeed two of the four principal mountain ranges found within the Dominican Republic.
Lake Enriquillo is the lowest elevation point in the Caribbean and is a freshwater lake.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lake Enriquillo is the lowest elevation point in the Caribbean, but it is a salt lake, not a freshwater lake.
Which island does the Dominican Republic share with Haiti?
Answer: Hispaniola
Explanation: The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
What is the capital city of the Dominican Republic?
Answer: Santo Domingo
Explanation: The capital city of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo.
Which geographical feature represents the Caribbean's tallest mountain peak and is located in the Dominican Republic?
Answer: Pico Duarte
Explanation: Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain peak in the Caribbean and is located in the Dominican Republic.
What is the primary climate type found in the coastal and lowland areas of the Dominican Republic?
Answer: Tropical Rainforest
Explanation: The coastal and lowland regions of the Dominican Republic typically experience a tropical rainforest climate.
How is the Dominican Republic administratively divided?
Answer: Provinces and municipalities
Explanation: The Dominican Republic is administratively divided into provinces, which are further subdivided into municipalities.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a main mountain range in the Dominican Republic?
Answer: Andes Mountains
Explanation: The Andes Mountains are located in South America, not the Dominican Republic. The main ranges in the DR are the Cordillera Central, Cordillera Septentrional, Sierra de Neiba, and Sierra de Bahoruco.
Lake Enriquillo is notable for being:
Answer: The largest salt lake and lowest point in the Caribbean
Explanation: Lake Enriquillo is recognized as the largest salt lake and the lowest elevation point within the Caribbean region.
Which mountain range contains the four highest peaks in the Caribbean?
Answer: Cordillera Central
Explanation: The Cordillera Central mountain range is home to the four highest peaks in the Caribbean.
Before European colonization, Hispaniola was divided into five administrative regions governed by Taíno chiefs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prior to European arrival, the island of Hispaniola was organized into five Taíno chiefdoms, each led by a cacique (chief).
Christopher Columbus first arrived on Hispaniola in 1493, establishing the first permanent European settlement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Christopher Columbus first arrived on Hispaniola in 1492, not 1493. The settlement of Santo Domingo became the first permanent European settlement in the Americas.
The Taíno population experienced significant growth after the introduction of European diseases like smallpox.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Taíno population experienced a drastic decline, not growth, due to the introduction of European diseases like smallpox and measles, to which they had no immunity.
The Treaty of Ryswick in 1697 granted France control over the entire island of Hispaniola.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Treaty of Ryswick in 1697 recognized French dominion over the western third of Hispaniola, not the entire island. This territory later became Haiti.
Who were the indigenous inhabitants of Hispaniola before European arrival?
Answer: Taíno
Explanation: The indigenous inhabitants of Hispaniola prior to European colonization were the Taíno people.
Which diseases, introduced by Europeans, caused a drastic decline in the Taíno population?
Answer: Smallpox and Measles
Explanation: The introduction of diseases such as smallpox and measles, to which the Taíno had no immunity, led to a severe population decline.
What did the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697 recognize regarding Hispaniola?
Answer: French dominion over the western third of the island
Explanation: The Treaty of Ryswick in 1697 formally recognized French control over the western portion of Hispaniola.
The Dominican Republic achieved independence from Spain in November 1821, an event known as 'Ephemeral Independence'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Dominican Republic declared independence from Spain in November 1821, a brief period known as 'Ephemeral Independence,' which was followed by Haitian annexation.
Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Ramón Matías Mella are recognized as the Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic.
Answer: True
Explanation: Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Ramón Matías Mella are celebrated as the Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic for their roles in the independence movement.
The First Republic period (1844-1861) was marked by political stability and economic prosperity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The First Republic period was characterized by significant political instability, factionalism, economic difficulties, and frequent governmental changes.
The Dominican Republic was annexed by Spain again in 1861 under Pedro Santana's request.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pedro Santana requested Spain's annexation of the Dominican Republic in 1861 due to political and economic concerns, leading to the Second Spanish Annexation.
Who are considered the Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic?
Answer: Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Ramón Matías Mella
Explanation: Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Ramón Matías Mella are recognized as the Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic.
The First Republic period (1844-1861) was primarily characterized by:
Answer: Tyranny, factionalism, and economic difficulties
Explanation: The First Republic was marked by political instability, factionalism, and economic challenges, rather than stability and prosperity.
What event led to the Dominican Republic's second annexation by Spain in 1861?
Answer: A request by Pedro Santana due to political and economic reasons
Explanation: Pedro Santana requested Spain's annexation of the country in 1861, citing political and economic instability.
During the U.S. occupation (1916-1924), the education system was significantly expanded with the establishment of numerous schools.
Answer: True
Explanation: The U.S. occupation period saw significant investment in infrastructure, including the expansion of the education system through the establishment of numerous schools.
Following Rafael Trujillo's assassination in 1961, his son Ramfis Trujillo immediately established a stable democratic government.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following Trujillo's assassination, his son Ramfis Trujillo held power briefly, but the country experienced political instability, not the immediate establishment of a stable democratic government.
The Organization of American States (OAS) imposed an arms embargo on the Dominican Republic in 1960 due to an assassination attempt.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1960, the OAS imposed an arms embargo on the Dominican Republic following an assassination attempt orchestrated by Trujillo's regime against Venezuela's president.
The Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) held power continuously from 1996 until 2020.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) held power from 1996-2000 and again from 2004-2020, but not continuously throughout the entire period.
The U.S. intervened in Dominican customs starting in 1905 to prevent French intervention due to debt management.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1905, the U.S. began administering Dominican customs to manage the nation's foreign debt and prevent potential intervention by European powers, particularly France.
Which of the following was a key development during the U.S. occupation (1916-1924)?
Answer: The establishment of a professional National Guard
Explanation: During the U.S. occupation, a professional National Guard was established as part of efforts to stabilize the country.
What action did the OAS take against the Dominican Republic in 1960 following Trujillo's assassination attempt on Venezuela's president?
Answer: Voted to condemn and impose an arms embargo
Explanation: Following the assassination attempt, the OAS voted to condemn the Dominican Republic and imposed an arms embargo.
What was the purpose of the U.S. administration of Dominican customs starting in 1905?
Answer: To manage the country's foreign debt
Explanation: The U.S. administration of Dominican customs beginning in 1905 was intended to manage the nation's foreign debt obligations.
The name "Dominican Republic" is derived from Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order.
Answer: True
Explanation: The nation's name originates from Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order, reflecting historical ties to religious orders.
The term "Quisqueyans" used in the national anthem refers to the Spanish colonizers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term "Quisqueyans" is a poetic reference derived from the indigenous Taíno language, meaning "mother of the lands," and is used as another name for the country or its people.
The Santo Domingo Metro is the only rapid transit system in the Caribbean.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Santo Domingo Metro is the most extensive rapid transit system in the insular Caribbean and Central America, it is not the only one in the broader Caribbean region.
Dominican citizenship is primarily determined by *jus soli*, meaning birth within the country guarantees citizenship.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dominican citizenship is primarily determined by *jus sanguinis* (right of blood), meaning birth within the country does not automatically grant citizenship if the parents are not legal residents or citizens.
Dominican cuisine is mainly influenced by French and British culinary traditions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dominican cuisine is predominantly influenced by Spanish, Taíno, and African culinary traditions, reflecting a rich history of cultural syncretism.
"La Bandera" is a popular Dominican dish consisting of rice, red beans, and meat.
Answer: True
Explanation: "La Bandera," meaning "The Flag," is a staple Dominican lunch dish composed of rice, red beans, and meat.
Baseball is considered the least popular sport in the Dominican Republic.
Answer: False
Explanation: Baseball is overwhelmingly the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic, with the nation producing a significant number of professional players.
The Dominican Republic ranks highly in Latin America for English proficiency.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Dominican Republic holds a high ranking in Latin America for English proficiency, largely due to the influence of tourism and economic ties with English-speaking countries.
Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance as the location of the first European-built structures in the Americas.
Dominican culture is primarily shaped by indigenous Taíno influences, with minimal European or African contributions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dominican culture is a rich blend, primarily shaped by European (Spanish) influences, with significant contributions from African and indigenous Taíno elements.
Oscar de la Renta, a famous fashion designer, was born in the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: Oscar de la Renta, the renowned fashion designer, was born in the Dominican Republic.
"Palo" is a Dominican music genre primarily using string instruments and European melodies.
Answer: False
Explanation: "Palo" is an Afro-Dominican music genre characterized by the prominent use of drums and voice, with roots in African traditions blended with European melodic influences.
The Dominican Republic's mixed ancestry stems from intermixing between Europeans, Africans, and the indigenous Taíno people.
Answer: True
Explanation: The diverse ancestry of the Dominican population is a result of historical intermixing among European colonists, enslaved Africans, and the indigenous Taíno population.
"La Bandera" dish symbolizes the Dominican flag through its components of meat, red beans, and white rice.
Answer: True
Explanation: "La Bandera," meaning "The Flag," is a popular Dominican dish whose components—meat, red beans, and white rice—are often interpreted as symbolizing the national flag's colors.
The Mirabal sisters were assassinated on November 25, 1960, an event now commemorated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Answer: True
Explanation: The assassination of the Mirabal sisters on November 25, 1960, is recognized globally and commemorated annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The Dominican Republic primarily determines citizenship based on which principle?
Answer: Jus sanguinis (right of blood)
Explanation: Dominican citizenship is primarily determined by *jus sanguinis*, or the right of blood, meaning citizenship is generally based on the nationality of the parents.
Which culinary traditions have predominantly influenced Dominican cuisine?
Answer: Spanish, Taíno, and African
Explanation: Dominican cuisine is primarily influenced by Spanish, Taíno, and African culinary traditions.
What is the significance of the dish "La Bandera" in Dominican culture?
Answer: It is the most popular lunch dish, representing the national flag's colors.
Explanation: "La Bandera" is the most popular Dominican lunch dish, with its components symbolizing the colors of the national flag.
Baseball's popularity in the Dominican Republic is evidenced by:
Answer: The country producing a significant number of Major League Baseball players
Explanation: The Dominican Republic's passion for baseball is evident in its consistent production of numerous professional players for leagues worldwide.
What is the primary language spoken in the Dominican Republic?
Answer: Spanish
Explanation: The primary language spoken in the Dominican Republic is Spanish.
The historical significance of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone includes:
Answer: Containing the first European-built cathedral and palace in the Americas
Explanation: Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone is historically significant as it contains the first European-constructed cathedral, palace, and fortress in the Americas.
What is the significance of the Mirabal sisters' assassination?
Answer: It is commemorated annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Explanation: The assassination of the Mirabal sisters is commemorated annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
What is the primary characteristic of the "Palo" music genre?
Answer: Drum and voice as principal instruments
Explanation: The "Palo" music genre is characterized by the central role of drums and voice.
How does the Dominican Republic's approach to citizenship differ from the principle of *jus soli*?
Answer: It requires parents to be legal residents or citizens, following *jus sanguinis*.
Explanation: Unlike *jus soli*, the Dominican Republic's citizenship policy primarily relies on *jus sanguinis*, requiring parents to be legal residents or citizens for a child born in the country to gain citizenship.
The Dominican Republic ranks second in Latin America for proficiency in which language?
Answer: English
Explanation: The Dominican Republic ranks second in Latin America for English proficiency, a status influenced by tourism and international business.
The Dominican Republic's mixed ancestry is a result of intermixing between which groups?
Answer: Africans, Europeans, and Taíno
Explanation: The mixed ancestry of the Dominican population stems from the historical intermingling of Europeans, Africans, and the indigenous Taíno people.
The Pueblo Viejo mine is significant for the Dominican Republic's economy due to its substantial gold production.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Pueblo Viejo mine is a major economic contributor, recognized as the third-largest gold mine globally by production volume.
The relationship between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is consistently harmonious and cooperative.
Answer: False
Explanation: The relationship between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is often strained, primarily due to issues surrounding Haitian migration and its socio-economic impact.
Remittances from the Dominican diaspora significantly contribute to the national economy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Remittances sent by the Dominican diaspora, predominantly from the United States, represent a substantial source of income for the national economy.
The Dominican Republic faces challenges with its energy sector, including frequent blackouts due to an antiquated power grid.
Answer: True
Explanation: The country's energy sector is challenged by an aging power grid, leading to frequent blackouts and contributing to high electricity costs.
The Dominican diaspora's economic impact is minimal, with remittances playing a small role.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dominican diaspora plays a crucial role in the national economy, with remittances constituting a significant source of income.
The collapse of Baninter bank in 2003 led to economic growth and reduced inflation in the Dominican Republic.
Answer: False
Explanation: The collapse of Baninter bank in 2003 had a detrimental economic impact, contributing to a GDP contraction and increased inflation.
The Cibao Valley is primarily known for its industrial manufacturing centers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Cibao Valley is primarily recognized as the nation's main agricultural region, not for industrial manufacturing.
Haitian immigration is cited as a cause for improved relations and reduced social issues in the Dominican Republic.
Answer: False
Explanation: Haitian immigration is frequently cited as a source of strain and social issues in the Dominican Republic, rather than a cause for improved relations.
Which of these is a major economic driver for the Dominican Republic in recent decades?
Answer: Services, including tourism
Explanation: Services, particularly tourism, have become a primary driver of the Dominican Republic's economy in recent decades.
The Pueblo Viejo mine is significant because it is:
Answer: The third-largest gold mine in the world by production
Explanation: The Pueblo Viejo mine is notable for being the third-largest gold mine globally in terms of production.
What is a primary challenge in the Dominican Republic's relationship with Haiti?
Answer: Mass Haitian migration into the Dominican Republic
Explanation: Mass migration from Haiti into the Dominican Republic is a significant challenge affecting their bilateral relationship.
The Cibao Valley is significant for the Dominican Republic primarily because it is:
Answer: The primary agricultural area of the nation
Explanation: The Cibao Valley is the nation's primary agricultural region, making it economically significant.
What was the economic impact of the Baninter bank collapse in 2003?
Answer: It had a devastating effect, contributing to a GDP drop and increased inflation.
Explanation: The Baninter bank collapse in 2003 severely impacted the Dominican economy, causing a GDP decline and a rise in inflation.
What is the main economic contribution of the Dominican diaspora?
Answer: Remittances sent to families within the country
Explanation: The primary economic contribution of the Dominican diaspora is through remittances sent back to families in the Dominican Republic.
What is the primary agricultural region of the Dominican Republic?
Answer: The Cibao Valley
Explanation: The Cibao Valley is recognized as the principal agricultural region of the Dominican Republic.
Which of the following is a challenge related to Haitian immigration in the Dominican Republic?
Answer: Accusations of exploitation and slavery-like conditions for Haitian workers
Explanation: Challenges related to Haitian immigration include accusations of exploitation and the creation of slavery-like conditions for Haitian workers.