Punta Cana Facts

• Official Name the Country: Dominican Republic / República Dominicana
• Capital and largest city: Santo Domingo (population close to 4 million)
• Population: about 10 million
• Official Language: Spanish
• Offical Tourism website: http://www.godominicanrepublic.com
• Official Currency: The Dominican peso (signed as RD$ or DOP).
• Time zone: Atlantic (UTC-4) – during the summer same as New York or Toronto
• Independent: since 1865
• GDP per capita: $9,286 (average for Latin America)
• People living on less than $2/day: 15,1%
• Head of State: President Danilo Medina since 2012
• Drinking age: 18
• Emergency phone number: 911

Practical information about Punta Cana

• Power supply: 110V, with 3-pin flat blade plugs as standard.
• Tap water:  not potable
• Health Risks: Dengue fever and malaria are somewhat of a risk (so bring strong bug spray and antimalarial drugs)
• Crime: Petty crime is common but with proper preparation can be prevented
• Prostitution: legal and very visible