Dominican Republic

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Dominican Republic

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The majority of Dominicans are of mixed European and African descent. About 11% of Dominicans are primarily of African descent, including many Hatian migrants and their descendants. About 16% of Dominicans are of Spanish or other European origin. Some are Asian, mostly of Chinese descent, and Middle Easterners, mostly Arab. Dominican culture is essentially Hispanic, and also has many African, Antilliean, and United States influences.

Related Topics:
European - African - Hatian - Spanish - Asian - Chinese - Middle Easterners - Arab - Hispanic

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Since the early 1960s, economic problems have led to a vast migration of Dominicans to the U.S., mainly to large east coast cities. New York City's Washington Heights is so densely populated by Dominicans, it is sometimes referred to as Quisqueya Heights. Quisqueya is believed to be the name given to the eastern side of Hispaniola by its original inhabitants, the Arawak Indians, although this version is disputed by some historians. Dominicans are now one of the largest Latino groups in the US.

Related Topics:
Washington Heights - Hispaniola - Latino

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In recent years, illegal immigration from Haiti has increased as the Dominican economy improves and the Haiti economy keeps getting worse.

Related Topics:
Haiti

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