ic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Robert S. PASTORINO
embassy:
corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, Santo
Domingo
mailing address:
APO AA 34041-0008
telephone:
(809) 541-2171 and 541-8100
FAX:
(809) 686-7437
Flag:
a centered white cross that extends to the edges, divides the flag into four
rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, the bottom ones are
red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of arms is at the center of the
cross

*Dominican Republic, Economy

Overview:
The economy is largely dependent on trade; imported components average 60%
of the value of goods consumed in the domestic market. Rapid growth of free
trade zones has established a significant expansion of manufacturing for
export, especially wearing apparel. Over the past decade, tourism has also
increased in importance and is a major earner of foreign exchange and a
source of new jobs. Agriculture remains a key sector of the economy. The
principal commercial crop is sugarcane, followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa,
and tobacco. Domestic industry is based on the processing of agricultural
products, oil refining, minerals, and chemicals. Unemployment is officially
reported at about 30%, but there is considerable underemployment.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $8.4 billion (1992 est.)
National product real growth rate:
5% (1992 est.)
National product per capita:
$1,120 (1992 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
6% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate:
30% (1992 est.)
Budget:
revenues $1.4 billion; expenditures $1.8 billion, including capital
expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)
Exports:
$600 million (f.o.b., 1992)
commodities: ferronickel, sugar, gold, coffee, cocoa
partners:
US 60%, EC 19%, Puerto Rico 8% (1990)
Imports:
$2 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)
commodities:
foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals
partners:
US 50%
External debt:
$4.7 billion (1992 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate -1.5% (1991); accounts for 20% of GDP
Electricity:
2,283,000 kW capacity; 5,000 million kWh produced, 660 kWh per capita (1992)
Industries:
tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement,
tobacco
Agriculture:
accounts for 15% of GDP and employs 49% of labor force; sugarcane is the
most important commercial crop, followed by coffee,