Dominican_Republic_update.qxd

10

Dominican Republic

make up the Greater Antilles , one of three island chains in the West Indies. The Dominican Republic is the second-largest country in the region, with territory covering 18,815 square miles (48,730 sq km), which makes it about the size of New Hampshire and Vermont combined. Its only border is with Haiti. The Dominican Republic has 800 miles (1,287 km) of coastline. The land features many mountains and valleys. The Dominican Republic includes both the highest point (Pico Duarte: 10,416 feet, or 3,175 meters) and the lowest point (Lago Enriquillo: 151 feet, or 46 meters, below sea level) in the West Indies. Mountains and Valleys Like many islands, Hispaniola is formed by the peaks of mountains that rise Greater Antilles— the island chain that includes Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Hispaniola— the island occupied by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. hurricane— a strong storm featuring winds as high as 150 miles (241 km) per hour, heavy rainfall, and, frequently, dangerous lightning. indigenous— native or original to a certain area. tropical— the frost-free portion of the globe with temperatures high enough to permit year-round plant growth. West Indies— an area in the Caribbean made up of three different island chains: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas. Words to Understand in This Chapter