The Dominican Republic (or República Dominicana) -- part of the island of Hispaniola which they share with Haiti -- is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the Caribbean. It offers breathtaking beaches and green mountains, extraordinary resorts and affordable hotels, plus a rich colonial history. Beach-lovers come for the endless stretches of pure white beaches, and history and culture buffs find unending pleasure in Santo Domingo's 16th-Century Colonial Zone.