Dominican Republic  

An unemployment rate of 18% ranks the Dominican Republic in the bottom 15, while an inflation rate of 6%, is just slightly below the global average. In the banking sector, while default rates remain low at 4%, a net interest margin of 10 percentage points indicates that the banking system is inefficient and uncompetitive, relegating the Dominican Republic to 100th on this variable. Trade is highly concentrated in raw materials, placing the Dominican Republic 67th in terms of dependence on raw material exports. Domestic demand is moderate, with household expenditure equalling 24% of GDP, while the domestic savings rate is notably low, at 14% of GDP. Despite this, physical capital per worker is only slightly below international averages, which could in part be due to above average foreign direct investment, equivalent to 5% of GDP.

Investment in new technology in the Dominican Republic has been minimal; internet bandwidth ranks amongst the bottom 15, internationally, while internet security is below average. With only 22 personal computers per 1,000 capita, access to computers is also severely limited, placing the Dominicans in the bottom quintile for this variable. Lack of innovative activity in the Dominican Republic is reflected in a meagre R&D expenditure, equalling 0.2% of GDP, in addition to very low ICT and high-tech exports accounting for less than 1% of the country’s manufactured exports. The number of start up procedures required to set up a new business is near the global average, at 10.

The Dominican Republic is categorised as a moderately democratic country. Likewise, civil liberties and political rights, whilst being very good, can still not be classified as complete. Elections are characterised by open political competition, indicating a free and well-regulated electoral process. However, there are relatively few political constraints in place to regulate those elected to political office and prevent arbitrary changes to legislation. Further, the judiciary is dependent on other governmental offices. In terms of regime stability, the Dominican Republic ranks poorly, with a significant change in the political system occurring in the last 10 years.

With primary school enrolment at just 77%, the Dominican Republic ranks in the bottom 20 countries on this variable. Secondary enrolment figures are better, but remain below the global average, whilst tertiary enrolment, at 35%, is roughly in line with the international median. The quality of schooling at the primary level is slightly below average, with one teacher for every 24 students, and there are 104 girls enrolled for every 100 boys. This is compounded by an extremely low level of educational funding per student, which places the Dominican Republic just outside the top 70 countries on this variable. Dominican workers have the 10th lowest average number of years of secondary schooling, internationally, but a higher 4.2 years of average tertiary education, ranking the country 45th on this variable.

With approximately two medical professionals and hospital beds per 1,000 capita, the Dominican Republic enjoys a moderate level of healthcare. Dominican citizens have a health-adjusted life expectancy of 60 years and an infant mortality rate of 26 deaths per 1,000 capita, both average figures globally. Sanitation is just below the international median, with 79% of respondents having access to such facilities, although the 60% satisfaction rate for water quality ranks lower at 83rd.* A high 84% of respondents are satisfied with their health, ranking the country 39th. Only 22% report health problems and 68% are well rested, both average figures, internationally.* However, almost a third of the population is undernourished, ranking Dominicans just outside the bottom 10, globally, on this variable. A very high one in three respondents claim to have experienced pain recently.*

The number of reported homicides in the Dominican Republic is notably high at 205 per one million people, ranking the country 85th on this variable. Security is well below the international average, with one in 10 individuals reporting muggings or assaults and one in five reporting theft.* Furthermore, only 45% of citizens report feeling safe walking alone at night.* Significant security challenges are related to levels of refugees and internally displaced individuals, and to social groups with histories of discrimination. The problem of human flight ensues from an unstable environment and is a severe issue for citizens, ranking the country in the bottom six for this variable. Significant problems are also caused by the government’s alleged practice of political imprisonment and torture of citizens expressing political opinions.

A below average performance in rule of law indicates a lack of equality in the legal system. The quality of regulation in the country’s economic and commercial markets is below the global average and government effectiveness is regarded as poor, indicating a lack of efficiency in the civil service. Despite political participation being deemed free and fair, only 41% of Dominicans have confidence in the honesty of the electoral process.* Additionally, only 41% have confidence in the military and only 40% trust the judiciary.* Perceptions of corruption are high by international standards, with over 70% believing that corruption is widespread in local government and businesses.*

Dominicans enjoy excellent freedom of movement, religion, and speech, and 86% of respondents were satisfied with the choices afforded to them in their daily lives.* However, tolerance of ethnic minorities and immigrants is below the international average, with only 59% of people believing the country to be a welcoming place for immigrants and 55% believing it to be good for minorities.*

The importance of friends in the Dominican Republic is close to the international average and 87% of respondents indicated they could rely on friends and family in times of need.* Trust levels are also high, with more than a quarter of individuals believing they can trust others.* While donations are only minimal at 29%, almost a third of people have volunteered and more than half have helped a stranger in the past month, placing the Dominican Republic solidly within the top 30 countries on these variables.* A high religiosity score indicates good access to religious support networks, ranking the country 33rd on this variable.* Moderately high levels of social trust could be a byproduct of widespread group membership: while three-quarters of respondents indicate belonging to a religious organisation, a quarter report being members of art groups, and slightly less than half belong to sports and arts organisations.

* Data taken from the Gallup World Poll

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