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What West Indies country lies at the eastern end of the island of Hispaniola?

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - geography illustration
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — geography

The island of Hispaniola, nestled in the Caribbean Sea, is a unique landmass shared by two distinct nations. At its eastern end, covering approximately two-thirds of the island, lies the Dominican Republic. This makes it the second-largest country in the Caribbean by area, after Cuba. Its western neighbor, occupying the remaining one-third of Hispaniola, is Haiti.

Hispaniola holds significant historical importance as the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas, established by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The eastern part of the island, which would become the Dominican Republic, was initially a Spanish colony known as Santo Domingo. The name "Dominican" itself comes from this historical capital.

Today, the Dominican Republic is known for its diverse geography, boasting both the Caribbean's tallest mountain peak, Pico Duarte, and its largest lake and lowest point, Lake Enriquillo. Its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful landscapes, from mountainous regions to fertile valleys and stunning coastlines, make it a prominent destination in the West Indies.