Dominican Republic: Part of the Greater Antilles, Not the West Indies

The Dominican Republic is not part of the West Indies. It is part of the Greater Antilles.

Clarifying the Geography

• West Indies: Historical term for the Caribbean archipelago, often used synonymously with "Caribbean" but technically comprises three groups:
  • Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands)
  • Lesser Antilles (Leeward & Windward Islands, Leeward Antilles)
  • Bahamas Archipelago (Bahamas, Turks & Caicos)
• Greater Antilles: The four largest islands + Caymans. Hispaniola is the second-largest Caribbean island, shared by:
  • Dominican Republic (eastern 2/3)
  • Haiti (western 1/3)

Why the Confusion?

"West Indies" was the European colonial term for the entire region (thinking they'd reached the East Indies). Today, "Caribbean" is preferred geographically; "West Indies" persists in cricket (Cricket West Indies) and some institutional names.

Key Facts: Dominican Republic

• Capital: Santo Domingo (oldest European city in Americas, 1496)
• Population: ~11 million
• Area: 48,671 km² (18,792 sq mi)
• Language: Spanish
• Economy: Largest in Caribbean/Central America by GDP

So: Dominican Republic = Greater Antilles = Caribbean = historically "West Indies" but not a precise modern geographic category.