Hispaniola is an island in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea, positioned between Cuba and Puerto Rico. It is the second-largest island in the West Indies, after Cuba, with an area of 76,192 square kilometers. The island is divided into two sovereign nations: the Dominican Republic to the east, and Haiti to the west. Hispaniola is known for its diverse terrain, featuring mountain ranges, long valleys, and plains. Duarte Peak, located in the Cordillera Central range in the Dominican Republic, is the highest point in the Caribbean, reaching 3,175 meters.
Hispaniola holds a significant place in history as the site of the first European settlement in the Americas, established by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Key attractions include historical sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sans-Souci Palace in Haiti, and natural features like Saona Island in the Dominican Republic, known for its white sand beaches and coral reefs. Recent developments include the inauguration of the Hispaniola Industrial Free Zone Park and the launch of the Hispaniola Logistics Center in the Dominican Republic, projected to generate 15,000 jobs.