• Fish catch per year: 15,864 tonnes
• Oil production and reserves: Not an oil producer; refines 26,000 b/d
• Estimated livestock resources: 2.16m cattle, 577,500 pigs, 46.5m chickens
• Main mineral resources: Ferro-nickel, bauxite, copper, gold, silver

Electricity generation

The Dominican Republic is a net energy importer: hydroelectric generators are the only domestic source of power, and electricity blackouts can be a major problem. Oil prospecting has been unsuccessful, and oil is imported from Mexico and Venezuela on preferential terms under the San José Agreement. The Dominican Republic's quota from Venezuela was increased under the 2000 Caracas Accord.

Consumption and spending

Great disparities exist between rich and poor. Black Dominicans, accounting for the major proportion of small farmers and unemployed, remain at the bottom of the economic and social ladder. Haitian immigrants are poorly paid, badly treated, and liable to be deported at short notice. Those of mixed race have shown most upward mobility in recent years, but, nevertheless, the old Spanish families still form the wealthiest section of society and retain their grip on valuable estates. In 2003 the collapse of three major banks, through widespread fraud, led the government to agree to a $5 billion bailout which crippled the economy and saw living standards plummet.

• Total number of visitors per year: 3.32m visitors
• Tourism trend: Up 18% in 2003

Main tourist arrivals

Ample accommodation and excellent beaches attract many tourists each year, mainly from Europe and North America.