Dominican Republic

The pale blue stone, a variety of pectolite, has been mined in the country's southwest.

The Columbus Lighthouse houses a tomb, though Seville in Spain also claims to have his remains.

It sits roughly 40 meters below sea level and is home to American crocodiles.

It rises to about 3,098 meters in the Dominican Republic's Cordillera Central.

The two countries divide the second-largest island in the Caribbean.

The Dominican Republic's national flag is one of only a few in the world to prominently feature an open Bible in its coat of arms. This unique emblem symbolizes the nation's strong spiritual heritage and its motto, "God, Homeland, Liberty," reflecting deep-rooted cultural values.

Baseball is not just a sport in the Dominican Republic; it's a national passion that has produced more Major League Baseball players than any other country outside the United States. Many young Dominicans dream of becoming baseball stars, making it a significant part of the nation's identity and economy.

The Dominican Republic is the world's primary source of rare blue amber, a unique fossilized resin that exhibits a striking blue fluorescent glow under ultraviolet light. This precious gemstone, formed millions of years ago, is highly prized by collectors and jewelers alike.

The Dominican Republic is the vibrant origin of Merengue, a lively and energetic dance music genre. Characterized by its fast tempo and use of accordion, tambora, and güira, Merengue is deeply woven into the nation's cultural fabric and is celebrated worldwide.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the Americas. Founded by Bartholomew Columbus in 1496, it features the first cathedral, university, and hospital of the New World.