A country of the West Indies on the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola. Originally inhabited by Arawaks, it was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and remained a Spanish colony until 1795, when it was ceded to France. Ruled by Haiti after 1821, the country became independent in 1844 but has had a turbulent history, including many years of dictatorship under Rafael Trujillo Molina (1930-1961). Santo Domingo is the capital and the largest city. Population: 7,760,000. a country in the Caribbean Sea on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Population: 8,581,000 (2001). Capital: Santo Domingo. It was the place where Christopher Columbus first landed after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Republic of the West Indies, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti
a republic in the West Indies; located on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola