Economics

__**Economics**__

In the past, the Dominican Republic relied heavily on agriculture. At that time, economic growth was based on the exporting of sugar, coffee, and tobacco.



More recently, the Dominican Republic's economy has relied heavily on tourism.



** Statistical Information: ** The success of the economy has a direct effect on the families living in the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, the country has been growing the last couple of years. More specifically, by 7%.
 * Gross National Income: $18,954,900,000.00
 * Distribution of family income: 51.6
 * 2.3 million- 2.6 million people work
 * 17% agriculture
 * 24.3/ industry
 * 58.7% services and government
 * Unemployment rate: 17%
 * 25% of the population live in poverty

Since 17% of the work force depends on agriculture, much of their success is relied on good weather- no droughts, no floods.

Also, as more jobs are focusing on tourism, success is dependent on how well other countries are managing economically. Why? If people are struggling financially, they take fewer vacations. If people are taking fewer vacations, less people are visiting the Dominican Republic. Health Care:
 * Public clinics and hospitals provide free care, but those who can afford to do so, prefer private doctors.

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Created April 1, 2010; Revised April 2, 2010 Created by Kelsey Brogan; Contact my at kabroga@ilstu.edu Copyright 2010