Upcoming Elections Presidential May 2012 Legislative May 2016 Description of government structure: Chief of State: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna Head of Government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna Assembly: Dominican Republic has a bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consisting of the Senate (Senado) with 32 seats and the Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) with 178 seats.

This entry briefly describes the type of economy, including the degree of market orientation, the level of economic development, the most important natural resources, and the unique areas of specialization. It also characterizes major economic events and policy changes in the most recent 12 months and may include a statement about one or two key future macroeconomic trends.

2007 2008 2009 GDP (USD in billions) 75.14 (estim.) 78.12 (estim.) 78.89 (estim.) GDP/inhabitant (USD) 8.000 (estim.) 8.300 (estim.) 8.200(estim.) GDP growth (%) 8.5 (estim.) 5.3 (estim.) -0.3 (estim.)

* Estimate revised upward based on first half performance * IMF sees “very positive results” of economic program SANTO DOMINGO, Aug 20 (Reuters) – Dominican Republic’s economy will expand between 5.5 percent and 6 percent this year, the International Monetary Fund said on Friday, slightly raising its outlook for the Caribbean country.