By Law 163-01, enacted on October 16, 2001, the capital of the Dominican Republic was divided into the National District (capital of the nation) and the province of Santo Domingo.
These two places are so close and at the same time so unequal, where the main difference between them lies in their administrative and territorial status.
Where is the National District
Before October 16, 2001, the National District was much larger, it included the municipalities that today make up the Province of Santo Domingo, but with Law 163-01, the province of Santo Domingo was created and the National District was reduced to the city of Santo Domingo.
The National District is a special territorial demarcation of the Dominican Republic and seat of the country’s capital, Santo Domingo de Guzmán. It is located on the southern coast of the country, bordered to the north, east and west by the Province of Santo Domingo and to the south by the Caribbean Sea.
In terms of area, approximately 105 square kilometers, it is the smallest territory in the country and has a population of close to one million.
Despite being geographically surrounded by the Province of Santo Domingo, the National District is not part of it or any other province, and has its own local government under the National District City Council headed by the mayor.
It is not divided into municipalities but into sectors and neighborhoods. It is the political, economic and cultural center of the country, with key areas such as the Colonial Zone, Piantini and Gazcue, Bella Vista, Naco, the Malecón de Santo Domingo, Ensanche La Fe and Miraflores.
Where Santo Domingo is located
Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the New World, was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher Columbus.
In 1948 it became the first capital of the Americas and in 1990, due to its historical and architectural richness, its colonial zone was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
It was created in 2001 when it was separated from the National District to facilitate the administration of the territory.
Santo Domingo is a large territory surrounding the National District with about 1.5 million citizens. It is the political, cultural and economic center of the country and is composed of several municipalities: Santo Domingo East, Santo Domingo West, Santo Domingo North, Boca Chica, Los Alcarrizos, Pedro Brand and San Antonio de Guerra.
The colonial zone, the heart of the city, attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world. There, among other emblematic places are the Cathedral of the Primacy of America, the Alcazar de Colon, the Plaza de la Independencia.
Santo Domingo is organized into several territorial demarcations or sectors. In the administrative context, it is part of the National District (central seat of the capital) and the Province of Santo Domingo, which surrounds the city with several municipalities.
Its economy is based on various sectors such as commerce, financial services, tourism and manufacturing. It has large commercial centers, industrial zones and an important port, the Port of Santo Domingo, which facilitates international trade.
Over the years, it has undergone significant urban growth and modernization in terms of infrastructure: avenues, bridges, apartment buildings…
Important public transportation projects have also been developed (Santo Domingo subway), helping to alleviate traffic in the city.
With respect to education and culture, it is a key cultural and educational center in the country, with important universities such as the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, the oldest in the Americas.
It also has a wide variety of museums, theaters, art galleries and cultural festivals.
Difference between Greater Santo Domingo and National District
In summary, it can be said that the main difference between the National District and Santo Domingo lies in their delimitation and administrative function.
The National District is a separate entity with the city of Santo Domingo as its capital. It is not part of any province, nor is it considered a province.
Santo Domingo is a province that surrounds the National District. It is an administrative division that has several municipalities, and one of them is the municipality of Santo Domingo.
