The province of Independencia is located in the west of the Dominican Republic. The province borders directly on the neighboring country of Haiti. Unreal, hot, dry and poor. The province is the poorest in the country and offers visitors unique insights into the social and cultural differences of both countries.
The province is home to Lago Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Caribbean. The province was created in 1952 by secession from the province of Baoruco.
Features of the Independencia Region
Jimani
Jimaní is a border town with neighboring Haiti and the capital of Independencia Province, one of the poorest regions in the Dominican Republic.
The people of the border town are a colorful mixture of Dominicans and Haitians. The two very different population groups live peacefully together. In this poorest region of the country, everyone is dependent on the other. In addition to the lack of income, the region is one of the hottest and driest in the Dominican Republic. People here live from trade with their neighbors and from low-yield agriculture. The lack of infrastructure and the lack of support from the government, try several international aid organizations, to catch up with aid projects.
The border post and market in Mal Paso is worth a visit.
Lago Enriquillo and Isla Cabritos
The salt lake Lago Enriquillo is with an area of currently 340 km² the largest water nature reserve of the country. The protected area of the National Park has an extension of 412 km² and belongs to the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve.
Lago Enriquillo never ceases to surprise its visitors. A diverse vegetation and the rich bird life can be observed from land and during boat trips. On walks along the shore, you will encounter countless iguanas that run between your legs. Rare birds nest in pock wood trees, cacti and mangroves.
In the national park exists one of the largest free-living colonies of the American sharp-mouthed crocodile. About 400 animals still live here in the wild, but their habitat and thus the whole colony is threatened with extinction. It feeds on fish like the tilapia and sometimes a goat or cow.
