How did urbanization change the Dominican Republic during the late 20th century?

During the late 20th century, the Dominican Republic experienced one of the world’s highest rates of urbanization. While only about one-fourth of the population lived in cities in 1950, this figure rose to nearly two-thirds by the late 1990s.1

This rapid shift was driven by the diversification of the national economy, which moved away from its traditional reliance on agriculture toward services, manufacturing, and construction. As the economy grew, it accelerated urban migration and contributed to the expansion of the middle class.2

The physical landscape of the country changed significantly as cities like Santo Domingo expanded into formerly rural zones, leading to increased crowding and the growth of urban slums. Other major cities, including Santiago and La Romana, also saw considerable growth during this period. While this transition placed strain on local resources such as housing and water supplies, the outward flow of emigration to the United States helped alleviate some of these pressures through remittances.1