Zona
Franca Puerto PlataLocation
The Dominican Republic (pop. 8.4 million) is located in the Caribbean sea between Cuba to the west and Puerto Rico to the east and occupies two thirds of the island, called Hispaniola, with the Republic of Haiti
This is the second largest island of the Caribbean, its central location making it a hub for telecommunications, aviation and shipping.
Puerto Plata city (pop. 130,000) is the capital city of Puerto Plata province, and the largest city on the Dominican north coast. Situated between ocean and mountain, the city enjoys constant trade wind breezes and a moderate temperature ranging from 72 to 80 degrees year round (22-27 C).
The international seaport in Puerto Plata connects this city with the important shipping lanes that run east and west within sight of the Dominican north coast.
The Puerto Plata Free Zone is located 2 1/2 kms from the center of the city on the main highway leading west to Santiago.
Puerto Plata conveniently offers all necessary services (education, health, historical and cultural attractions, shops, galleries, department stores, transportation, security, bankng and media). It is less than a one hour drive to Santiago, the DR's second largest city
Christopher Columbus established his first permanent settlement in 1492, in La Isabela, approximately 50 miles west of Puerto Plata.