La Romana is a city and port in southeastern Dominican Republic, on the Caribbean Sea opposite Catalina Island. Founded near the end of the 19th century, La Romana grew rapidly after the establishment of a large sugar mill in 1911. In addition to sugarcane, the surrounding region produces coffee, tobacco, beeswax, cattle, and hides.

Music, especially when accompanied by dancing, is important at all social levels and in all regions of the country. The most typical forms are those with clear African antecedents, especially in their rhythms. There are also folk songs and tunes deriving from Spain and the Middle East. Popular genres include the merengue, bolero, salsa, and folk songs.

Tourism has become one of the Dominican Republic's most important sources of foreign exchange, and since the mid-1980s the country has been one of the Caribbean's more popular tourist destinations. The favorable climate, beautiful beaches, restored Spanish colonial architecture, and relatively low prices have drawn an increasing number of foreign visitors.

The average temperature is 77°F, with August being the warmest month and January the coolest. Summer temperatures range from 89-95°F, winter from 75-90°F. The main rainy season is between June and October, when it is hottest.