The country’s topography is generally rugged and mountainous, dominated by four parallel mountain ranges extending in a northwesterly direction.  Most of its eastern region is characterized by steep valleys and lowland plains.

Though many of the nation’s numerous rivers are too shallow for navigation, they are an important source of water and hydroelectric power.

The Dominican Republic has two rainy seasons, one in the late spring and one in the fall, with the heavies precipitation in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

The fertile Dominican soil is appropriate for cultivating any grain.  According to the W. Koppen Climate Classification System the predominant climate is that of humid tropical savanna, with five variations or microclimates, classified as: humid, dry steppe, tropical jungle, forest, and savanna.  The average annual temperature fluctuates between 18°C/65° and 27ºC/ 81ºF. For Dominicans there is only one season: Summer.