South of Florida, many islands  dot   the ocean. One of them is Hispaniola. Its name points to the fact that Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1492. As a result, Spain ruled theisland for th e next 300 years. Two nations now share the island. Haiti makes up   the western third. The Dominican Republic makes up the eastern two-thirds. The Dominican Republic's area is about 18,000 square miles with the population of 8 million. Most people live close to the island's coast. Like many other tropical islands, the Dominican Republic regards tourism as a key industry. The coastal citie s, especially, depend on tourists to fill their hotels and restaurants. The natural beauty of the beaches and of the forests draw Dominicans and tourists alike.  When you're ready for something else,walk into town.Music,dancing,and people in Colourful masks   will greet you at nearly every street corner. Whether you go to join them or get away from them, there will be a place for you in the Dominican Republic. What happened to Hispaniola after Christopher Columbus visited there in 1492?
Spainruledtheislandfor300years. Twonationssharedtheisland. TheDominicanRepublicjoinedtheisland ThenameofHaitibegantouse.