Insight Guide Dominican Republic & Haiti One island, two very distinct nations- that sums up the complexity of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Hispaniola has taken its toll on the island and its people, ravaging them with the indiginities of slavery, wars, foreign occupations, and ruthless dictatorships. Through it all, the cultures have survived and developed, one heavily influenced by Spain and Latin America, the other by Africa and France. This guide will take you through the history and culture of these two nations, as well as main places to visit and travel tips.