Clientelism and corruption as a national culture

The Dominican Republic has achieved a middle-high income status among developing nations, supported by key economic pillars including tourism, free trade zones, and remittances. Despite these macroeconomic indicators, the country faces systemic challenges regarding the prevalence of clientelism and corruption as entrenched cultural norms.

These issues persist despite the steady influx of foreign currency that sustains the national economy. A significant portion of the population remains impacted by these structural problems, which continue to influence the country's development trajectory and social landscape.