Santo Domingo was Spain’s first capital in the New World, and its Ciudad Colonial is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is the second-largest country in the Caribbean (after Cuba). With rich soil, it produces cacao, tobacco, sugarcane and bananas. Its diverse ecosystems are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including 32 indigenous species of birds. At the eastern end of the island, Punta Cana is the principal upscale resort area. The D.R. boasts 27 golf courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo. Punta Espada at Cap Cana and Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo are consistently listed among the world’s best.