Usually, earthquakes are small temblores (tremors), but less than 100 years ago, the country experienced a magnitude 8.1 earthquake that caused a deadly tsunami. Lake Enriquillo, a saltwater lake, is the habitat of iguanas and the largest population of American crocodiles. There are desert sand dunes in the southern region of the country.
The rainy, tropical climate of the DR is perfect for farming. Many people earn their living in the sugar, cocoa and coffee industry. The wide, grassy valleys are also great for raising cattle and other animals, like horses and goats. Coastal and river towns often rely on fishing, and seafood makes up a large part of their diet. In the campo (countryside), many Dominicans grow their own food including plantains, bananas, mangoes, coconuts and yuca. The rivers and waterfalls are wonderful places to swim and cool off during the hot summer months.
The DR experiences hurricanes and tropical storms during the months of June through October. These storms often cause property damage, especially to wooden houses, as well as dangerous floods and mudslides. In the south, rain is less frequent, which can make fresh water hard to find. The heat can be especially challenging in the summer when temperatures soar above 100 degrees. Many Dominicans don't have air conditioning and rely on fans to stay cool. During the hottest hours of the day, it can even be harmful to go outside.
