Dominican population abroad reached almost 2.9 million in 2024

The Dominican population abroad is concentrated in the United States, Spain and Italy, among others.

Santo Domingo.– At the end of December 2024, a total of 2,874,124 Dominicans officially resided outside the country, representing an increase of 27,408 people compared to 2023, according to the fourth Sociodemographic Report of Dominicans Abroad, presented by the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (Index).

Growth equates to a 1% increase compared to the previous year, when 2,846,716 Dominicans living abroad were counted. The director of the Index, Celinés Toribio, explained that the update was possible after analyzing recent data from more than a hundred countries, which allowed for a more precise overview of the Dominican community outside the national territory.

“This data gives us more power as a country to get closer to our migrants, accompany them, support them and strengthen the Dominican identity abroad, which is the main mission of our institution,” said Toribio during the presentation of the report.

The United States remains the main destination for Dominican migrants, housing 2,398,009 people, which is equivalent to 83% of the total diaspora. Spain is in second place, with 201,162 Dominicans, representing 7%. Other countries with significant communities include Italy, Chile, Canada, the Netherlands, and Venezuela.

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The report also reveals relevant demographic data: women make up 53.5% of Dominicans abroad and 37.2% of the migrant population is under 25 years old, reflecting a predominantly young and female diaspora. During the event, Chancellor Roberto Álvarez highlighted the importance of the document as an “indispensable tool” to make visible and defend the Dominican diaspora. He emphasized that the report will allow for the design of evidence-based public policies and better guide the work of embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions. “A nation that knows its people is better prepared to represent them and defend their interests in the world”, stated Álvarez, who reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting the rights of Dominicans abroad. The study incorporates official data for the first time from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt, which are added to the 119 states included in the investigation. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this expansion strengthens the country’s ability to respond to the challenges of migration and provide effective support to its nationals, wherever they may be.