Welcome sign
Oviedo is a town in the Dominican Republic, occupying the southern half of Pedernales Province. It is the southernmost town in the Dominican Republic and on the island of Hispaniola.
New welcome sign
Location in DR
About[]
Lake Oviedo, DR
The municipality of Oviedo, located in the Pedernales province of the Dominican Republic, represents the southernmost urban settlement on the island. This ancient town exhibits evidence of indigenous cultures that existed prior to the arrival of Spanish conquerors. Oviedo has historically been linked to the lagoon of the same name situated within its boundaries. The lagoon is located 5km southeast of the town's center. Oviedo was declared a municipality in 1957 after the creation of the Pedernales Province.
Etymolygy[]
Oviedo is a very old town linked to the Oviedo Lagoon situated within its territory. The town's name has evolved alongside that of the lagoon, having been known as El Guanal, Trujín, and finally Oviedo, with the current designation honoring the chronicler of the Indies, Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés.
History[]
Topiary within the Oviedo Municipal Park
The area currently known as Oviedo was originally settled by the indigenous Taíno community, who lived in harmony with the exuberant natural environment that defines this region. The area was part of the Kingdom of Jaragua, which was led by Chief Bohechio. This kingdom also included Guarocuya (Enriquillo), who led the first guerrilla resistance against the injustices of colonization from 1519 to 1533. Additionally, within this kingdom, the enslaved individual Juan Sebastián Lemba Calembo emerged as a leader of the maroons in 1532, fighting against the oppression of slavery.
Oviedo was officially established as a settlement on April 24, 1799, under the administration of Governor Joaquín García y Moreno. This location was developed into a thriving agricultural and livestock hub, capitalizing on the fertility of its land and the scenic beauty of its landscape. The first settlers are believed to have originated from Duvergé and Enriquillo, focusing on the exploitation of timber resources such as mahogany and cedar, in addition to seeking land for livestock raising, grazing, and hunting activities.
In the 19th century, Oviedo experienced an economic boom thanks to the production of coffee and cocoa, which contributed significantly to the country's economy. The wealth generated by these crops allowed the construction of beautiful mansions and the creation of an atmosphere of architectural splendor in the community.
Pedernales was part of the Enriquillo commune until a city council resolution on April 10, 1938, designated it as a municipal district. Following Law No. 83, enacted on September 16, 1942, the municipal district was established with the same jurisdiction as the previous district. The formation of the town that is now the municipality of Oviedo commenced in 1860, under the ownership of the Spanish landowner Juan López. In 1937, the construction of the highway linking Oviedo to the municipality of Pedernales was initiated.
On April 1, 1958, President Rafael Leónidas Trujillo issued an order that resulted in Oviedo being granted municipal status through Law No. 4815, following the establishment of the Pedernales Province. On September 29, 1966, the town was totally destroyed due to Hurricane Inés, which claimed over 150 lives within the municipality, leaving only the old town hall standing. Subsequently, the town was relocated 5 kilometers northwest, away from Laguna de Oviedo, situated between the savannahs of Oviedo and Samsón. The first 100 houses were constructed in 1968, with residents gradually moving in.
Two significant events mark the town's history: the first pertains to a project initiated by the company Fomento Agroindustrial Forestal CxA, which focused on the importation of "compost" and was ultimately annulled in 1984 following various protests from local residents. The second event concerns the provision of drinking water to the municipality, which went over 30 years without a pipeline supply, and even today, the issue remains only partially addressed.
Oviedo has been regarded as the little breadbasket of the southwestern region, known for its cultivation of cassava, bananas, corn, sweet potatoes, and rice on the area's fertile lands. However, the scarcity of water has hindered the sustainability of these crops, including cotton. Currently, agricultural activities in the municipality are minimal, with the notable exception of the Juancho farm colony. Additionally, livestock farming has traditionally been viewed as one of the key foundations of subsistence for the Municipality of Oviedo.
Geography[]
Oviedo is located in the southern part of the Dominican Republic, within the Pedernales Province, at 17.8020° N, 71.4010° W. Situated on the Caribbean coastal plain, it is part of the southern coast of the island of Hispaniola and is also the southernmost municipality of the Dominican Republic. The municipality consists of four sections, the urban area, Tres Charcos, the Juancho municipal district, and La Colonia. It shares borders with the town of Enriquillo on the northeast, and the city of Pedernales on the northwest. The Jaragua National Park is surrounds the municipality's southern and eastern sides, as does the Caribbean Sea.
Oviedo is situated at an elevation of about 20 meters (66 feet) above sea level, making it close to the coast and characterized by coastal lowlands. The region is known for its flat and gently rolling terrain. The surrounding landscape includes low hills and mountainous areas that are part of the Sierra de Bahoruco mountain range, which lies to the north of the town.
The area is also known for the Oviedo Lagoon (Laguna de Oviedo), a prominent coastal lagoon and one of the major geographical features of the region. It is surrounded by a diverse range of ecosystems, including mangroves and salt flats.
Natural environment[]
The Oviedo lagoon is a key natural feature of the town and is part of the Jaragua National Park, which is one of the largest national parks in the Dominican Republic. The lagoon is rich in biodiversity and is home to many bird species, including flamingos, making it an important habitat for birdwatching and ecological tourism.
Oviedo's coastline features sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and rocky formations. The coast is relatively undeveloped, offering pristine views and natural scenery. The area around Oviedo includes extensive mangrove forests that provide a crucial ecological role, protecting the coastline from erosion and serving as breeding grounds for various marine species. The salt flats in the region are also significant for local wildlife and contribute to the unique landscape of the area. To the north, the Sierra de Bahoruco mountain range shapes the region's rugged terrain and is known for its rich biodiversity, including endemic species and natural forests.
The community references a location known as El Cruce or Cajuil, where various highways and roads converge, leading to the historic areas of Trujín, Oviedo, and the community of 'Nueva Rosa'.
Neighborhoods
| Oviedo | 10,986 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section | Localities | |||
| 1. | Zona Urbana | Urban | 7 | Centro del Pueblo, La Policia, Las Palmas, Macanatillo, Nuevo, Pangola, and Polvorin (Las Flores). |
| 2. | Los Tres Charcos | Rural | 7 | El Tocón (Fogón de los Perros), Los Tres Charcos, Manuel Goya, Nueva Rosa, Palo el Número, Porvenir, and Tierra Colorada. |
| 3. | Juancho Municipal District |
Urban | 5 | El Centro, Gromá, Las Malvinas, Las Palmas, Lindo, and Nuevo. |
| 4. | La Colonia Villa Esperanza | Rural | 10 | Arroyo Salado, Charco Blanco, Colonia Villa Esperanza, El Bucaral, El Cajuil, Macandela, Mambí, Mapioró, Payano, and Pedro Mota. |
Municipal Districts
Demography[]
| Population | |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 3,976 |
| 2010 | 7,296 |
| 2015 | 10,986 |
Residential area within the town's center
The municipality of Oviedo, as reported in the 2010 census, had a total population of 7,296 residents, accounting for 23% of the province's population. The population density was recorded at 7.6 inhabitants per square kilometer. According to the 2014 Map of Poverty, Oviedo ranked 35th among the municipalities with the highest poverty rates in the nation, with 72% of households (1,484 households) living in poverty, of which 36% experience extreme poverty. Furthermore, the same study indicates that 58% of households have unmet basic needs, with a significantly higher prevalence in rural areas compared to urban settings within the municipality.
A significant issue is the high rate of unemployment. Additionally, there is a trend of young individuals emigrating in pursuit of improved living conditions. There is an urgent call for intervention from government institutions within the municipality.
Regarding the housing situation, housing is recognized as a fundamental right that serves as essential protection for personal and family life. Inadequate or precarious housing conditions pose significant risks to the health, safety, stability, and overall well-being of families and their members. The data illustrates the number of households in the municipality living under precarious conditions. One indicator of these conditions is the use of unsuitable materials in construction. Specifically, 15% of homes have dirt floors, 3% are constructed with yagua walls, palm, or tejamaní, and 4% have roofs made of cement, asbestos, yagua, cane, or other materials. Additionally, the data reveals that 54% of the homes are owner-occupied.
Climate[]
Oviedo experiences a tropical climate, typical of many areas in the Caribbean. It has a warm, humid environment year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures in Oviedo range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The warmest months are typically from June to September.
Precipitation[]
The wet season generally runs from May to November, with frequent showers and occasional heavy rain. The dry season typically occurs from December to April, when the weather is drier and more comfortable. The Caribbean influence ensures warm temperatures and relatively stable weather conditions year-round.
Economy[]
Oviedo Market
Economic activities within the municipality are primarily focused on the service sector and primary industries, particularly those associated with agriculture, fishing, livestock, and the production of dairy products and cheese.
Agriculture[]
The agricultural sector primarily focuses on growing corn and sorghum, with agricultural settlements being the most significant component of this sector. There are three such settlements in the municipality, which include 432 farmers and a total family population of 2,487, underscoring the importance of these settlements in the working-age population. Nevertheless, the potential of these settlements, which cover over 100,000 plots of land, is still largely unexploited.
The region possesses considerable potential for cultivating tropical fruits and is recognized for the high quality of its coffee and cocoa. Fishing remains a vital activity, serving both local consumption and external markets. However, there is no wholesale trade for imported goods, and supermarket chains are not present.
Regarding agricultural production, there are minor products like auyama, tayota, yautía, and papaya, which are primarily produced for local consumption. It is important to highlight that the workforce engaged in agricultural activities predominantly consists of individuals of Haitian origin.
Livestock[]
Regarding livestock farming, the municipality exhibits significant dynamism in milk production for the creation of the renowned white cheese, which is sold in local stores and supermarkets throughout the region. A notable vulnerability within the agricultural sector has been the availability of water, essential for both irrigation of crops and livestock, compelling producers to invest large amounts of money on drilling wells to maintain optimal production conditions. Additionally, they face challenges in accessing financing for agricultural activities and receive minimal support from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Government.
In contrast, industrial activity is limited throughout the province, with the only notable presence being the industrial free zone, which focuses on the packaging of used clothing, alongside the mining sector that employs approximately 9% of the province's economically active population. A key attraction that contributes to the municipality's economic activity is the Oviedo Lagoon, which spans 28 square kilometers (11 square miles) and is situated within the Jaragua Biosphere Reserve, Bahoruco Enriquillo. This area is recognized for its rich biodiversity and serves as a significant tourist destination.
In terms of the municipality's economic dynamics, the agricultural sector holds considerable potential for growth, particularly through the enhancement of existing settlements, which could increase the town's contributions to the local economy and facilitate improved export opportunities. Additionally, the tourism sector presents another promising avenue for economic activity, particularly through the utilization of attractions such as the Oviedo lagoon. When connected to other regional tourist offerings, this could lead to a substantial increase in visitor numbers to the municipality.
Tourism[]
Main article: Points of interest in Oviedo
In addition to its beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Mosquea, the primary tourist attraction is the Oviedo Lagoon, which ranks as the second largest water body in the Dominican Republic and is situated within Jaragua National Park. The lagoon is notable for its greenish saline waters, a result of limestone sediments transported by groundwater flow. The diverse fauna includes the rhinoceros iguana, flamingos, and numerous species of endemic and aquatic birds.
Infrastructure[]
Transportation[]
Lakeside Road
The municipality lacks a comprehensive road network; access to Oviedo is facilitated by highways and roads linking it to neighboring towns. Public transportation is predominantly provided by minibuses, known locally as "guaguas," which serve both the municipality and surrounding areas. These guaguas are a popular choice among residents for local travel. In terms of pedestrian access, Oviedo features streets and sidewalks that enable movement on foot, although the road infrastructure can be limited and often in rough condition in some areas.
Health[]
Oviedo Rural Clinic
The health conditions in the municipality of Oviedo can be described as extremely precarious. 74% of the population lacks health services. According to the National Statistics Office (ONE), Oviedo is served by one public health center that provides primary care, along with an additional center located in the Juancho municipal district. This latter facility, as outlined in the Organization Manual of Primary Care Units-UNAP, is responsible for maternal and child health programs, tuberculosis, STD/AIDS, health surveillance, quality assurance, health promotion, and social participation. There is also a private health center; however, the municipality lacks a public hospital. Consequently, for more complex medical cases, residents must seek assistance in Barahona, Pedernales, or Santo Domingo.
In the Dominican Republic, the rate of children born to teenage mothers is higher than the average in Latin America and the Caribbean. From 2010 to 2015, this rate was 22%, which is 6 percentage points above the regional average of 16%. There is a strong link between poverty and early motherhood, with adolescents in poorer municipalities being more likely to give birth before age twenty. The border area has the highest rates of teenage mothers, with Oviedo, Bohechío, and El Llano reporting 70.2%, 70.1%, and 69.4%, respectively.
Education[]
Deligne School, Oviedo, DR
The town of Oviedo has an illiteracy rate of 26.4% among people over 15 years old, and 14% among young people aged 15 to 24. Among all enrolled students, 87% are in basic education, while only 6% are in intermediate education. There are 8 public schools in the area, and as of 2010, there are no private schools. Data indicates that women in the town attain higher levels of education at the university level, while men tend to have greater achievements in school education.
Utilities[]
Oviedo's electricity supply is dependent on the Los Cocos Wind Farm. Access to potable water is restricted, with most residents relying on water wells and purchasing water delivered by truck. According to data from the National Office of Statistics, only 15% of residences have access to a water supply through a public network within the home and 17% of households do not have access to electricity. Additionally, there is no sewage system in place.
The Oviedo municipal council is in charge of garbage collection, but community involvement is low, leading to poor waste management that mainly ends up in landfills. In some rural regions, trash is either burned or thrown in makeshift dumps, creating environmental and health issues. According to data from the National Office of Statistics, 40% of households rely on charcoal or firewood for cooking. Moreover, 48% of homes do not benefit from garbage collection services.
The provision of drinking water has long been a significant challenge for the authorities and municipalities of Oviedo. The supply of this essential service is occasionally facilitated by tanker trucks operated by the municipal council or other public and private entities. Numerous surveys and studies have been conducted by both the Central Government and private organizations to address this issue; however, effective solutions remain elusive. It is important to highlight that Oviedo lacks a suitable water source for the supply of this vital resource, prompting authorities and stakeholders to investigate existing sources, all of which exhibit a high level of salinity.
Additionally, Oviedo is devoid of banking institutions in its vicinity, as well as the offices of major telecommunications companies such as Claro, Altice, and Viva. Notably, Claro has been reported to experience issues with mobile phone signal strength. Regarding internet access, most urban areas have it through telecom providers, but some locations may have limited or no connectivity.
Culture[]
Oviedo Town Hall
The institutional deficiencies within the municipality hinder the successful development of existing activities and organizations. Women in the region face significant marginalization, often being excluded from the development process, despite their demonstrated ability to act as effective catalysts for progress.
Organizations[]
Numerous public and private institutions and organizations maintain a headquarters in the municipality of Oviedo. Notably, the following entities are included:
Public Health. This official organization manages all health-related administrative and operational duties in the Dominican Republic. It works to uphold the right to health for everyone and ensures fair access to comprehensive health services. The Ministry influences the municipality through a Primary Care Unit.
Ministry of Education. Created by Law 786 on November 30, 1934, and initially called the Secretariat of State for Education and Fine Arts, this ministry ensures that Dominicans receive quality education. It promotes the growth of free, ethical, critical, and creative individuals who can contribute to a free, democratic, just, and supportive society. Its activities are carried out through specific Educational Districts.
National Police. The National Police is a professional and armed force that operates under the President's authority. It is nonpartisan and does not have the power to make decisions on its own. The National Police's mission is to protect citizens, prevent and control crime, investigate criminal activities as directed by legal authorities, and maintain public order to ensure individuals' rights and promote peaceful living according to the Constitution and laws.
The Ministry of Agriculture was established in the Constitution on February 25, 1854, originally called the Secretariat of State for Interior, Police, and Agriculture. It was renamed the Ministry of Agriculture following the 2010 reform of the Dominican Republic's Constitution and Decree No. 56-10 on February 8, 2010. Its many responsibilities include creating and guiding the country's agricultural policy in line with overall development plans, as well as studying the economic and social aspects of the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural products. The ministry operates through a municipal office.
The Dominican Army was officially named as such by Law No. 928 on May 17, 1928. However, this land force, referred to as the Army of the Land in the 1844 Constitution, essentially began with the Republic itself. Its main goal is to protect the nation's integrity, sovereignty, and independence, as well as to uphold the Constitution, laws, and institutions of the Republic.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing national policies related to the environment and natural resources. It promotes activities aimed at preserving, protecting, restoring, and sustainably using these resources. Its mission is to manage the environment, ecosystems, and natural resources to support sustainable development. The Ministry's powers are defined in the General Law on Environment and Natural Resources 64-00. It operates through a municipal coordinating office.
The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources was established in 1965 due to the growing recognition of the importance of managing water resources. It was created by Law No. 701, enacted on April 8, 1965, originally named the Secretariat of State for Hydraulic Resources. Like other agencies, it functions as a municipal office.
The Ministry of Tourism acts as a catalyst for the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic. Its role includes identifying and overseeing tourist development areas in the country and guiding projects in these areas. It aims to boost tourism production by promoting the construction, financing, improvement, and conservation of businesses in the sector. Additionally, it provides guidance on the design and construction of infrastructure needed for various tourism projects. This ministry also impacts the municipality of Oviedo through a partnership with trained tour guides.
Among the civil society organizations that have a presence in the municipality
Grupo Jaragua is a non-profit organization from the Dominican Republic, established in 1989. Its goal is to help protect the biodiversity of Hispaniola and the environmental services it provides, working with local communities and using scientific methods. They operate from an office that serves as an extension of the group.
COOPASEO is a legalized agricultural and livestock cooperative. Livestock farmers in Oviedo have faced significant organizational challenges since the beginning, leading to disorder and a lack of control in this vital sector. To address these issues, they have come together to unify their efforts for the development of the industry. They are now organized as a Livestock Association.
The Provincial Development Board operates in the municipality of Pedernales, which shares its name with the province. It also provides socioeconomic support to the municipality of Oviedo through social projects aimed at development.
The Technical Training Center (COS), part of the INFOTEP System, enhances the skills of local municipalities by offering training in areas like IT, sales, customer service, middle management, business leadership, and crafts and beauty.
The Association of Banana Agricultural Producers is established under Dominican law and plays a key role in the economic and social development of both the municipality and the province. It helps create jobs and utilizes local land effectively.
Additionally, several civil society organizations positively impact the productive and social activities in Oviedo, including Asociación de Madres, Inc. (Mothers Association, Inc), NGO for Children with Learning Issues (reading and writing), farmers associations, neighborhood associations, and the Poveda Cultural Center.
It is important to mention that major NGOs like World Vision, Plan International, Children of the Nations, and OXFAM do not operate in this Municipality.
Heritage[]
The festivities honoring the patron saint are held from December 1 to 8, celebrating the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
Every year, the celebrations start off with a special mass at the Catholic church dedicated to the patron saint, the Immaculate Conception. This solemn occasion is soon followed by an exhilarating celebration that features thrilling horse races, reaching and exciting peak during the afternoon.
The local cuisine is a delightful variety of flavors, showcasing dishes such as Arepitas, an assortment of sweets, beans with sweets, Locura, rice pudding, sweet wheat, goat, wild boar, stewed tilapia, and domplines.
Sports[]
When it comes to sports, this municipality presents a lively selection of activities, including basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and dominoes.
The municipality currently has sports facilities, but they do not meet the necessary conditions for proper use. The sports fields can only be utilized during the day, and even then, the intense sunlight often hinders sports activities. Consequently, the youth are left with the option of using these facilities at night, but the lack of adequate lighting renders such use risky. Similarly, the baseball and softball fields are in a state of neglect, with reports of animals such as horses, cows, and goats grazing on the grounds of these facilities.
The Municipality also has a non-functional sports complex, as its condition does not meet the required standards for use. According to information provided by residents, the municipality of Oviedo once enjoyed a vibrant sports culture, with numerous tournaments and various teams participating in different disciplines. However, this dynamism has diminished due to insufficient investment in the construction and maintenance of sports facilities. As a result, many young individuals have turned to inappropriate activities during their leisure time.
This pressing need has been repeatedly communicated to the relevant authorities, including the President of the Republic, to ensure that children, adolescents, and young people can engage in sports. Key points included: investing in sports, providing transportation for sports activities, addressing the lack of interest from authorities, supplying sports equipment, hiring sports coaches, enhancing sports programs in schools and communities, encouraging youth involvement in sports, and organizing tournaments to inspire young people.
Points of Interest[]
Eagle Bay. Regarded as one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the province of Pedernales, Eagle Bay is part of the Jaragua National Park and has an extension of about seven kilometers in length. The bay's waters are rich in corals and seagrass meadows, providing a habitat for various marine and terrestrial species. Visitors may encounter hawksbill turtles, rhinoceros iguanas, red-crowned pigeons, ash-capped pigeons, lambies, and manatees in this remarkable ecosystem.
Laguna de Oviedo Oviedo Lagoon. This body of water ranks as the second largest in the Dominican Republic and is situated within the Jaragua National Park. It is notable for its greenish saltwater and attracts numerous tourists who appreciate its stunning landscapes, which are home to various species of waterfowl.
Playa Blanca White Beach. This beach is particularly renowned for its pristine white sands along the shoreline. It features shallow waters that provide a delightful experience for visitors. The area is abundant in crab populations and has lush vegetation, creating a unique atmosphere compared to other beaches.
Oviedo Viejo Town Hall. Old Town Hall. Constructed during the Trujillo era, this building symbolizes the core of what was once Oviedo Viejo. It is a robust structure that served as a refuge from the fierce winds of Hurricane Ines in 1914. Today, it stands resilient, representing one of the historical treasures of Oviedo.
Municipal Central Park. As one of the largest parks in the southern region, it is regarded as a popular destination for recreation and entertainment for individuals of all ages. The park is centrally located in the town, directly across from the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Immaculate Conception Church. Every Sunday, congregants gather at this church to express their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, their savior.
Juan Pablo Duarte Square. This square is dedicated to Juan Pablo Duarte, the liberator of the nation.
Jose Francisco Pena Gomez Square. This square honors the Dominican leader and politician, José Francisco Peña Gómez.
Mondesí Cave Regarded as one of Oviedo's most captivating sites, this cave is a hidden gem located to the northwest of the Oviedo lagoon. Its crystal-clear waters add to its allure.
References[]
Oviedo - Ayuntamiento [1]
Oviedo (Dominican Republic) - Wikipedia [2]
Oviedo - Issuu [3]
Oviedo (Pedernales Province) - Conectate [4]
Plan Municipal de Desarrollo Municipio de Oviedo, Provincia de Pedernales - SISMAP [5]
Oviedo - Maikel Perez, Harold Rivas, Miguel Rodriguez el acordeonista, and Carlos Arache Carrasco; Local Guides [6],[7],[8], [9]
Parque Municipal - Estarling Mena and Fioldaliza Jimenez Santana, Local Guides [10], [11]
Centro Tecnológico Comunitario - Fredy Ruiz, Local Guide [12]
Historia de Oviedo - Dominican Republic Discover [13]