Santa Cruz del Seibo, Dominican Republic

Capital City

With a population of just 66,867, Santa Cruz del Seibo is a sleepy backwater, not the bustling urban center some may expect. The city's economy revolves around cocoa production and livestock, generating an estimated 132,000 quintals of cocoa and 3.2 million kilos of meat annually. However, the bureaucracy appears to be a persistent headache, with the city's founding dating back to colonial times. Celebrations honoring the patron saint Santa Cruz are a highlight, complete with bullfights - a unique tradition in the Dominican Republic. Overall, Santa Cruz del Seibo offers a laidback, provincial lifestyle, but may test the patience of those seeking modern amenities.