La Romana, Dominican Republic

La Romana
City
Altos de Chavon church in La Romana, Dominican Republic
La Romana
Coordinates: 18°25′48″N 68°58′12″W / 18.43000°N 68.97000°W / 18.43000; -68.97000
Country Dominican Republic
ProvinceLa Romana Province
Municipality since1897
Area
 • Total
185.52 km2 (71.63 sq mi)
Elevation
10 m (33 ft)
Population
 (2022 census)
 • Total
153,241
 • Density826.01/km2 (2,139.4/sq mi)
 • Urban
149,840
 • Metro
270,000 (La Romana-Villa Hermosa conurbation)
 • Demonym
(spanish: Romanense)
Distance to

 – Santo Domingo

120 km
Municipal Districts
1
ClimateAw

La Romana is a municipality and capital of the southeastern La Romana Province, opposite Catalina Island. It is one of the 10 largest cities in the Dominican Republic with a population estimated in 2022 at 153,241 within the city limits (metropolitan population: 270,000), of whom 149,840 are urban and 3,401 are rural. The name Romana comes from the word "Bomana", a name given by Indians to what is known today as Romana River.

The modern La Romana International Airport was opened in 2000. The city is near several other cities, such as San Pedro de Macorís and the national capital, Santo Domingo de Guzmán. The city is a hub for a growing tourist industry with several nearby local resort spots, such as the beachfront Bayahibe, Dominicus, Casa de Campo, and the growing number of golf resorts that surround the area.