La Altagracia | |
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![]() Higuey, La Altagracia province, Dominican Republic | |
![]() Location of the La Altagracia Province | |
Country | ![]() |
Province since | 1944 |
Government | |
• Type | Subdivisions |
• Body | 2 municipalities 5 municipal districts |
• Congresspersons | 1 Senator 4 Deputies |
Area | |
• Total | 3,010.34 km2 (1,162.30 sq mi) |
Population (2014) | |
• Total | 372,289 |
• Density | 120/km2 (320/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC-4 (EST) |
Area code | 1-809 1-829 1-849 |
ISO 3166-2 | DO-11 |
Postal Code | 23000 |
La Altagracia (Spanish pronunciation: [la altaˈɣɾasja]) is a province located in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic. It is the only region that borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is divided into two municipalities and its capital is the beach city of Punta Cana. The province was part of the old La Altagracia Province, which split into two, La Altagracia Province and La Romana Province, on February 27, 1961.
The name "La Altagracia"' meaning the "High Grace" commemorates a painting, Our Lady of Altagracia, which was brought to this area from Spain in the early 16th century. Numerous miracles are attributed to the image.
Currently it is the leading province of the country in terms of tourism. This province is serviced by the Punta Cana International Airport, which is the most important airport on the island.