La Romana, Dominican Republic

La Romana
Altos de Chavon church in La Romana, Dominican Republic
Seal
La Romana
Coordinates: 18°25′48″N 68°58′12″W / 18.43000°N 68.97000°W / 18.43000; -68.97000
Country	Dominican Republic
Province	La Romana Province
Municipality since	1897
Area [1]
• Total	185.52 km2 (71.63 sq mi)
Elevation [2]	10 m (30 ft)
Population  (December 2010 −IX Census)[3]
• Total	130,426
• Density	700/km2 (1,800/sq mi)
• Urban	127,623
• Metro	250,000 (La Romana-Villa Hermosa conurbation)
• Demonym	(spanish: Romanense)
Distance to  – Santo Domingo	120 km
Municipal Districts	1
Climate	Aw

La Romana is a municipality and capital of the southeastern province of La Romana, opposite Catalina Island. It is one of the 10 largest cities in the Dominican Republic with a population estimated in 2010 at 130,426 within the city limits (metropolitan population: 214,109), of whom 127,623 are urban and 2,803 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.