The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Four almost parallel mountain ranges, covered with thick vegetation, cross the country from east to west. The largest is the Cordillera Central, which divides the republic into the almost equal parts. The highest peak in the West Indies, Pico Duarte (10,206 feet), is in this range. In the north is the Cordillera Septentrional and in the south are the Sierra Bahoruco. Dominican towns and cities are generally not quaint, neat, or particularly pretty, and poverty is everywhere. However, the ever-increasing role of tourism in the economy is bringing about changes that benefit residents and visitors alike: major highways have been repaved; sidewalks, lighting, and signage in urban areas are being improved; and the banks are issuing low-interest loans to people who want to buy and restore colonial buildings. Many projects are in the works, notably the restoration of Santo Domingo's 16th-century Colonial Zone. Clearly the D.R. is realizing more of its vast potential. The country has several areas with all the attractions and amenities necessary for the perfect island vacation. Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited city in this half of the globe, and many visitors find it difficult to tear themselves away from its historic district, the Colonial Zone. Sun worshipers head to one of the many beach resort areas, perhaps Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, or La Romana, on the southeast coast; Punta Cana, on the island's eastern tip; Samaná, in the northeast; the Amber Coast or Puerto Plata, to the northwest; or Barahona, in the southwest. The highest peak in the West Indies, Pico Duarte (10,370 ft/3,171 m), lures hikers to the central mountain range. Ancient sunken galleons and coral reefs divert divers and snorkelers. And everywhere there's the breathtaking scenery, the land ever turning and twisting and towering into mountains before tumbling into the sea.