<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The neutrality of this article is disputed . Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page . Please do not remove this message until conditions to do so are met . (June 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The neutrality of this article is disputed . Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page . Please do not remove this message until conditions to do so are met . (June 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Dominican Republic--Haiti relations have long been complex due to the substantial cultural differences between the two nations and their sharing the small island of Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region . The living standards in the Dominican Republic are considerably higher than those in Haiti . The deep - set cultural differences have contributed to a long - standing conflict . </P> <P> Though having vast demographic and cultural differences since colonial times, the inhabitants of modern - day Dominican Republic and Haiti have at times been allies and foes, constantly vying for dominance of Hispaniola . The conflicts began during the colonial era which developed into military and political conflicts between the two governments . The political division of the island of Hispaniola is due in part to the European struggle for control of the New World during the 17th century, when France and Spain began fighting for control of the island . They resolved their dispute in 1697 by splitting the island into two countries . It was not until the 19th century that Haiti became independent from France on January 1, 1804 . Spanish Haiti, the predecessor of the Dominican Republic, became independent from Spain on December 1, 1821, after more than 300 years of Spanish rule . </P>

What island is haiti and the dominican republic on