To represent the Dominican Republic in the 72nd edition of Miss Universe is Mariana Isabel Downing. She is a student of philosophy, a model and an actress. Mariana Isabel Downing is 27 years of age and was born to a British father and a Dominican mother. She hopes to become the second woman from her country to win the Miss Universe crown.
The Dominican Republic is currently ranked 29th at the Big5 Ranking. It has one Miss Universe titleholder – Amelia Vega – who won in 2003. Last year, the Dominican Republic was represented by Andreína Martínez who placed as 2nd runner-up.