Geography

Dominica lies between the French islands of Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. On its east is the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 29 miles (47 kilometers) long and reaches a maximum width of 16 miles (26 kilometers). It covers an area of 290 square miles (750 square kilometers).

Dominica is a mountainous island of volcanic origin. It has a forest-covered mountain range running from north to south. The highest point of the range is Mount Diablotin at 4,747 feet (1,447 meters). The volcanic base of the island gives it rich soil and a dense rain forest. The tropical climate keeps Dominica warm throughout the year. The country also receives a great deal of rain.

Plants and animals

The Dominican jungle, believed to be the last original rain forest in the Caribbean, is filled with iguanas, agoutis, boa constrictors, and large frogs known as crapauds.

Dominica has a wide variety of birds, with about 135 species. Two parrots—the imperial parrot, or sisserou (which is pictured on the national flag), and the smaller red-necked parrot—are found only in Dominica.

People and culture

The Dominicans are mainly of African descent. Caribs, or Amerindians, also live there. The Caribs are descendents of the people who originally lived on Dominica before Europeans came to colonize the island. The French were the first European settlers in the country. English, the official language, is widely used, but a form of French is the most commonly spoken dialect. Most Dominicans are Roman Catholics; a few are Protestants. Almost three fourths of the population lives in cities, though the largest city, Roseau, has only about 15,000 people. Other towns include Portsmouth and Marigot.

Economy

Dominica is one of the poorest countries among the Caribbean nations. This is in part because it depends on agriculture and hurricanes sometimes destroy the crops.

The country's main agricultural product and major export item is bananas; nearly one third of the workforce is involved with that industry. Other produce includes grapefruit, limes, oranges, vegetables, and coconuts. Dominicans also raise livestock and fish. They produce copra, coconut oil and fats, soaps, detergents, and fruit juices. The only mineral resource with commercial value mined in Dominica is pumice.

History

When Christopher Columbus arrived at Dominica in 1493, he found the island inhabited by Caribs. The island's name comes from the Latin dies dominica, which means “the Lord's day.” Columbus had first sighted the island on a Sunday.

The French set up a colony on Dominica in the 1630s. Later the British and the French fought over the island. Britain finally prevailed in 1805, and the French withdrew. Dominica remained a British colony until the 1960s.

In 1967, Dominica gained some freedom, though it was still part of the United Kingdom. Finally, in 1978, the island became independent as the Commonwealth of Dominica. The leaders of the country then worked to improve the economy. Population (2001 estimate), 71,700.