Dominica, (French: Dominique) officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. To the north-northwest lies Guadeloupe, to the southeast Martinique. Its size is 754 square kilometres (291 sq mi) and the highest point in the country is Morne Diablotins, which has an elevation of 1,447 metres (4,750 ft). The Commonwealth of Dominica has an estimated population of 72,500. The capital is Roseau.
Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its seemingly unspoiled natural beauty. It is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity, as evidenced by the world's second-largest boiling lake. The island features lush mountainous rainforests, home of many very rare plant, animal, and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions, but heavy rainfall can be expected inland. The Sisserou parrot, the island's national bird, is featured on the national flag. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on both tourism and agriculture.
In the next hundred years after Columbus' landing, Dominica remained isolated, and even more Caribs settled there after being driven from surrounding islands as European powers entered the region. France formally ceded possession of Dominica to the United Kingdom in 1763. The United Kingdom then set up a government and made the island a colony in 1805. The emancipation of African slaves occurred throughout the British Empire in 1834, and, in 1838, Dominica became the first British Caribbean colony to have a legislature controlled by blacks. In 1896, the United Kingdom reassumed governmental control of Dominica, turning it into a crown colony. Half a century later, from 1958 to 1962, Dominica became a province of the short-lived West Indies Federation. In 1978, Dominica became an independent nation.
- 1 History
- 2 Geography and climate
- 3 Government and administrative divisions
- 4 Economy
- 5 Infrastructure
- 6 Demographics
- 7 Culture
- 8 Education
- 9 Athletics
- 10 Media
- 11 Notable people from Dominica
- 12 See also
- 13 References
- 14 External links
| Capital (and largest city) | Roseau 15°18′N 61°23′W / 15.3°N 61.383°W | |
| Official languages | English | |
|---|---|---|
| Demonym | Dominican | |
| Government | Parliamentary republic | |
| - | President | Nicholas Liverpool |
| - | Prime Minister | Roosevelt Skerrit |
| Independence | from the United Kingdom | |
| - | Date | November 3, 1978 |
| Area | ||
| - | Total | 754 km2 (184th) 290 sq mi |
| - | Water (%) | 1.6 |
| Population | ||
| - | July 2009 estimate | 72,660 (195st) |
| - | 2003 census | 71,727 |
| - | Density | 105/km2 (95th) 272/sq mi |
| GDP (PPP) | 2008 estimate | |
| - | Total | $720 million[1] |
| - | Per capita | $10,045[1] |
| GDP (nominal) | 2008 estimate | |
| - | Total | $364 million[1] |
| - | Per capita | $5,082[1] |
| HDI (2007) | ▲0.798 (medium) (71st) | |
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) | |
| Time zone | (UTC–4) | |
| Drives on the | left | |
| Internet TLD | .dm | |
| Calling code | +1-767 | |
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