Dominica
Official Country Name
Dominica
Dominica Overview
Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.
Dominica Economy
The Dominican economy depends on agriculture, primarily bananas, and remains highly vulnerable to climatic conditions and international economic developments. Tourism has increased as the government seeks to promote Dominica as an "ecotourism" destination. Development of the tourism industry remains difficult, however, because of the rugged coastline, lack of beaches, and the absence of an international airport. The government began a comprehensive restructuring of the economy in 2003 - including elimination of price controls, privatization of the state banana company, and tax increases - to address Dominica's economic crisis and to meet IMF targets. In order to diversify the island's production base, the government is attempting to develop an offshore financial sector and is planning to construct an oil refinery on the eastern part of the island.
Dominica Location
Dominica is located in Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago
Region
Dominica is located in Caribbean
Dominica Population
Dominica has population of 68,910 (July 2006 est.)
Dominica Climate
Dominica has tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall
Dominica Terrain
rugged mountains of volcanic origin
Dominica Natural Resources
timber, hydropower, arable land
Ethnic Groups in Dominica
Dominica has the following ethnic groups - black, mixed black and European, European, Syrian, Carib Amerindian
Dominica Religions
Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), other 6%, none 2%
Dominica Languages
English (official), French patois
Dominica Capital
Dominica capital is Roseau
Dominica Currency
Dominica currency is East Caribbean dollar
Map of Dominica
