Country Profile of Commonwealth of Dominica

Dominica on Map

The Commonwealth of Dominica, located in the Eastern Caribbean, is the largest and most northerly of the Windward Islands.

It lies 1,400 miles south of Miami, at latitude 15° north and longitude 61° west, and between the French Overseas Departments (DOMS) of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Dominica is 750 sq km in area, 47 km in length, and 29 km in width.

Physical Description:

Known simply as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean”, this rugged landscape of blue-green slopes, rushing streams, waterfalls, and cloud-drenched mountain peaks, rises to almost 5000 ft. giving the island a legendary beauty. Dominica is volcanic in origin with rich fertile soil and abundant tropical rain forests. Dominica’s Morne Trois Pitons

Blue-green Slopes

National Park has been inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and is home to one of the largest boiling lakes in the world.

Scenic Description:

The island’s beauty holds true underwater as well, for Dominica has received great acclaim for its underwaters “treasures” and picturesque qualities. Dominica has been rated among the top ten dive destinations, by Skin-Diver Magazine. Throughout the island, the nature lovers can see flora, fauna, and about 130 species of birds including the Sisserou Parrot (Amazona Imperialis), which is endemic to Dominica and is on the endangered species list.

Demography:

Dominica has a population of 69,623 (2001 Census) predominately Afro and Carib descent

Climate:

Tropical wet climate with characteristically warm temperatures and heavy rainfall.
Average daytime temperatures generally vary from 26oC in January to 32oC in June

Language:

English is the Official language. A French patios (French Creole dialect) is also spoken

Capital:

Roseau- Situated in the Parish of St. George, one of the ten parishes of the island.

Major Urban Areas:

GrandBay- located in the south of the island in the parish of Saint Patrick
Marigot- located in the north east of the island in the parish of Saint Andrew
Portsmouth- located in the north of the island in the parish of Saint John