Dominica, officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island nation located in the Caribbean. It is not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, another Caribbean nation. Dominica is known for its lush, unspoiled natural beauty and is often referred to as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean”.
Dominica is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. The island is characterized by its mountainous terrain, tropical rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs. Dominica is also home to the world’s second-largest hot spring, Boiling Lake.
The island was originally inhabited by the Kalinago people before being sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Dominica was colonized by the French in the 17th century before being ceded to the British in 1763. The country gained independence from Britain on November 3, 1978.
Dominica has a population of approximately 71,000 people. The official language is English, but a French-based Creole language is also widely spoken. The culture of Dominica is a blend of African, Carib, and European influences. The island is known for its annual carnival, traditional music styles like bouyon and calypso, and its national dance, the quadrille.
The economy of Dominica is primarily dependent on agriculture, with bananas as the main export crop. The country also relies on tourism, which is being developed to support the economy. Dominica is also known for its offshore banking industry and has recently developed an economic citizenship program, offering passports to those who invest in the country.
Dominica is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations. The President is the head of state, while executive power is exercised by the government, headed by the Prime Minister. The legislative power is vested in both the government and the House of Assembly.
