Captivating Countries: Dominica

This country is one of the smallest in the Caribbean. This country has more active volcanoes than anywhere in the world. A majority of this country’s people are slave descendants brought there from west Africa. This country is Dominica (not to be mistaken with Dominican Republic).

Geography

Dominica is about four times the size of Washington DC. Dominica is located between the Caribbean sea and the North Atlantic Ocean (refer to map for clarification). Its capital is Roseau. Dominica’s terrain is mainly comprised by rugged mountains of volcanic origin. Dominica’s climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds. It also rains heavily year round in Dominica.

Economy

Dominica’s economy has been dependant on agriculture the past years. Dominica’s major agricultural export is bananas. Dominica is also an ecotourism hotspot, making the country millions each year. Dominica’s GDP per capita is $14,300 a year and its monetary unit is the East Caribbean Dollar.

History

Dominica was discovered by Europeans in 1493 when Columbus discovered the island. Dominica was then claimed by Britain and France who established plantations on the island and imported slaves. In 1763, Dominica was formally ceded to Britain. The country remained a British colony until 1967 when it became a self-governing member of the West Indies Associated States in free association with Britain. The country is known as the commonwealth of Dominica today.

People and Culture

Dominica is home to 71,684 people. 2,200 of those people are native Caribs (Kalinago) who live on a 3,700 acre reservation. Dominica’s indigenous people migrated from South America as early as 3,000 BC and permanently settled on the island by 1,000 AD. However, most of the Dominica’s population is black or mixed black and European because of the large slave import brought in during the 18th century. Because of French and English influence, Dominica’s leading religion is Roman Catholic. Dominica’s official language is English but French patois is commonly spoken among Dominicans.

Fun Facts

1. Dominica gets 60% of its power from water through a series of water carried down in pipes from high peaks.

2. There are lots of African traditions in Dominica including Carnival.

3. Dominica’s original name is Waitukubuli which means “tall is her body” in Kalingo.