Dominica Facts

Dominica, State of the Caribbean; 750 km², 71,000 residents (2019).Dominica is part of the Small Antilles archipelago. The capital is Roseau (14,700 residents, 2012).

Country facts

• Commonwealth of Dominica / Commonwealth Dominica
• Country abbreviation: DM
• Area: 750 km²
• Population (2019): 71,000 residents
• Capital: Roseau
• Main languages: English, French, Creole
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Charles Savarin (President)
• Head of Government: Roosevelt Skerrit
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 7,031
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 7,210
• Currency unit: 1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents
• Currency code: XCD
• Country number (telephony): 1
• Internet domain name: dm
• Time difference compared to Sweden: −5
• National Day: November 3 (Independence Day, 1978)

Nature

• Land use: forest (66%), agricultural land (23%), other (11%)
• Highest mountain: Diablotin (1,447 m above sea level)

Population

• Population density (2019): 95 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 0.4%; birth rate 12 ‰, death rate 8 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (22%), 15-64 (67%), 65- (11%)
• Average life expectancy (2019): men 73 years, women 78 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 20 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 100,000 residents
• HDI (2017): 0.715 (place 103 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 71%
• Most populous city (2012): Roseau (14,700 residents)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (22%), industry (13%), service (65%)
• Export (2017): US $ 28 million
• Main export product: bananas, soap
• Main exporting countries: Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica
• Imports (2017): US $ 207 million
• Main import products: machinery, food
• Main importing countries: USA, Trinidad and Tobago
• Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography

Location and Borders

Dominica is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Lesser Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean. It lies between the French overseas territories of Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. Dominica is approximately 290 square miles (750 square kilometers) in size, making it one of the smaller islands in the Caribbean. The island is situated about 150 miles (240 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Rico, and it is part of the Windward Islands group. Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Dominica does not share a land border with any other country.

Dominica is geographically distinct because of its rugged terrain and volcanic origin, with dramatic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and numerous rivers that contribute to its scenic beauty. The island is completely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, making it an attractive destination for marine tourism and activities. The island’s position in the eastern Caribbean places it at the junction of tropical and maritime climates, contributing to its rich biodiversity.

Topography and Natural Features

Dominica is renowned for its natural beauty, which includes mountainous landscapes, dense rainforests, numerous rivers, and volcanic features. The island is shaped by volcanic activity and has an abundance of geothermal resources, making it an environmentally unique destination. The highest point on the island is the Morne Diablotins peak, which rises to 1,447 meters (4,747 feet) above sea level, and the island is dotted with other mountains, including Morne Trois Pitons, which is part of the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

Dominica is home to several active volcanic craters, with volcanic lakes and fumaroles scattered across the island. The famous Boiling Lake, located in the national park, is the world’s second-largest boiling lake and one of the island’s most visited natural attractions. The island also features black sand beaches, volcanic hot springs, and freshwater lakes like Lake Scorpion and Freshwater Lake.

Dominica is part of the Caribbean’s “Ring of Fire” volcanic region, which means the island experiences frequent seismic activity, although it is not subject to the same level of destructive earthquakes as other areas in the region. The island’s rivers, including the Layou, Roseau, and the Indian River, provide vital resources for agriculture and contribute to the fertile soil.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

Dominica has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and substantial rainfall throughout the year. The island experiences two main seasons: a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. During the wet season, the island receives the majority of its rainfall, with frequent afternoon showers and occasional tropical storms or hurricanes. The dry season is generally characterized by less rainfall, although Dominica can still experience significant rainfall throughout the year due to its mountainous terrain, which creates orographic lift, causing moist air to condense and form rain.

The average temperature in Dominica is fairly constant throughout the year, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The cooler, higher elevations of the island, especially around the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, are often characterized by more moderate temperatures. However, Dominica is known for its humidity, which can feel oppressive, particularly in the coastal areas.

The island’s climate, along with its volcanic soil, supports the lush, dense rainforests that cover much of the island. These forests are teeming with diverse wildlife, making the country an attractive destination for eco-tourism and conservation efforts. The climate is also conducive to the cultivation of crops like bananas, coconuts, cocoa, and citrus fruits, all of which are important to the country’s economy.

People

Population and Demographics

Dominica has a population of approximately 72,000 people, making it one of the smallest countries in the Caribbean by population. The majority of the population resides in the capital city of Roseau, located on the western coast of the island, with other smaller towns and villages scattered across the island. The population density is relatively low compared to other Caribbean nations, and there is a strong rural presence with many people living in remote mountainous areas.

Dominica’s population is ethnically diverse, with the majority of people being of African descent, a legacy of the island’s history as a slave colony under European colonial rule. The island also has a small population of Carib or Kalinago people, the indigenous group that originally inhabited the island. The Caribs reside primarily in a designated territory known as the Kalinago Territory, located on the eastern side of the island. While the Kalinago people have maintained many of their traditional customs and practices, the majority of the island’s population identifies with Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage.

There are also small communities of people of European (mainly French and British), East Indian, and Lebanese descent, reflecting the island’s complex colonial and post-colonial history. Today, the island remains predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the largest religion, followed by various Protestant denominations.

Languages

The official language of Dominica is English, which is used in government, education, business, and media. However, the majority of the population speaks a French-based Creole, known as Kwéyòl or Patwa, which is used in everyday communication, especially in rural areas. Kwéyòl is an essential part of Dominican culture and is spoken fluently by the majority of the population, though it is not standardized and can vary in terms of pronunciation and vocabulary across different regions.

While Kwéyòl is widely spoken, English remains the language of instruction in schools, and government business is conducted in English. The use of both languages highlights the island’s dual colonial heritage—French and British influence, as well as the cultural blending of indigenous and African languages. In recent years, there has been a movement to preserve and promote the use of Kwéyòl in schools and public life, as it forms a key part of Dominica’s national identity.

Religion

The dominant religion in Dominica is Christianity, with the majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. Catholicism was introduced during the French colonial era, and the religion has maintained a strong influence on Dominican society. Catholic festivals, such as Christmas and Easter, are widely celebrated, and the church plays a central role in many aspects of public and private life, including education and social welfare.

Protestantism also has a significant presence on the island, with various denominations, including Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Seventh-day Adventist communities, contributing to the religious landscape of the country. While Christianity remains the primary religion, there are also smaller religious groups, including followers of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and a small number of Hindus, Muslims, and Rastafarians.

Religion plays a central role in social gatherings, ceremonies, and holidays. Church services are widely attended, and the Christian values of charity, family, and community are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Dominican society.

Economy

Overview

Dominica has a small but diverse economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly the production of bananas, which have historically been the country’s main export crop. However, in recent years, the economy has been increasingly focused on tourism, particularly eco-tourism, as the island’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity have attracted visitors from around the world. Dominica is also a member of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, using the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) as its currency.

Despite its small size, Dominica’s economy is growing, especially in the areas of tourism, services, and agriculture. The country has made strides in improving infrastructure, particularly in transportation and energy, and has attracted foreign investment in sustainable industries. However, Dominica faces challenges such as limited access to global markets, vulnerability to natural disasters, and a relatively high dependency on external financial aid and remittances from the diaspora.

Dominica’s government has also been focused on developing the financial services sector and encouraging foreign investment through programs such as its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which allows individuals to obtain citizenship through investments in real estate or government bonds. This has brought some wealth to the country, although it has also been a subject of controversy due to concerns over its transparency.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture is a key component of Dominica’s economy, with bananas being the most significant crop. Historically, Dominica has been one of the leading banana exporters in the Caribbean. However, the banana industry has faced challenges in recent decades due to fluctuating international prices, hurricanes, and the collapse of preferential trade agreements with European markets. While bananas remain a staple of the economy, diversification into other crops has been encouraged, including the cultivation of citrus fruits, coconuts, root vegetables, and cocoa.

Cocoa production is another important agricultural activity, and Dominica is known for its high-quality organic cocoa beans, which are prized by international chocolatiers. The government has promoted the development of the organic cocoa sector, which is seen as a potential growth area for the economy. Additionally, the country produces coffee, spices, and herbs, as well as fisheries products.

Dominica is known for its geothermal resources, and the government has been actively pursuing the development of its geothermal energy sector. The island has one of the highest potentials for geothermal energy production in the Caribbean, and several projects are underway to tap into this renewable energy source. The development of geothermal energy would help to reduce the country’s dependency on imported fossil fuels and contribute to sustainable development goals.

Industry and Services

Dominica’s industrial sector is relatively small, and the country is not a major manufacturing hub in the Caribbean. However, the island has some industries related to food processing, particularly in the areas of fruit and vegetable preservation, as well as light manufacturing in textiles and construction materials.

The services sector, particularly in tourism and financial services, has grown significantly in recent years. Dominica is becoming increasingly recognized as an eco-tourism destination due to its rich natural resources, including rainforests, waterfalls, hot springs, and protected marine areas. The country has also invested in expanding its tourism infrastructure, including eco-lodges, hiking trails, and dive tourism facilities.

The financial services sector is also a growing part of the economy, with a focus on offshore banking and investment services. Dominica has become an attractive destination for foreign investors through its Citizenship by Investment program, which provides an additional source of income for the government and has attracted high-net-worth individuals to the island.

Government

Political System

Dominica is a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party political system. The President of Dominica serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The President is elected for a five-year term by an electoral college, while the Prime Minister is usually the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the House of Assembly. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are responsible for the day-to-day governance of the country.

The Parliament of Dominica consists of two chambers: the House of Assembly and the Senate. The House of Assembly has 21 members, 15 of whom are elected by the people of Dominica, and 6 members are appointed by the President. The Senate, which is composed of 9 members, is primarily tasked with reviewing legislation and providing checks and balances to the government.

Dominica has a multi-party system, with the two main political parties being the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP). Elections are held every five years, and the political landscape is characterized by relatively peaceful transitions of power.

Legal System

Dominica follows a legal system based on English common law, reflecting its history as a British colony. The country’s legal system includes civil, criminal, and family law, and the judiciary is independent from the executive branch of government. The highest court in Dominica is the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, which has appellate jurisdiction and is responsible for hearing cases that involve constitutional matters or disputes between parties in different territories.

Dominica’s legal framework is designed to uphold human rights and individual freedoms, although there have been some concerns regarding transparency and the influence of political actors on the judicial process. The country has a strong tradition of rule of law and is committed to international human rights standards.

Foreign Relations

Dominica has an active foreign policy that focuses on maintaining strong relations with its Caribbean neighbors, as well as with countries in Europe and North America. Dominica is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the United Nations. It is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, which fosters ties with the United Kingdom and other former colonies.

The country has a history of maintaining good relations with regional neighbors and has played a role in Caribbean diplomacy. In recent years, Dominica has sought to strengthen its ties with emerging economies in Asia, particularly China, and has benefited from Chinese investment in infrastructure and aid. Additionally, the government has focused on attracting foreign investment, especially through the Citizenship by Investment program, which has been a significant source of revenue.

Dominica is committed to environmental sustainability and has signed international agreements related to climate change, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The country has also played an active role in international initiatives aimed at protecting small island developing states and ensuring their resilience in the face of global environmental challenges.

Dominica Map