The Commonwealth of Dominica, commonly known as Dominica,
is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. To the north/northwest
lies Guadeloupe, to the southeast Martinique. Its size is 754 square
kilometres (291 sq mi) and the highest point in the country is Morne
Diablotins, which has an elevation of 1,447 metres (4,750 ft). The
Commonwealth of Dominica has an estimated population of 72,500. The
capital is Roseau.
Dominica's name is locally pronounced /ˌdɒmɪˈniːkə/ DOM-i-NEE-kə,
but elsewhere /dəˈmɪnɨkə/ də-MIN-i-kə is common
Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for
its seemingly unspoiled natural beauty. It is the youngest island in
the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by geothermal-volcanic
activity, as evidenced by the world's second-largest boiling lake.
The island features lush mountainous rainforests, home of many very
rare plant, animal, and bird species. There are xeric areas in some
of the western coastal regions, but heavy rainfall can be expected
inland. The Sisserou parrot, the island's national bird, is featured
on the national flag. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on
both tourism and agriculture.
In the next hundred years after Columbus' landing Dominica remained
isolated, and even more Caribs settled there after being driven from
surrounding islands as European powers entered the region. France
formally ceded possession of Dominica to the United Kingdom in 1763.
The United Kingdom then set up a government and made the island a
colony in 1805. The emancipation of African slaves occurred
throughout the British Empire in 1834, and, in 1838, Dominica became
the first British Caribbean colony to have a Black-controlled
legislature. In 1896, the United Kingdom reassumed governmental
control of Dominica turning it into a crown colony. Half a century
later, from 1958 to 1962, Dominica became a province of the
short-lived West Indies Federation. In 1978 Dominica became an
independent nation.
In 1635, France claimed Dominica. Shortly thereafter, French
missionaries became the first European inhabitants of the island.
Carib incursions continued, though, and in 1660, the French and
British agreed that both Dominica and St. Vincent should be
abandoned. Dominica was officially neutral for the next century, but
the attraction of its resources remained; rival expeditions of
British and French foresters were harvesting timber by the start of
the 18th century.
Dominica is an island nation and borderless
country in the Caribbean Sea, the northernmost of the
Windward Islands. The size of the country is about 289.5
square miles (754 km?). The capital is Roseau.
Dominica is largely covered by rainforest and is home to the
world's second-largest boiling lake. Dominica has many
waterfalls, springs, and rivers. Some plants and animals
thought to be extinct on surrounding islands can still be
found in Dominica's forests The volcanic nature of the
island and the lack of sandy beaches has attracted scuba
divers. The island has several protected areas, including
Cabrits National Park.
Dominica is home to a wide range of people. Although it
was historically occupied by several native tribes, the
Arawaks and Kaliango Carib tribes remained by the time
European settlers reached the island. 'Massacre' is a name
of a river dedicated to the murders of the Native villagers
by French and British settlers, because the river ran red
with blood for days. Each (French and British) claimed the
island and imported slaves from Africa. The remaining Caribs
now live on a 3,700-acre (15 km2) territory on the east
coast of the island. They elect their own chief. This mix of
cultures is important to Dominica.
A Dominican drumming band.
Music and dance are important facets of Dominica's culture.
The annual independence celebrations show an outburst of
traditional song and dance preceded since 1997 by weeks of
Creole expressions such as "Creole in the Park" and the
"World Creole Music Festival". Dominica gained prominence on
the international music stage when in 1973, Gordon Henderson
founded the group Exile One and an original musical genre
which he coined "Cadence-lypso" which paved the way for
modern Creole music.
The 11th annual World Creole Music Festival was the first
activity held there since its completion on October 27,
2007, part of the island's celebration of independence from
Great Britain on November 3. A year-long reunion celebration
began in January 2008 marking 30 years of independence.
Dominica is often seen a society that is migrating from
collectivism to that of an individualism. The economy is a
developing one that previously depended on agriculture.
Signs of collectivism are evident in the small towns and
villages which are spread across the island.
Dominican cuisine is similar to that of other Caribbean
countries. Common main courses comprise of meat (usually
chicken, but can be goat, lamb, or beef) covered in sauce.
the sauces are either spicy pepper sauces, or concoctions
made from local fruit. A huge variety of local fruit, from
tamarind to passion fruit, are served on the island, usually
in juice or sauce form. soursop, is peeled and eaten raw.
Sorrel, a red flower that only blooms around Christmas is
boiled into a bright red drink.
Beaches may be the one thing most travelers think of when they consider
visiting the tropics, but Dominica is not best known for its shoreline.
Still, those seeking the chance to enjoy unusual scenery will love
Dominica's black and yellow beaches.
The majority of Dominica's beaches are made up of dark gray or jet black
volcanic sands, which are unusual but not uncommon throughout the region.
However, along the northeastern edge of the island, rarely seen gold or
honey-colored sands line a few beaches. Dominica's beaches tend to be
somewhat rocky, so sunbathers may want to choose their beaches carefully.
Those who choose the island's"best" beaches often visit the northwestern
shores around Portsmouth, which is Dominica's second-largest city. Although
the city is larger than most on the island, it is hardly metropolitan.
You'll find plenty of near-deserted stretches of sand, sun, and waves
nearby, particularly in smaller coves.
Snorkeling is among the more popular beachfront activities, and equipment
rentals and fine snorkeling spots are easy to find on the island. Dominica
is known for its snorkeling and diving, and you will find several sites with
beautiful underwater views just off the shores.
Some of these northern beaches are also part of Cabrits National Park, such
as the beach at Douglas Bay, which is considered to be one of the island's
best. Snorkeling is also available in the park.
Travelers who want to visit a beach and are staying in or around Roseau on
the southern portion of the island shouldn't despair. Many beaches are
nearby, and so are a number of other activities to entertain you during your
stay.
Another popular spot for beachgoers is the Calibishie area, also called
Pointe Baptiste. This northern region is not particularly close to any major
cities, but it isn't far from a small airport, making it fairly easy to
reach from the airport at Roseau.
If you're looking for white-sand beaches, you will be surprised by
Dominica's shores, but that doesn't mean you won't see beautiful beach
vistas or enjoy many snorkeling and diving opportunities.
