DOMINICA

Dominica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. The official name is Commonwealth of Dominica. Dominica was first sighted by Europeans, including Christopher Columbus, in 1493. They encountered the indigenous peoples known as the Caribs, but soon left the island after being defeated by the Caribs.

Location

Most northernly windward island, Dominica is located in the Caribbean sea. Guadeloupe is located to its north and Martinique to its south.

Geography

known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in the world.

Capital

Roseau

Population

68,910

Climate

Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Language

English and French patois

Monetary Unit

French Franc

Largest Cities

Portsmouth

Principal rivers

Layou