Dominica is a small island nation of the West Indies. It takes its name from the Latin Dies Dominica (day of the Lord), because it was first sighted by Christopher Columbus on a Sunday in 1943. Formerly a British colony, Dominica gained complete independence in 1978.
People
A few Carib Indians, one of its earliest inhabitants, still live on the island. But most Dominicans are descendants of Black Africans who were brought to the island as slaves in the 1700's. The official language is English, although a French dialect, a reminder of the time when the island was ruled by France, also is spoken. The majority of the people are Roman Catholic in religion. Roseau is the capital and largest city.
Land
Dominica is one of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. Dense tropical forests cover much of the mountainous interior. Unlike most Caribbean islands, Dominica has many rivers that provide drinking water and hydroelectric power. The climate is mildly tropical, with destructive hurricanes occasionally striking the island.
Economy
Dominica's economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and on the timber harvested from its forests. Bananas, citrus fruits, coconuts, and cacao (from which chocolate is made) are the main commercial crops. Tourism is a potential source of income but is still undeveloped. Some pumice, a stone used in abrasive cleaners and building materials, is mined. The processing of agricultural products, especially bananas and copra (dried coconut meat), is the chief industry.
History and Government
Dominica was the first island sighted by Columbus on his second voyage of discovery of America in 1493. The Carib Indians, however, strongly resisted European settlement, and it was not until the early 1700's that the French were able to colonize the island. British rule was established in the late 1700's.
Dominica was a member of the West Indies Associated States before it gained complete independence as the Commonwealth of Dominica in 1978.
Dominica's government is headed by a prime minister, who is the leader of the majority party in the legislature, the House of Assembly. A president, chosen by the House of Assembly, is head of state. Mary Eugenia Charles, whose party won elections in 1980 , 1985, and 1990, was the first woman prime minister in the Caribbean region.
People
A few Carib Indians, one of its earliest inhabitants, still live on the island. But most Dominicans are descendants of Black Africans who were brought to the island as slaves in the 1700's. The official language is English, although a French dialect, a reminder of the time when the island was ruled by France, also is spoken. The majority of the people are Roman Catholic in religion. Roseau is the capital and largest city.
Land
Dominica is one of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. Dense tropical forests cover much of the mountainous interior. Unlike most Caribbean islands, Dominica has many rivers that provide drinking water and hydroelectric power. The climate is mildly tropical, with destructive hurricanes occasionally striking the island.
Economy
Dominica's economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and on the timber harvested from its forests. Bananas, citrus fruits, coconuts, and cacao (from which chocolate is made) are the main commercial crops. Tourism is a potential source of income but is still undeveloped. Some pumice, a stone used in abrasive cleaners and building materials, is mined. The processing of agricultural products, especially bananas and copra (dried coconut meat), is the chief industry.
History and Government
Dominica was the first island sighted by Columbus on his second voyage of discovery of America in 1493. The Carib Indians, however, strongly resisted European settlement, and it was not until the early 1700's that the French were able to colonize the island. British rule was established in the late 1700's.
Dominica was a member of the West Indies Associated States before it gained complete independence as the Commonwealth of Dominica in 1978.
Dominica's government is headed by a prime minister, who is the leader of the majority party in the legislature, the House of Assembly. A president, chosen by the House of Assembly, is head of state. Mary Eugenia Charles, whose party won elections in 1980 , 1985, and 1990, was the first woman prime minister in the Caribbean region.
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