Dominica is characterized by mountains and tropical rainforest. The island is mostly volcanic and has only few white beaches. Being 290 square miles / 750 square kilometers, Dominica is largest (and the most northerly) of the Windward Islands, situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, largely due to fierce resistance by the native Caribs. France ceded possession of its former colony to Great Britain in 1763, which declared Dominica a British colony in 1805. Almost all Dominicans are descendants of African slaves brought in by colonial planters in the 18th century. Dominica is the only island in the eastern Caribbean to retain some of its pre-Columbian population the Carib Indians about 3,000 of whom live today on the island's east coast.
In 1978, the Commonwealth of Dominica was granted independence by the United Kingdom.
The principal economic activity in Dominica is agriculture, accounting for over a third of GDP and employing 40-50% of the labour force. Bananas, citrus and coconuts are the main crops. Dominica is increasingly looking to create niche markets in eco-agriculture and eco-tourism. The island is also diversifying its agricultural sector by introducing coffee, patchouli, aloe vera, cut flowers and exotic fruits such as mangoes, guavas, and papayas.
Dominica has two ports, Roseau which has a deep water harbour, and Portsmouth which has a cruise ship berth. There is an airport at Melville Hall 58 km from Roseau, and a smaller airstrip at Canefield, 8 km from Roseau. Dominica has no international airport and no railway.
Dominica is acclaimed as the Nature Island of the Caribbean. It has some of the worlds most exciting diving spots, the worlds second largest boiling lake, breathtaking waterfalls, rain forests, tall mountains and 365 beautiful rivers.
The climate of Dominica is mildly tropical. In the winter months the temperature averages 25°C / 77° F and in the summer 28°C / 82° F. The spring months are the driest and the heaviest rain fall during late summer. The average yearly rainfall ranges from about 191 cm / 75 in on the drier Caribbean coast to 508 cm / 200 in in mountainous inland areas. Hurricanes coming in from the Atlantic Ocean can be expected during the late summer months.
Water temperature averages 27°C / 80°F.
Dominica is the most forested island of the Lesser Antilles. The forest is the habitat of a variety of birds and animals.
The Imperial parrot, aka Sisserou is Dominicas national bird (it's the parrot on the flag) and the red-necked parrot, also called Jaco are found nowhere else. The blue-headed hummingbirds is native only to Dominica and Martinique, can often be seen around flowers. Soaring high above the sea near shore is the Magnificent Frigatebird.
Of reptiles, Dominica has Iguana, gekkoes, and several species of snake (none of them are poisonous!). The largest snake is the Boa Constrictor also called Tete-chien. A large and noisy frog locally known as crapaud or Mountain Chicken, used to be a culinary delicacy.
Beside the mammals of the sea, there are two large mammals in Dominica: the Agouti and the Manicou (opossum).
The land crabs are very popular and plentiful in Dominica. When in season, they are the main ingredient for 'Crab Backs' a traditional creole dish.
Dominica's national flower is the Bwa Carib (Sabinea carinalis). There are many species of Orchids on the island, and fern species number in the hundreds.