Dominica, Commonwealth of

Dominica, Commonwealth of An island country, the second largest of the Windward group of the Caribbean Islands.

Physical

The loftiest island in the region, it has a mountainous ridge rising to Morne Diablotin, at 1447 m (4747 feet). Dominica is volcanic origin and has beautiful scenery, with forests, waterfalls, craters, and springs. Only the coastline is cultivable on any scale.

Economy

Dominica's economy is primarily agricultural, with bananas the leading export crop. Other crops include root crops, coconuts, and citrus, but much land is still under forest. Tourism is being developed, while industry is limited to food-processing and soap-making.

History

When Europeans first arrived Dominica was inhabited by Carib Indians, who had driven out the earlier inhabitants, the Arawaks. During the 18th century the French and British fought with each other, and with the Caribs, for control of the island. Britain was in possession of the island in 1805, when the French made their last attempt to capture Dominica but were driven out by the British. In 1958 Dominica joined the West Indian Federation and it became an autonomous British Associated State in 1967. It gained full independence in 1978.

Dominica was devastated by hurricanes in 1979 and 1980, and there were two attempted coups in 1981. The Dominican Freedom Party (DFP), under Dame Eugenia Charles (1919– ), governed the country from 1980 until 1995, when the United Workers' Party (DUWP) won elections.

Capital:	Roseau
Area:	750 sq km (290 sq miles)
Population:	76,400 (1998 est)
Currency:	1 East Caribbean dollar = 100cents
Religions:	Roman Catholic 76.9%;Methodist 5.0%; Seventh-day Adventist3.2%; Pentecostal 2.9%
Ethnic Groups:	Black 91.2%; mixed 6.0%;Amerindian 1.5%; White and other 1.3%
Languages:	English (official); French creole
International Organizations:	UN; OAS; CARICOM; Commonwealth