Dominica

The Commonwealth of Dominica is an independent nation in the Eastern Caribbean and is not to be confused with the Dominican Republic. The original Carib name for Dominica is ‘Waitikubuli’ which means ‘Tall is her body’ and the island is home to the only surviving population of indigenous Carib Indians in the Caribbean.

Dominica is well-known as the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’ and is blessed with 365 rivers, crystal clear waterfalls, mountain lakes, hot springs and one of the largest boiling lakes in the world! Dominica is the only Eastern Caribbean island with a World Heritage site and has one of the most pristine rainforests in the tropical region. Various shades of lush green are abundant with 65% of the island under natural vegetation. Dominica has over 1000 flowering plants and 175 different species of bird including two indigenous species of parrot. Other wildlife includes agouti, manicou, snakes, lizards, frogs and numerous insects yet in this paradise island, nothing is poisonous!

Dominica is also rated as one of the top five Dive Destinations in the world. Our waters host numerous whale and dolphin populations and Dominica has recently been called the Whale Watching capital of the Caribbean. Several of our beaches are a breeding ground for three types of Turtles; the Giant Leatherback, the Hawksbill and the Green Turtle.

Size
At 29 miles long (49km) and 16 miles (25km) at its widest Dominica is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands and has a total area of 289.5 Sq. miles (790sq.km).

Population
Dominica's population is around 71,000 and boasts of the highest number of centenarians per capita in the world!

Capital
Roseau (pronounced rose-oh)

Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollars (US Dollars are also widely accepted the exchange rate is 2.7169 to the US$)

Official language
English. (A French based Creole is also widely spoken)

How to get Here
Dominica's main airport is Melville Hall in the north-east (38 miles from Roseau). Smaller is Canefield in the south-west just 3 miles from Roseau.

For more information on Dominica please check the following links:
www.avirtualdominica.com
www.dominica.dm