Dominica (pronounced “Dom-in-eek-a”) is an island of volcanic origins located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean.  It is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, with an area of 289.5 sq. miles.  It is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide at its widest point.  The formal name, Commonwealth of Dominica, is often used to distinguish it from the Dominican Republic.

Dominica is perhaps most famous for its tropical rainforest, and the many rivers and waterfalls which result from the high rainfall in the interior. In addition, its volcanic origins manifest themselves most noticeably in the Boiling Lake (one of the largest of its kind in the world) and many other smaller fumaroles around the island.

Moreover, it is widely acknowledged to be both one of the best dive sites and a prime whale watching location in the region. 

The rugged, unspoiled landscape of mountain peaks and valleys covered with lush rain forests, impressive waterfalls and exotic flora is why Dominica is known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean.

Dominica’s population is around 73,000, of which 20,000 live around the capital city, Roseau (pronounced ‘Ro-zo’), which is located on the southwest coast.  English is the official language; however, because of historic French domination, the most widely spoken dialect is a French Patois or Creole (kwéyòl).  Dominica is the only island in the eastern Caribbean to retain some of its pre-Columbian population – the Carib Indians.  In 1903 the Caribs were assigned a 3,700-acre territory in the northeast where around 3,000 live today.

For more information on Dominica, please visit www.discoverdominica.com