Dominica

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 72,386 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Dominican(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Dominican

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: English

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Commonwealth of Dominica

Country Name (short form): Dominica

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Roseau

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Dominica: Martinique, Guadeloupe

Land Area: 754 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Coastline: 148 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

International Phone Code: -766

Currency Code: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Internet Country Code: .dm

US Embassy Location: the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica

US Embassy Mailing Address: none