Dominica

Dominica is a small island state in the Caribbean Sea, to the south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique. The highest peak is Morne Diablotins, rising 1 447 m above sea level. Dominica is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles and is still being formed by geothermal‐volcanic activity. It has the world's second‐largest hot spring, called Boiling Lake. Dominica is known as 'The Nature Island of the Caribbean', as the mountainous island and its rainforests are home to many rare plants, animals and birds. The Sisserou parrot (also called the imperial amazon) is the island's national bird, lives only in Dominica and is featured on the national flag. Dominica's flag is one of only two national flags that include the colour purple, the other being Nicaragua.

Dominica has a tropical maritime climate with a relatively cool and dry season from January to mid‐April and a hot and rainy season from mid‐June to mid‐November. The average monthly temperature is around 25‐26 °C, dropping only a little to 24‐25 °C in the period from December to February. The average annual rainfall is 3 200 mm. -—
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—- However, while some of the western coast can be rather dry (below 2 000 mm annually), heavy rainfalls occur more often inland and on the eastern coast, around 5 000 mm annually ‐ in some places even up to 9 000 mm. The northeastern slopes of Morne Diablotins are among the rainiest places in the world. Dominica is vulnerable to hurricanes, which usually hit between June and October, sometimes causing heavy rains, extensive flooding, landslides, destroying homes and causing damage to agriculture. The country is the third most at-risk country according to the United Nations University -—
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—- World Risk Index.

Dominica has traditionally been dependent on agriculture, mainly bananas, but is diversifying its economy to make the country an eco‐tourism destination. In addition to bananas, its main export products include soap, bay oil, vegetables and revenue stamps. Nearly one third of the labour force works in agriculture. The economy is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and weather conditions. Economic growth relies on increases in tourism, construction, and offshore and other services, in addition to the banana industry.

Tourism has developed more slowly in Dominica than on other Caribbean islands. Cruise ship stopovers have increased with the better availability of modern waterfront facilities in the capital, Roseau. Dominica makes an attractive tourism destination with its mountains, rainforests, lakes and hot springs, waterfalls and related water sport opportunities. In 2019, Dominica attracted over 322 thousand tourist arrivals compared to 199 thousand in 2018. The growth is likely to have increased inbound tourism expenditure over GDP from 21 per cent recorded in 2018. -—
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Music and dance are important in the Dominican culture. Creole festival weeks have been organised since 1997, called 'Creole in the Park' and the 'World Creole Music Festival'. Exile One was a famous music group from the 1970s and paved the way for modern Creole music. Dominica's music mixes Haitian, Afro‐Cuban, African and European music styles. The second Pirates of the Caribbean film was largely filmed in Dominica as well as parts of the third film in the series.

Dominicans eat often saltfish and baked goods for breakfast or for a fast‐food snack throughout the day. Cornmeal porridge is also part of a typical breakfast – made with fine cornmeal or polenta, milk, condensed milk and sugar. Common vegetables include peas, plantains, potatoes, rice, tanias (a root vegetable) and yams. These are often prepared with meat or fish in stews with onions, carrots, garlic, ginger and herbs like thyme. The vegetables and meat are browned to create a rich dark sauce.

Cricket is a popular sport in Dominica. Association football, basketball, netball, rugby and tennis are gaining in popularity as well. In 2014, Dominica participated for the first and only time in the Winter Olympics, competing in cross‐country skiing. Dominicans also participate in Track and Field, winning a bronze medal from the 1995 World Championships in the triple jump.