Dominica
Dominica is an island country in the Caribbean Sea.Dominica, or Commonwealth of Dominica, an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies. It lies between Martinique and Guadeloupe, about 350 miles (560 km) southeast of Puerto Rico. Dominica is about 30 miles (48 km) long (north-south) and 15 miles (24 km) wide. It covers an area of 290 square miles (751 km2). Dominica is of volcanic origin and is mountainous. The land rises abruptly from the sea in many places, reaching a maximum height of 4,747 feet (1,447 m). The climate is tropical, and dense rain forests cover much of the land. Devastating hurricanes sometimes occur in late summer.
Agriculture is the dominant economic activity on Dominica. Plantations produce crops for export, family farms for subsistence. Bananas have long been the chief commercial crop and export; coconuts and citrus fruits are also important. The processing of agricultural products is the main manufacturing activity. Tourism is of growing importance. Most of the island's electrical power is generated hydroelectrically. The country's main airport and main seaport are near Roseau, the capital. The basic currency unit is the East Caribbean dollar.
In 2001, Dominica had a population of 71,727. Most of Dominica's inhabitants are blacks. There are a small number of Carib Indians, descendants of the people who inhabited the Lesser Antilles at the time of the arrival of Columbus. Roseau has a population of about 15,000.
Dominica is a republic, headed by a president who is elected for five years by the House of Assembly. The House of Assembly is composed of 30 members (21 elected representatives and 9 appointed senators). Dominica is a member of the British Commonwealth.