Dominica
(do-MI-ni-kuh), island republic (1991 pop. 71,183)
( 305 sq mi/790 sq km),
Roseau, in the Windward Isls., West Indies; 15°30'N
61°20'W. Roseau is the chief port. The isl., of volcanic origin, is
mountainous and forested, with fertile soil, and is noted for its
numerous (365) rivers. Bananas are the chief commercial crop and
export, although citrus fruits and coconut oil are also exported, and
farmers have begun growing marijuana as well. Economic progress was set
back severely by 2 major hurricanes in 1979 and 1980, and
although tourism is a growing industry, Dominica remains one of the
poorest Caribbean nations. The isl. was sighted by Columbus in 1493.
English and French attempts at settlement were thwarted by the Caribs,
who had taken it earlier from the Arawaks. An Anglo-French treaty of
1748 left Dominica in Carib hands, but both powers continued to covet
it. The island definitively passed to the British in 1815. Hostilities
bet. the British and the Caribs led to the virtual extinction of the
Caribs, who number about 500 and occupy a reservation on the eastern
side of the island. Dominica gained independence in 1978. In 1981 there
were 2 attempted political coups, both of which failed.
Capital city or county seat is shown by the symbol
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Roseau, in the Windward Isls., West Indies; 15°30'N
61°20'W. Roseau is the chief port. The isl., of volcanic origin, is
mountainous and forested, with fertile soil, and is noted for its
numerous (365) rivers. Bananas are the chief commercial crop and
export, although citrus fruits and coconut oil are also exported, and
farmers have begun growing marijuana as well. Economic progress was set
back severely by 2 major hurricanes in 1979 and 1980, and
although tourism is a growing industry, Dominica remains one of the
poorest Caribbean nations. The isl. was sighted by Columbus in 1493.
English and French attempts at settlement were thwarted by the Caribs,
who had taken it earlier from the Arawaks. An Anglo-French treaty of
1748 left Dominica in Carib hands, but both powers continued to covet
it. The island definitively passed to the British in 1815. Hostilities
bet. the British and the Caribs led to the virtual extinction of the
Caribs, who number about 500 and occupy a reservation on the eastern
side of the island. Dominica gained independence in 1978. In 1981 there
were 2 attempted political coups, both of which failed.
