Dominica

Dominica, officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, situated between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. Often called the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”, it is famed for its volcanic peaks, tropical rainforests, and exceptional biodiversity. Despite its modest size, Dominica has maintained a strong identity rooted in environmental preservation, resilience, and political stability within the wider Caribbean region.

Historical Background

Dominica was among the last Caribbean islands to be colonised by Europeans due to the formidable resistance of its Indigenous inhabitants, the Kalinago (Carib) people. The French first claimed the island in the seventeenth century, establishing small settlements, but ceded control to Britain under the Treaty of Paris (1763) following the Seven Years’ War. The British consolidated their authority in 1805, integrating Dominica into their Caribbean colonial system.
Slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1833, transforming Dominica’s social landscape. In 1835, it became the first British Caribbean colony to have a legislature dominated by free people of African descent, an early milestone in regional self-governance. However, racial tensions and economic decline led Britain to reassert direct control later in the nineteenth century.
Throughout the colonial period, Dominica’s administration alternated between the Leeward and Windward Islands federations. In 1958, it joined the short-lived West Indies Federation, and in 1967 achieved internal self-government as an Associated State of the United Kingdom. Full independence was declared on 3 November 1978, marking the establishment of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
In 1980, Dame Mary Eugenia Charles became the Caribbean’s first female prime minister, serving until 1995 and ushering in a period of political stability and democratic consolidation. The country has since faced recurrent challenges from hurricanes and tropical storms, most notably Hurricane Maria (2017), which caused widespread destruction to infrastructure and agriculture. Reconstruction efforts have focused on building a “climate-resilient nation”, positioning Dominica as a global advocate for environmental adaptation and sustainable development.

Geography and Environment

Dominica covers 751 square kilometres, making it one of the smallest sovereign states in the Western Hemisphere. It is entirely volcanic, with a rugged topography of mountains, valleys, and rivers. The highest peak, Morne Diablotins (1,447 metres), is the second-tallest mountain in the Lesser Antilles.
The island’s tropical rainforest climate is influenced by northeast trade winds, with heavy rainfall throughout the year and a wet season from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane period. Numerous rivers and waterfalls traverse the landscape, supporting both agriculture and hydropower.
Dominica’s volcanic activity is evident in geothermal features such as the Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot spring, and in the geothermal energy potential that underpins national development plans. The island includes several active volcanic centres, including Morne Trois Pitons, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

• Forest cover: 63.8% of total land area
• Agricultural use: 33.3%
• Natural resources: Timber, fertile soils, hydropower potential, and geothermal energy

The government has integrated environmental protection into all aspects of policy. Dominica is a signatory to international agreements including the Paris Climate Accord, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

People and Society

The population of Dominica was estimated at 74,661 (2024), with a median age of 37 years. The population has slightly declined due to emigration, particularly among the youth seeking employment abroad.
Ethnic composition:

• African descent: 84.5%
• Mixed heritage: 9%
• Indigenous Kalinago: 3.8% (residing mainly in the Kalinago Territory on the east coast)

Languages:

• Official: English
• Widely spoken: Kwéyòl (French-based Creole)

Religion:

• Roman Catholic: 52.7%
• Protestant denominations: 29.7%
• Other faiths (Jehovah’s Witnesses, Rastafarianism, Islam): 17.6%

Urbanisation: 72%, concentrated in coastal communities such as the capital, Roseau, and the northern town of Portsmouth.
Health and education indicators:

• Life expectancy: 78.7 years (female 81.8; male 75.8)
• Fertility rate: 2.01 children per woman
• Literacy rate: above 95%
• Health expenditure: 6.5% of GDP
• Education expenditure: 5.4% of GDP
• School life expectancy: 16–18 years

Dominica’s healthcare system provides universal access, with a physician density of 1.16 per 1,000 people and hospital bed availability of 3 per 1,000. Despite limited resources, the country has achieved steady improvements in public health, sanitation, and literacy.

Government and Politics

Dominica is a parliamentary republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, adhering to the Westminster model.

• President: Sylvanie Burton (since October 2023) — the nation’s first female head of state
• Prime Minister: Roosevelt Skerrit (since 2004) — one of the Caribbean’s longest-serving leaders

The unicameral House of Assembly consists of 32 members: 21 elected representatives, 9 appointed senators, and 2 ex officio members. The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) dominates national politics, holding 19 seats following the 2022 general elections. Women occupy 40.6% of parliamentary seats, reflecting progress in gender equality.
The judiciary, based on English common law, is part of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) system, with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) serving as the final appellate body. The 1978 Constitution guarantees civil liberties, multiparty democracy, and separation of powers.
Administratively, Dominica is divided into 10 parishes, including Saint George, Saint Andrew, Saint Patrick, and Saint Paul.

Economy

Dominica’s economy is small, open, and service-oriented, supported by agriculture, tourism, and international financial services. It forms part of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), using the East Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged at 2.7 per U.S. dollar.
Economic indicators (2024):

• GDP (PPP): $1.24 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $18,700
• Real GDP growth: 2.1%
• Inflation: 2.6%
• Public debt: 67% of GDP

Sectoral composition:

• Services: 56.9%
• Industry: 13.9%
• Agriculture: 12.2%

Agriculture remains vital, producing bananas, coconuts, citrus, and root crops. The service sector, particularly tourism and offshore banking, dominates GDP. Ecotourism is a key growth area, attracting visitors to the island’s rainforests, geothermal sites, and dive locations.
The Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), established in 1993, contributes significantly to government revenue, financing infrastructure and disaster recovery projects. However, it has drawn scrutiny from international regulators for transparency and due diligence practices.
Trade (2024):

• Exports: $212 million (bananas, soap, coconut oil, rum, furniture)
• Imports: $387 million (fuel, machinery, vehicles, plastics)
• Main export partners: The Bahamas (13%), Saudi Arabia (11%), Iceland (10%)
• Main import partners: United States (24%), China (11%), Trinidad and Tobago (7%)

The country experiences a persistent trade deficit and relies on remittances (5.6% of GDP) for foreign exchange stability.

Infrastructure and Energy

Dominica has achieved 100% electrification, with an installed capacity of 41,000 kW. The energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels (84.3%), complemented by hydropower (15%). Ambitious plans to develop geothermal and solar energy aim to achieve full energy self-sufficiency and carbon neutrality within the next two decades.
The island has two airports (Douglas–Charles and Canefield), two seaports (Roseau and Portsmouth), and an improving road network linking coastal and inland regions. Internet penetration stands at 84%, though rural broadband access remains limited.

Defence and Security

Dominica has no standing military. Defence responsibilities rest with the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), supported by the Regional Security System (RSS), a cooperative arrangement among Eastern Caribbean states for disaster response, maritime surveillance, and counter-narcotics operations.

National Identity and Heritage

Dominica’s identity is intertwined with its natural environment and multicultural heritage. The national flag, with its green field, tricolour cross, and sisserou parrot, symbolises fertility, faith, and unity. The national motto, “After God is the Earth”, expresses reverence for nature.
The coat of arms (adopted 1961) features two sisserou parrots, a lion, and symbols of agriculture and the sea, reflecting resilience and ecological abundance. The national anthem, “Isle of Beauty” (1967), celebrates the island’s landscapes and enduring spirit.