Dominica
Brief History
The first inhabitants of Dominica were the Ortoroids, who came to the island from South America. They arrived around 3100 B.C. and lasted until around 400 B.C. The Arawak people inhabited the island around 400 A.D. By 1400, The warring Caribs people wiped the Arawaks off of the island. In 1493, Christopher Columbus was the first European to set foot in Dominica. The Spanish did not settle the island, however, as the Caribs successfully resisted efforts of colonization. Over 100 years later, France laid claim on Dominica and began to settle the island. Dominica was passed between French and English control, until becoming an English colony in 1805. On November 3, 1978, Dominica became an independent country.
National Flag
The flag of Dominica was adopted on November 3, 1978. It has a green background bearing a cross of yellow, black, and white stripes. In the center of the flag is a Sisserou parrot, which is indigenous to the island.
Geography
Dominica is an island in the Caribbean sea. It is a beautiful mountainous country almost entirely covered by rainforest. Dominica is volcanic in origin, there is still thermal activity on the island.
World Land Mass Ranking: 188th
Highest Mountain: Morne Diablotins, 1,447 m (4,747 ft)
Longest River: 24 km (15 m)
Main Languages
English
Dominica Population: 71,991 (as of 2020)
Capital City: Roseau
Capital City Population: 14,725 (as of 2011
Climate
Dominica has a tropical climate and is hot and humid year-round. The country receives heavy rainfall and is also very windy.
Key People
Cuisine
Dominican cuisine is a mixture of French, Caribbean, French, and African cuisines. Many fresh fruits and vegetables are grown on the island, including plantains, oranges, limes, avocado, guava, and many more. Some popular Dominican meals are rice and peas, dumpling soup, and stewed beef or chicken. Callaloo is the national dish of Dominica. It is a dish made up of indigenous leafy green vegetables cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and thyme.
Sports
The most national and most popular sport in Dominica is cricket. Dominica is a member of the British Windward Islands Control Board. Like other Caribbean countries, water sports are popular in Domina since it is an island country. Another sport that is commonly played in Dominica is football (soccer).
Culture
Dominican culture is mainly influenced by the Caribs, British, French, and Africans. The prominent religion in Dominica is Roman Catholocism, followed by Evangelicalism. Music and dance are important elements of Dominican culture. Dominican music is a blend of African and European elements and uses traditional instruments. Celebrations and festivals are common in Dominica, including Carnival.
Dominica is a beautiful country with wonderful people.
10 facts about Dominica
1. There are 365 rivers in Dominica.
2. Dominica was the last Caribbean island to be colonized.
3. Its official name is the Commonwealth of Dominica.
4. There are nine volcanoes in Dominica.
5. Whale watching is common in Dominica
6. Dominica’s national symbol is the Sisserou Parrot.
7. Dominica has the second-largest boiling lake in the world.
8. Two-thirds of Dominica is covered in rainforest.
9. Dominica is known as “Nature Island.
10. Dominica has some black sand beaches.
Q&A Corner
