Dominica All -- All Dominica, Dominica -- best, Great Dominica by glensite1

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Spot Check information on Dominica
For all my Dominican/Canadian friends, just a reminder on a few points on our lovely Island. This page is simply designed for you, and I mean you, for only we can cherish the beauty that Dominica possesses! Try not to forget where we come from, and be proud of who you are! Love to all my friends all over the Caribbean and in Canada . Dominica, also known as the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean", is an exotic island and just the vacation spot for you. Situated between the twin French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica is the largest and highest of the windward islands. It is approximately 29 miles long by 16 miles wide, and covers an area of approximately 288 sq. miles(746 sq. km). The highest point is Morne Diablotin, which is 4,747 ft. above sea level. Recognized as one of the Caribbean islands with the most fresh-water rivers, Dominica is also known as "The Land of 365 Rivers", where you have a river for each day. Wether or not this is true(as I have never gotten the opportunity to check for myself), it is as close as possible to the truth. Water falls are one of the highlights of Dominica, along with the lush green scenery.
More Info on Dominica
Natural Beauty:
The mountains abound with rivers swiftly flowing to the sea, providing wonderful fresh-water bathing, to be found no where else in the Caribbean. The profusion of tropical fruits and vegetables, dense tropical forests, deeep valleys, fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls, small geysers and hot springs,and wildlife, attract botanists, ornithologists, nature-lovers, hikers, and mountain climbers. The surrounding sea provides a fascinating underwater world for exploration br scuba divers.
History:
Waitikibuli(the Carib name of the island), was the last settlement of the Carib indians (who gave the Caribbean its name), and decendants still live in a reseved part of the island known as The Carib Reserve (north-eastern part of the island). The first European to see it was Christopher Columbus in 1493. The island changed hands between the British and the French several times until it finally became British possesion in 1805. Dominica gained independence in 1978. The official language of Dominica is English, but "patois" is also widely spoken, particularly by the elders. If you can speak French, you should be able to understand and be understood yourself to the islanders who don't speak English very well. English is the business language, so don't fret if you have to go to the bank or to the book store; they will speak perfectly to you! The island's culture exibits strong French influence.
Pronounced as: Domink , officially Commonwealth of Dominica, republic (1995 est. pop. 82,000), consists of the island of Dominica (290 sq mi/750 sq km), located in the Windward Islands, West Indies. Roseau is the capital and chief port. The island, of volcanic origin, is mountainous and forested, with fertile soil. Dominica is subject to frequent destructive hurricanes. Administratively, the island is divided into ten parishes. The population is largely of African descent. More than three quarters of the inhabitants are Roman Catholics, the balance mainly Protestants. English is the official language, but a French patois is also widely spoken.

Bananas are the chief commercial crop and export. Coconuts, citrus fruits, and coconut oil are also exported, and mangoes and root crops are also raised. Industry is generally limited to food processing and the manufacture of soap and other coconut-based products. Tourism is a growing industry, but Dominica remains one of the poorest Caribbean nations.
The island 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 between 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 full independence in 1978. In 1981 there were two failed coup attempts. In 1995, Eugenia Charles retired as prime minister after 15 years; after elections, Edison James, founder of the opposition United Workers party, assumed the post.

Climate:
Average temperatures vary between 24C and 29C all year round, and the main rainy season is between June and October.Beaches:Most of the best beaches are on the west and north coast of the island, ranging from black sand(Purple Turtle in PorthsMouth) to honey-coloured sand(CastaWays is great!). White river on the east coast is a popular spot especially for those folks coming from south(Pointe Michel). The hot water is also a popular spot in the extreme southern end of the Island. The people of Dominica also offer themselves in service, as you will notice if you go down to the famous market, situated in the country's capital, Roseau. Here, there will offer you help, and at the market you will see proof of the islands rich volcanic soil in the foods sold; the "dasheen", "fig"(green bananas, also one of the main exports of Dominica), "yam", "tanya", and all the others available.

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