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Destination : DOMINICA
Dominica is an island of volcanic origin located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, at approximately 15 degrees North and 61 degrees West. It is the largest and most mountainous of the the Windward Islands, with an area of 289.5 sq. miles. It is 29 miles long and 16 miles at its widest. The formal name Commonwealth of Dominica is often used to distinguish it from the Dominican Republic.It has several peaks of over 3,000', the tallest of which are Morne Diablotin (4,747') and Morne Trois Pitons (4,600').
Dominica is perhaps most famous for its tropical rainforest, and the many rivers and waterfalls which result from the high rainfall in the interior. In addition, its volcanic origins manifest themselves most noticably in the Boiling Lake (one of the largest of its kind in the world) and many other smaller fumaroles around the island (including at least one underwater). Moreover, it is widely acknowledged to be both one of the best dive sites and a prime whale watching location in the region (if not world).
There are a number of National parks or reserves on the island. The 17,000 acre Morne Trois Pitons National Park contains perhaps the majority of Dominica's above-water famous sights - several crater lakes and waterfalls, including the Emerald Pool.
The Northern Forest Reserve is another fine example of oceanic rainforest and is also famous as the home of Dominica's national bird, the rare Sisserou Parrot. The Cabrits National Park, just north of Portsmouth, is home to the partly-restored Fort Shirley. It is also a marine reserve, and it is hoped the area around Scott's Head/Soufriere at the south-western tip of the island will also be declared a marine reserve in the near future.
Dominica's population is around 71,000, of which 20,000 live around the capital city, Roseau , which is located on the south-west coast. The second largest city is Portsmouth in the north-west. Other 'conurbations' of note include Marigot in the north-east, and Grand Bay in the south.
English is the official language but a French-based Creole is widely spoken, especially in outlying villages. This reflects a turbulent history in which the island changed hands several times between the French and British. Throughout and to the present day the original inhabitants, the Caribs, tried to coexist. In 1903 they were assigned a 3,700 acre Territory in the north-east where around 3,000 live today.
Originally inhabited by first the Arawaks and then the Carib Indians, they named the island 'Wai'tukubuli' or 'Tall is Her Body'. The Kalinago or 'Island Caribs' had paddled northwards up the chain of the Antilles, and the Arawakan-speaking Igneri are thought to have arrived settled in Dominica around AD 400.
The first known Europeans to sight the island were led by Christopher Columbus, who sailed past on a Sunday in 1493 (hence the name Dominica). Dominica has changed ownership many times, between the French and the English. In 1748, the English and French agreed that Dominica would remain neutral and left to its original inhabitants, the Caribs. By the Treaty of Paris in 1763, Dominica was assigned to Britain, but the Treaty was broken when the French tried to recapture the island in 1795 and made a last attempt in 1805 when Roseau was burnt.
The French finally pulled out with a ransom of 8000 pounds. The island remained a British colony until 1967 when it became a self-governing Associated State. Full Independence with republican status within the British Commonwealth came on 3rd November 1978. However, the French influence is still evident in the Creole which is spoken and in the family and place names. Dominica is now formally called: "The Commonwealth of Dominica".
(courtesy of the official tourist website of Dominica)
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