About DM
Location
Dominica is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. It is situated between the French overseas regions of Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south.
Capital
The capital city of Dominica is Roseau, located on the western coast of the island.
Population
Dominica has a population of approximately 72,000 people, making it one of the least populous countries in the Caribbean.
Language
English is the official language of Dominica. Additionally, a French-based Creole known as Dominican Creole is widely spoken among the local population.
Geography
Dominica is known as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and numerous rivers and waterfalls. The island is of volcanic origin and features the second-largest hot spring in the world, Boiling Lake, located within Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Economy
Dominica's economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and offshore financial services. The island is known for its production of bananas, citrus fruits, and other tropical crops. Tourism is also an important sector, with visitors attracted to Dominica's natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities.
Currency
The currency of Dominica is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), which is also used by several other countries in the Eastern Caribbean region.
Politics
Dominica is a parliamentary democracy with a Westminster-style parliamentary system. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The political landscape is dominated by two main political parties: the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the United Workers' Party (UWP).
Culture
Dominica has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its African, Carib (indigenous), and European (primarily French and British) roots. Traditional music and dance, such as the jing ping and quadrille, are important aspects of Dominican culture, as are religious festivals and celebrations.
Environmental Conservation
Dominica is committed to environmental conservation and sustainable development. The island has established several national parks and protected areas to preserve its natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
National Items of Dominica
Sisserou Parrot
The Sisserou Parrot (Amazona imperialis) is the national bird of Dominica. Known for its vibrant green and purple plumage, it is endemic to the island and symbolizes the country's rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation.
Bwa Kwaib (Carib Wood)
Bwa Kwaib, or Carib Wood, is a significant plant in Dominica, representing the country's lush and diverse flora. It is often used in traditional medicine and symbolizes the island's natural heritage.
Carib Canoe
The Carib canoe, used by the indigenous Kalinago people, symbolizes Dominica's rich indigenous heritage and the traditional skills of the Kalinago people.
Creole Wear
Traditional Creole wear, characterized by colorful madras fabric, symbolizes Dominica's cultural heritage and the blend of African, European, and indigenous influences.
Mountain Chicken
The Mountain Chicken (Leptodactylus fallax), actually a large frog, is a national dish in Dominica. It symbolizes the island's unique culinary traditions.
Dominica's Boiling Lake
The Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world, symbolizes Dominica's geothermal activity and natural wonders.
Bay Oil
Bay oil, extracted from the leaves of the bay tree (Pimenta racemosa), is a traditional product of Dominica. It symbolizes the island's agricultural heritage and the importance of traditional crafts.
Wob Dwiyet
The Wob Dwiyet is a traditional dress worn by women in Dominica, particularly during cultural festivals. It represents the island's cultural identity and heritage.
Waitukubuli
"Waitukubuli," meaning "Tall is her body" in the Kalinago language, is the indigenous name for Dominica. It symbolizes the island's majestic mountainous terrain and the cultural heritage of the Kalinago people.
Jazz 'n Creole Festival
The Jazz 'n Creole Festival is a significant cultural event in Dominica, symbolizing the island's musical heritage and the fusion of different musical genres.
The national anthem of Dominica is called "Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour" in English. Here are the lyrics:
Isle of beauty, isle of splendor,
Isle to all so sweet and fair,
All must surely gaze in wonder
At thy gifts so rich and rare.
Rivers, valleys, hills and mountains,
All these gifts we do extol.
Healthy land, so like all fountains,
Giving cheer that warms the soul.
Dominica, God hath blest thee
With a clime benign and bright,
Pastures of green and flowers of beauty
Filling all with pure delight,
And people strong and healthy,
Full of godly, reverent fear.
May we ever seek to praise thee
For these gifts are so rich and rare.
Come ye forward, sons and daughters
Of this gem beyond compare.
Strive for honor, sons and daughters,
Do the right, be firm, be fair.
Toil with hearts and hands and voices.
We must prosper! Sound the call,
In which everyone rejoices,
"All for Each and Each for All."
Isla de belleza, isla de esplendor,
Isla para todos tan dulce y hermosa,
Todos deben seguramente mirar con asombro
Tus regalos tan ricos y raros.
Ríos, valles, colinas y montañas,
Todos estos dones los alabamos.
Tierra saludable, tan parecida a todas las fuentes,
Dando alegría que calienta el alma.
Dominica, Dios te ha bendecido
Con un clima benigno y brillante,
Prados verdes y flores de belleza
Que llenan a todos de pura delicia,
Y un pueblo fuerte y saludable,
Lleno de temor piadoso y reverente.
Que siempre busquemos alabarte
Por estos dones tan ricos y raros.
Avanzad, hijos e hijas
De esta joya sin comparación.
Luchad por el honor, hijos e hijas,
Haced lo correcto, sed firmes, sed justos.
Trabajad con corazones, manos y voces.
¡Debemos prosperar! Tocad la llamada,
En la que todos se regocijan,
"Todos por Todos y Todos por Todos."
