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Dominica

Capital:Roseau
Population:73,897
Currency:East Caribbean dollars (XCD)
Language:English (official), French patois
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Dominica.

Dominica Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Dominica's culture is a rich blend of African, Caribbean, and European influences, shaped by centuries of colonial history and the enduring presence of the indigenous Kalinago people. This small island nation in the Eastern Caribbean has cultivated a distinct identity that sets it apart from its neighbors, earning it a reputation as one of the most culturally authentic islands in the region. The Kalinago, also known as the Island Caribs, remain one of the few surviving indigenous populations in the Caribbean. Approximately 3,000 Kalinago people live in a designated territory on the island's northeastern coast, where they maintain traditional practices including basket weaving, canoe building, and the use of medicinal plants. Their territory is recognized by the Dominican government and serves as both a living community and a cultural heritage site that welcomes visitors. The majority of Dominicans are of African descent, a legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. This heritage is deeply expressed through music, food, and oral traditions. Creole, also known as Kwéyòl or Patois, is widely spoken alongside English and reflects the French colonial period that preceded British rule. Though English is the official language, Kwéyòl is used in everyday conversations, music, storytelling, and even some radio broadcasts. Carnival and the World Creole Music Festival are among the island's most celebrated cultural events. The World Creole Music Festival, held annually in October, draws performers and visitors from across the Caribbean, Africa, and North America, showcasing zouk, kompa, bouyon, and other Creole-influenced genres. Bouyon, a fast-paced fusion genre originating in Dominica, is considered the island's signature sound. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, practiced by roughly 60 percent of the population, though various Protestant denominations and a small Rastafari community also have a presence on the island. Religious festivals, particularly those tied to patron saints, remain important community gatherings. Dominican cuisine reflects this cultural layering, with dishes such as callaloo soup, saltfish, and mountain chicken — the local name for the giant ditch frog — occupying a central place in the national diet.

Waterfall in Dominica

Nature's Island, Carib's Stronghold

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5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    11/3

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • November 3rd

How do people greet each other in Dominica?

A common greeting is Cakafete, meaning "how are you?", and most people speak a French dialect called Kwéyòl.

Do

  • Try Kwéyòl greetings like "Bon jou" (Good Morning) or "Byenvini" (Welcome)
  • Use "Sa ou fe" to ask how are you
  • Say "Bon jou, Misyé" (Good day, sir)

Good to know

  • Close friends, especially girls, stand close and often walk arm-in-arm around the shoulders or waist

What is the food like in Dominica?

Basic staples include fish, yams, cassava bread, and other vegetables, with many regional specialties.

Good to know

  • Try ti-ti-ri, a white river fish eaten fried with garlic and lime
  • Crapaud is a frog whose legs are eaten like chicken
  • Regional favorites include boija (coconut cornmeal bread), funchi (cornmeal and okra pudding), and pumpkin soup
  • A popular drink is a sea-moss drink made from vanilla, algae, and milk

What should I know about manners in Dominica?

Dominicans are reserved and place a high value on good manners.

Do

  • Be polite and mind your manners

What should I wear in Dominica?

Dominicans wear Western-style clothing, with traditional costumes worn by women on holidays.

Good to know

  • On holidays women might wear a bright jupe (skirt with lace petticoats), la wobe douilette (a wide blouse), and a madras hat called tet e case

What are families like in Dominica?

Dominicans have formal marriages, common-law relationships (couples living together), and visiting unions (partners living apart).

Good to know

  • Women are the head of the household in common-law relationships and visiting unions

What do people do for fun in Dominica?

The most popular sports are cricket and football (soccer), along with volleyball and squash.

Good to know

  • Men enjoy playing dominoes

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Dominica

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
2.7
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall
Airports
2
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Recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Kalinago Dominance

    1200 – 1635

    Kalinago (Island Carib) people established dominance over Dominica after displacing earlier Arawak inhabitants around the 14th century. Columbus sighted the island in 1493, and though Spanish ships called periodically throughout the 16th century, fierce Kalinago resistance effectively prevented any European settlement for over a century, making Dominica the last Caribbean island to be colonized.

  2. Colonial Rivalry

    1635 – 1763

    France claimed Dominica in 1635, and French missionaries became the island's first permanent European inhabitants, though Kalinago pressure remained intense. In 1660, Britain and France mutually agreed to abandon the island, yet both powers continued extracting timber. Dominica's position between the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe ultimately gave France the upper hand, and a French settler community took root before the mid-18th century.

  3. British Colonial Rule

    1763 – 1896

    The 1763 Treaty of Paris transferred Dominica to Britain, which established a legislative assembly representing only the white population. A brief French occupation during the American Revolutionary War was reversed by the 1783 Treaty of Paris. The 1831 Brown Privilege Bill extended rights to free non-whites, and after emancipation in 1834, Dominica briefly became the only British Caribbean colony with a Black-controlled legislature, though planter-class pressure steadily eroded that democratic experiment.

  4. Crown Colony Era

    1896 – 1967

    Britain re-established Crown Colony government in 1896, effectively disenfranchising the majority Black population. Post–World War I political consciousness spurred the Representative Government Association, which gained legislative seats through the 1920s and 1930s. Universal adult suffrage was introduced in 1951, and after the short-lived West Indies Federation dissolved, Dominica became an associated state of the United Kingdom in 1967, assuming control of its internal affairs.

  5. Independence & Stabilization

    1967 – 1995

    Full independence as the Commonwealth of Dominica was granted on November 3, 1978, though economic underdevelopment and devastating hurricanes in 1979 and 1980 immediately tested the new nation. Political turmoil led to an interim government before the 1980 elections brought Eugenia Charles and the Dominica Freedom Party to power; Charles served 15 years as the Caribbean's first female prime minister and became the defining figure of Dominica's early independent era.

  6. Modern Dominica

    1995 – present

    Dominica has navigated recurring economic challenges tied to the decline of its banana industry, most dramatically illustrated when Hurricane Dean destroyed 99 percent of the banana crop in 2007. The government has pursued economic diversification through ecotourism and a citizenship-by-investment program, while also grappling with the severe destruction wrought by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The island's roughly 3,000 Kalinago remain the sole surviving pre-Columbian community in the eastern Caribbean.

Overview

The island’s indigenous Arawak people were expelled or exterminated by Caribs in the 14th century. Columbus landed there in November 1493. Spanish ships frequently landed on Dominica during the 16th century, but fierce resistance by the Caribs discouraged Spain’s efforts at settlement.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1493

    Christopher Columbus visits the island and names it Dominica (Sunday Island).

    Christopher Columbus visits the island and names it Dominica (Sunday Island).

  2. 1635

    France claims Dominica.

    France claims Dominica, paving the way for French missionaries to colonise the island. However, resistance by the indigenous Carib Indians continues.

  3. 1660

    Britain and France agree to abandon Dominica and St Vincent.

    Britain and France agree to abandon Dominica and St Vincent.

  4. 1763

    Britain gains possession of Dominica in accordance with the Treaty of Paris.

    Britain gains possession of Dominica in accordance with the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years’ War. However, France continues to challenge this until 1805.

  5. 1834

    Slavery abolished.

    Slavery abolished.

  6. 1896

    Britain re-establishes crown colony government over Dominica.

    Britain re-establishes crown colony government over Dominica.

  7. 1951

    Britain declares universal adult suffrage established in Dominica.

    Britain declares universal adult suffrage established in Dominica.

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Interesting Facts

  • Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1493. As he landed on a Sunday, he called the island Dominica (Sunday Island).

  • Dominica gained its independence in 1978.

  • Two years after independence Mary Eugenia Charles became the first female Prime Minister in the Caribbean.

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
rugged mountains of volcanic origin
Climate
tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall
Natural Hazards
flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months
Current Environmental Issues
NA
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

English (official), French patois

  • English
  • French
  • Kwéyòl

Population

Population
73,897
Population in Major Urban Areas
ROSEAU (capital) 14,000
Nationality Noun
Dominican(s)
Ethnic Groups
Black, mixed black and European, European, Syrian, Carib Amerindian

Education

Literacy Definition
Age 15 and over has ever attended school

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Dominica stands at approximately 78 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 80 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 76 years. These figures place Dominica comfortably above the regional average for many Caribbean and Latin American nations and reflect meaningful progress in public health infrastructure over recent decades. Several factors contribute to Dominica's relatively strong life expectancy. The island has maintained a functioning public healthcare system anchored by the Princess Margaret Hospital in the capital, Roseau, along with a network of rural health centers and clinics distributed across the island's parishes. Access to primary care, maternal health services, and immunization programs has helped reduce mortality across all age groups. The Dominican diet has historically leaned toward fresh produce, root vegetables, and locally caught fish, which are generally associated with positive cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes. However, like many Caribbean nations, Dominica faces growing concerns about non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which are increasingly prevalent and pose challenges to maintaining or improving current life expectancy trends. Dominica's small population, estimated at approximately 73,000 people, means that even modest shifts in disease burden or healthcare delivery can noticeably affect national statistics. The island's vulnerability to natural disasters, demonstrated dramatically by the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017, also introduces periodic stress on the healthcare system that can have downstream effects on population health outcomes. The government has pursued a long-term vision of positioning Dominica as the world's first climate-resilient nation, which includes rebuilding and strengthening health infrastructure with more durable materials and sustainable design. Investments in resilient health facilities and expanded community health services are expected to contribute to greater stability in health outcomes over the coming years, supporting continued positive trends in life expectancy. Overall, Dominica's life expectancy at birth reflects a society that has made meaningful strides in healthcare access and public health, while still navigating the pressures common to small island developing states, including climate vulnerability, constrained resources, and a rising burden of chronic disease.
Infant Mortality Rate
Dominica maintains a relatively low infant mortality rate compared to many other developing nations in the Caribbean and Latin America region. According to recent data, the infant mortality rate in Dominica stands at approximately 10 to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its public health infrastructure and maternal care services. This figure represents a significant improvement over previous decades, when infant mortality rates across the Eastern Caribbean were considerably higher. The decline is largely attributed to expanded access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, improved nutrition programs, and immunization campaigns supported by regional and international health organizations. Dominica's healthcare system, while limited in size due to the country's small population of roughly 70,000 people, provides universal access to basic health services. The Princess Margaret Hospital in the capital Roseau serves as the primary referral facility for complex maternal and neonatal cases. Community health centers distributed across the island's districts play a critical role in reaching rural populations and monitoring infant and maternal health outcomes. Despite these positive trends, Dominica faces ongoing challenges in maintaining and improving health outcomes. The island's vulnerability to natural disasters, most notably Hurricane Maria in 2017, temporarily disrupted healthcare infrastructure and services, potentially affecting the continuity of maternal and infant care programs. Recovery efforts in the years since have focused on rebuilding health facilities to higher resilience standards. Common causes of infant mortality on the island include premature birth complications, congenital conditions, and neonatal infections — challenges shared across much of the Caribbean. Regional cooperation through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and UNICEF continues to support capacity-building efforts aimed at further reducing these preventable deaths. For context, the global average infant mortality rate is approximately 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing Dominica well below that threshold and in a favorable position relative to many similarly sized small island developing states.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Dominica stands at approximately 78 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 80 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 76 years. These figures place Dominica comfortably above the regional average for many Caribbean and Latin American nations and reflect meaningful progress in public health infrastructure over recent decades. Several factors contribute to Dominica's relatively strong life expectancy. The island has maintained a functioning public healthcare system anchored by the Princess Margaret Hospital in the capital, Roseau, along with a network of rural health centers and clinics distributed across the island's parishes. Access to primary care, maternal health services, and immunization programs has helped reduce mortality across all age groups. The Dominican diet has historically leaned toward fresh produce, root vegetables, and locally caught fish, which are generally associated with positive cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes. However, like many Caribbean nations, Dominica faces growing concerns about non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which are increasingly prevalent and pose challenges to maintaining or improving current life expectancy trends. Dominica's small population, estimated at approximately 73,000 people, means that even modest shifts in disease burden or healthcare delivery can noticeably affect national statistics. The island's vulnerability to natural disasters, demonstrated dramatically by the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017, also introduces periodic stress on the healthcare system that can have downstream effects on population health outcomes. The government has pursued a long-term vision of positioning Dominica as the world's first climate-resilient nation, which includes rebuilding and strengthening health infrastructure with more durable materials and sustainable design. Investments in resilient health facilities and expanded community health services are expected to contribute to greater stability in health outcomes over the coming years, supporting continued positive trends in life expectancy. Overall, Dominica's life expectancy at birth reflects a society that has made meaningful strides in healthcare access and public health, while still navigating the pressures common to small island developing states, including climate vulnerability, constrained resources, and a rising burden of chronic disease.
Infant Mortality Rate
Dominica maintains a relatively low infant mortality rate compared to many other developing nations in the Caribbean and Latin America region. According to recent data, the infant mortality rate in Dominica stands at approximately 10 to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its public health infrastructure and maternal care services. This figure represents a significant improvement over previous decades, when infant mortality rates across the Eastern Caribbean were considerably higher. The decline is largely attributed to expanded access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, improved nutrition programs, and immunization campaigns supported by regional and international health organizations. Dominica's healthcare system, while limited in size due to the country's small population of roughly 70,000 people, provides universal access to basic health services. The Princess Margaret Hospital in the capital Roseau serves as the primary referral facility for complex maternal and neonatal cases. Community health centers distributed across the island's districts play a critical role in reaching rural populations and monitoring infant and maternal health outcomes. Despite these positive trends, Dominica faces ongoing challenges in maintaining and improving health outcomes. The island's vulnerability to natural disasters, most notably Hurricane Maria in 2017, temporarily disrupted healthcare infrastructure and services, potentially affecting the continuity of maternal and infant care programs. Recovery efforts in the years since have focused on rebuilding health facilities to higher resilience standards. Common causes of infant mortality on the island include premature birth complications, congenital conditions, and neonatal infections — challenges shared across much of the Caribbean. Regional cooperation through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and UNICEF continues to support capacity-building efforts aimed at further reducing these preventable deaths. For context, the global average infant mortality rate is approximately 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing Dominica well below that threshold and in a favorable position relative to many similarly sized small island developing states.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Dominica
Full Country Name
Commonwealth of Dominica

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary democracy; republic within the Commonwealth
Legal System
based on English common law
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Sylvanie BURTON (since 2 October 2023) head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8 January 2004); note - originally assumed post following the death of Prime Minister Pierre CHARLES cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 2 October 2023 (next to be held in 2028); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Sylvanie BURTON elected president; she became the first woman to hold the office in Dominica's history
Legislative Branch
Unicameral House of Assembly (32 seats; 21 members elected by popular vote in single-member constituencies, and 9 senators appointed by the president — 5 on the advice of the prime minister and 4 on the advice of the leader of the opposition; members serve five-year terms; the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who may be elected from outside the House, account for the remaining 2 seats) Elections: Last held on 6 December 2022 (next to be held by 2027); the election must be held within five years of the previous polling date or within 90 days of the dissolution of parliament. Election results: Percent of vote by party — Dominica Labour Party (DLP) 81.97%, United Workers' Party (UWP) 17.82%; seats by party — DLP 19, UWP 2.
Judicial Branch
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the Court of Appeal and the High Court (located in Saint Lucia; one of the six judges must reside in Dominica and preside over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
3-Nov-78
Independence
3 November 1978 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

Capital City

Capital Name
Roseau
Capital - geographic coordinate
15 18 N, 61 24 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

The name is French for "reed"; the first settlement was named after the river reeds that grew in the area

Military

Branches: No regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (includes Coast Guard)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown

Wildey Business park

Wildey

St. Michael, Barbados

Telephone: (246) 227-4399

Emergency after-hours telephone: (246) 227-4000

Facsimile: (246) 431-0179

Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Barbadian and U.S. holidays.

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Economy

Dominica's economy depends heavily on agriculture, tourism, and to a lesser extent, offshore financial services and citizenship-by-investment programs.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
East Caribbean dollars (XCD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
4.7%

News & Weather

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Dominica?
The population of Dominica is approximately 73,897.
How do people greet each other in Dominica?
A common greeting is Cakafete, meaning "how are you?", and most people speak a French dialect called Kwéyòl. Do: Try Kwéyòl greetings like "Bon jou" (Good Morning) or "Byenvini" (Welcome) Use "Sa ou fe" to ask how are you Say "Bon jou, Misyé" (Good day, sir) Close friends, especially girls, stand close and often walk arm-in-arm around the shoulders or waist
What is the food like in Dominica?
Basic staples include fish, yams, cassava bread, and other vegetables, with many regional specialties. Try ti-ti-ri, a white river fish eaten fried with garlic and lime Crapaud is a frog whose legs are eaten like chicken Regional favorites include boija (coconut cornmeal bread), funchi (cornmeal and okra pudding), and pumpkin soup A popular drink is a sea-moss drink made from vanilla, algae, and milk
What should I know about manners in Dominica?
Dominicans are reserved and place a high value on good manners. Do: Be polite and mind your manners
What should I wear in Dominica?
Dominicans wear Western-style clothing, with traditional costumes worn by women on holidays. On holidays women might wear a bright jupe (skirt with lace petticoats), la wobe douilette (a wide blouse), and a madras hat called tet e case
What are families like in Dominica?
Dominicans have formal marriages, common-law relationships (couples living together), and visiting unions (partners living apart). Women are the head of the household in common-law relationships and visiting unions
What do people do for fun in Dominica?
The most popular sports are cricket and football (soccer), along with volleyball and squash. Men enjoy playing dominoes
What is the capital of Dominica?
Roseau is the capital and largest city of Dominica, situated on the southwestern coast of the island. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. The city reflects Dominica's layered colonial history through its French and British architectural influences, and it houses the government's main institutions as well as the island's principal port.
Where is Dominica located?
Dominica is an island nation located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, positioned in the Lesser Antilles between the French islands of Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. Often called the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean," it lies within the Windward Islands group. Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1493, landing on a Sunday — which inspired the island's name, derived from the Latin word for Sunday, Dominica.
What are Dominica's ocean and sea borders?
As an island nation, Dominica has no land borders and is entirely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The western coast faces the Caribbean Sea, while the eastern coast is exposed to the rougher waters of the Atlantic. Its closest neighbors are the French overseas departments of Guadeloupe, approximately 70 km to the north, and Martinique, roughly 40 km to the south.
What is the predominant religion in Dominica?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Dominica, practiced by approximately 77% of the population. Protestant denominations collectively account for around 15% of residents. The strong Catholic presence reflects centuries of French colonial and missionary influence on the island, even though Britain ultimately governed Dominica from the late 18th century onward. Religious observance remains a significant part of daily social and cultural life.
What currency is used in Dominica?
Dominica uses the East Caribbean dollar, with the ISO currency code XCD. The East Caribbean dollar is a shared regional currency issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and is used by eight member nations of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The currency has been pegged to the US dollar since 1976, providing monetary stability for Dominica's small, trade-dependent economy.
What language is spoken in Dominica?
English is the official language of Dominica and is used in government, education, and commerce, reflecting the island's long period of British colonial rule. However, a significant portion of the population also speaks French patois (also called Antillean Creole), a legacy of early French settlement and proximity to French-speaking neighboring islands. The coexistence of both linguistic traditions gives Dominican culture a distinctly Franco-British character.
What is Dominica's geography and terrain like?
Dominica is a ruggedly mountainous island of volcanic origin in the eastern Caribbean, covered extensively by dense tropical rainforest. The island features dramatic peaks, numerous rivers, hot springs, and the Boiling Lake — the second-largest hot lake of its kind in the world. Its volcanic soils support exceptional biodiversity. The terrain made Dominica difficult to colonize, which is historically why it was the last Caribbean island to come under sustained European control.
What is Dominica known for?
Dominica is known for its extraordinary natural environment, earning it the nickname the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean." The island is internationally recognized for ecotourism centered on its Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring volcanic lakes, fumaroles, and lush rainforest. Dominica is also noted for being home to approximately 3,000 Kalinago (Carib) people — the only surviving pre-Columbian indigenous community in the eastern Caribbean — as well as for being the birthplace of the Caribbean's first female prime minister, Mary Eugenia Charles.

Last reviewed 2026