 Dominica — (dom´ə nē´kə) |
About The People
Did You Know...... Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1493. As he landed on a Sunday, he called the island Domi »» More
Fashion... Dominicans wear Western style clothing. On holidays women might wear a traditional costume. A bright »» More
Family... Dominicans have formal marriages, common-law relationships (men and women living together) and visit »» More
Sports & Recreation... The most popular sports are cricket and football (soccer). Other sports include volleyball and squas »» More
| World Region: The Caribbean
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Dominica History
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.
In 1635, France claimed Dominica. Shortly thereafter, French missionaries became the first European inhabitants of the island. Carib incursions continued, though, and in 1660, the French and British agreed that both Dominica and St. Vincent should be abandoned. Dominica was officially neutral for the next century, but the attraction of its resources remained; rival expeditions of British and French foresters »» More | Statistics, Graphs, Charts, & Data Tables
Capital Cities... Roseau »» History of Roseau
Population: 72,660
GDP: $719,800,000 (USD)
Total Area: 754 (sq km) 291 (sq mi)
Currency: East Caribbean dollar
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