People and Society of Dominica

Nationality

Dominican(s)

Ethnic Groups

Black, mixed black and European, European, Syrian, Carib Amerindian

Population

73,897

Population in Major Urban Areas

ROSEAU (capital) 14,000

Medical care is limited. The major hospital is Princess Margaret Hospital (telephone (767) 448-2231/5720). In addition, there is one other hospital in Dominica and several clinics. There is an operational hyperbaric chamber at the main hospital. The private hospital and clinics will take emergency cases. There is limited ambulance service on most of the island, and a sea rescue service is available at the North end of the island. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

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.

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over has ever attended school

• Roman Catholic77.0%
• Protestant15.0%
• other6.0%
• none2.0%

English (official), French patois

• English
• French
• Kwéyòl

Crime Information

Street crime, including armed robbery, occurs in Dominica. Valuables left unattended, especially on beaches, are vulnerable to theft. If renting a private property on Dominica, be certain to request proof of insurance from the property owner. Rented villas are sometimes robbed, especially those in the Calibishie area, and if the owner has no insurance for theft you will be unable to recoup your losses. Take some time before travel to learn how to improve your personal security—things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Dominica, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Dominica, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating Dominica’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Dominicaare severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. IF ARRESTED: If you are arrested in Dominica, authorities of Dominica are required to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.