Dominica

Location [[File:|250px|frameless]] Flag [[File:|108px|frameless]] Quick Facts Capital Roseau Government Parliamentary democracy; republic within the Commonwealth Currency East Caribbean dollar (XCD) Area total: 754 km2 water: 0 km2 land: 754 km2 Population 70,158 (July 2002 est.) Language English (official), French patois Religion Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6% Country code 1-767 Internet TLD .dm Time Zone UTC-4 Dominica [1] is a Caribbean island country between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago. It is often known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system. The most mountainous island of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in the world. Note  Should not be confused with the Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic. Regions Map of Dominica Administrative divisions  10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter Cities Roseau - Capital Portsmouth Scott's Head Other destinations Morne Trois Pitons National Park Boiling Lake Champagne Understand Climate Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall. Flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months. Terrain Rugged mountains of volcanic origin. highest point  Morne Diablatins 1,447 m History Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia Charles, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean. Get in By plane There are two airports in Dominica, Melville Hall(DOM) and Canefield(DCF). By train By car By bus By boat From Martinique and Guadaloupe ferries on most days of the week. Arrival in Roseau. Get around Talk Languages  English (official), French patois Buy The best local handicrafts are Carib made baskets. The earth tone colors come from burying the fibers in the ground for different lengths of time. Eat Tomatos in Portsmouth is a popular gathering place for Expats as well as Professors and Students of Ross University. Drink Locally brewed Kabuli beer. Ask your hotel to set up a tour of the brewery. Sleep 'Jungle Bay Resort & Spa' [2] Choose from 35 treetop cottages at this 'barefoot luxury' resort. Try the popular ' Jungle Spa Adventure Package' for the best value! Calibishie Lodges [3] $80-130 USD. Located on hillside above the beach. Pool, gardens, and restaurant. Veranda View A small guest house located in the north part of the Island, Veranda View is an ideal location to base yourself to tour the island. Located 15 minutes from the Melville Hall Airport, the guest house is easy to find on the main road in Calibishie. 'Pointe Baptiste Villa and cottage' [4] A large and small colonial style historic house located in a 25 acre estate which includes 2 beaches. 'Fort Young Hotel' [5]73 Guest rooms in Roseau. Beautiful terraced rooms overlook the harbor. 'BareFoot Travel' [6]Offers a choice of over 30 properties in Dominica. Diving and Adventure Packages. '3 Rivers Eco Lodge' [7]Individual cottages, domitory style accomadation as well as tent rental to camp out on the property. Learn Founded in 1978 Ross University, an American medical school, located in Portsmouth, offers a Basic Sciences curriculum designed to prepare students for licensure and practice in the U.S. Work Stay safe Stay healthy Faucet water is supposed to be safe to drink, but since it is drawn straight from Dominica's many rivers, it has a tendency to turn brown after heavy rainfall. It's better to drink the bottled water available almost anywhere. Basic healthcare is available at Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau. Respect Contact This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!