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About Dominica
Dominica, island republic
in the West Indies, lying in the Caribbean Sea,
approximately halfway between the islands of Guadeloupe
(on the north) and Martinique (on the south). One of the
Windward Islands, Dominica is 47 km (29 mi) long and has
an area of 750 sq km (289 sq mi).
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The Land And the People |
Dominica is
volcanic in origin and has a mountainous terrain, with
several peaks rising above 1,220 m (4,000 ft); the
highest point is Morne Diablotins (1,447 m/4,747 ft).
The island has a tropical climate with an average
annual temperature of about 27°C (about 80°F). The
annual rainfall is considerable, ranging from about
1,780 mm (about 70 in) on the coast to more than three
times that figure in the mountains. The island has
many small, unnavigable rivers; Boiling Lake, from
which sulfurous gases frequently arise, is located in
the south. Luxuriant forests cover the mountains. The
country’s high annual rainfall contributes to the rich
and fertile forests. The government promotes
sustainable management of these forests to help
protect the island’s biodiversity.
According to
the United Nations (UN) index that compares national
income with the cost of damage caused by
environmental disasters, Dominica is one of the most
disaster-prone countries in the world. This is
mainly due to the island’s susceptibility to
destructive hurricanes, especially during the late
summer months.
Dominica has
a total population of 69,278 (2004 estimate). More
than 90 percent of the inhabitants are black,
descendants of slaves brought from Africa in the
18th century. A small number of
Carib also live on the island. English is the
official language, but a French patois is widely
spoken. Roman Catholicism is the predominant
religion. Roseau (population, 1995 estimate,
21,000) is the capital and chief port.
Info quoted from: Dominica," Microsoft®
Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2004
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