The Island
Dominica, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, at 289 square miles is the largest of the Windward Islands,
and is situated between the French Islands of Martinique to the South and Guadeloupe to the North. It is 29 miles long
and 16 miles wide and has 91 miles of coastline. The 2001 census tabulated a total population of 69,615 souls with 29%
between the ages of 0 - 14 and 23% between the ages of 15 - 29. Dominica's ranking on the United Nations Human
Development Index is 68 out of 175 countries.
There are four large towns on the island, Roseau, it's capital, Portsmouth to the north, Grand Bay to the south and Marigot,
the nearest to the International Airport where you will land. In addition to these towns there are countless villages
disbursed around the country dependant on fishing or agriculture for their livelihood.
(Click here to view a map of the island)
Dominica, although discovered by Columbus on his second voyage was the last of the Caribbean Islands to be colonized by
European explorers and as a consequence retains to this day much of its tropical character. It is the only Caribbean Island to
maintain a reserve or territory for the indigenous people of the area, The Carib Indians.
Much fought over by the French and English, Dominica gained independence in 1978 and today is a Republic.
We recommend "The Dominica Story" by Lennox Honychurch ISBN 0-333-62776-8.
For more information about Dominica visit
www.delphis.dm
The People
The Dominican people are deeply Christian. The largest denomination on the Island is Roman Catholic, followed by the Methodists.
There are three Anglican Churches and countless numbers of other expressions of the faith, ex: Union Missions, Baptists.
Violent crime is all but non-existent, and what little petty crime there is that grows out of basic human need.
The people are warm and kind, enjoy a great sense of humor and are filled with questions, a curiosity which speaks of inquiring minds.
All Dominicans speak English with Creole as a secondary language.
