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Population: 72,660 Dialing Code: +767 Languages: English (official), French patois Religions: Roman Catholic 61.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%, Pentecostal 5.6%, Baptist 4.1%, Methodist 3.7%, Church of God 1.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.2%, other Christian 7.7%, Rastafarian 1.3%, other or unspecified 1.6%, none 6.1% (2001 census) Internet TLD: .dm Located: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago Area: 754 sq km Comparative Size: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC Nationality Noun: Dominican(s) Nationality Adjective: Dominican currencyXCD |
Dominica is a land of superlatives when it comes to natural beauty. That is why it is also called 'the Nature Isle of the Caribbean'. An island of Lesser Antilles that is still under formation, Dominica is located between the North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Christopher Columbus, a renowned Spanish sea explorer and colonizer, was the first European to discover it in 1493.
However, the island was claimed by France in 1635, before coming under British control in 1763. It attained independence in 1978. Unlike other Caribbean destinations, Dominica is known more for its unspoiled nature than its beaches. Its main attractions include lush mountains and rain forests full of rare wildlife, besides awe-inspiring geological phenomenon like the Boiling Lake.
The hike to the The Boiling Lake, which is a large water body being heated by volcanic activity, through the inhospitable but picturesque Valley of Desolation is just perfect for those looking for unforgettable adventure and eco-tourism experience. This boiling lake, the second largest in the world, is a part of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a World Heritage Site. The Park also houses the Middleham Falls, Boeri Lake and Freshwater Lake.
Twin waterfalls, named Mother and Father, constituting the Trafalgar Falls is located near Roseau, the capital of Dominica. A major attraction in Dominica, the Trafalgar Falls provide an opportunity to swim in hot and cool water bodies formed by the waterfalls. Cabrits National Park is a protected area for a variety of wildlife and birds.
Most of the beaches in Dominica have black volcanic sands. As the beaches are rocky, they are not suitable for sunbathers. The island's best beaches are located on its northwestern shores near Portsmouth, Dominica's second largest city. Some of these are Hampstead Beach, Picard Beach, Purple Beach and Toucari Beach. Other beaches of Dominica are Champagne (South), Hodges Beach and L'Anse Tortue (both North). The beaches provide just the perfect setting for water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Dominica is a hot spot for whale watching. Its shore on Caribbean Sea is home of sperm whales, dolphins, killer whales and humpback whales.