Country Profile: Dominica
Dominica, known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean," is an island nation located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. This mountainous terrain is home to a population of approximately 74,661, primarily residing along the coast. The economy is highly agrarian, with significant exports in bananas and nascent sectors emerging in ecotourism and information technology. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Dominica has a rich history of resilience, particularly noted after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Geography
Dominica is situated in the Caribbean, roughly halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. The island covers an area of 751 sq km and features rugged mountains of volcanic origin, including Morne Diablotins, which rises to 1,447 m. With a tropical climate moderated by northeast trade winds, Dominica experiences heavy rainfall and is known for its diverse natural resources.
- 148 km of coastline
- 12 nm territorial sea
- 63.8% of land classified as forest (2022 est.)
- Home to 16 volcanoes, more than any other Caribbean island
People and Society
The population of Dominica is estimated at 74,661 as of 2024, predominantly of African descent (84.5%). English is the official language, with French patois commonly spoken. The society is characterized by a blend of cultures and religions, with 52.7% identifying as Roman Catholic.
- 72% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
- Life expectancy is approximately 78.7 years (2024 est.)
- The median age is 37 years (2024 est.)
- 13.3 births per 1,000 population (2024 est.)
Economy
Dominica has a highly agrarian economy, being a member of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The Real GDP is estimated at $1.241 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 2.1% anticipated. The country is known for its banana exports and is developing sectors in ecotourism and information technology.
- 56.9% of GDP from services (2024 est.)
- 12.2% of GDP from agriculture (2024 est.)
- 5.6% of GDP from remittances (2024 est.)
- $212.753 million in exports (2024 est.)
Government
Dominica operates as a parliamentary republic with a president and a prime minister. The current president is Sylvanie Burton, elected in October 2023, while Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has been in office since January 2004. The country is divided into 10 parishes for administrative purposes.
- Universal suffrage at age 18
- 32 members in the unicameral House of Assembly
- Independence from the UK was granted on November 3, 1978
- The legal system is based on English common law
Military and Security
Dominica does not maintain regular military forces. Instead, security is provided by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, which operates under the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs. The country is a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System for regional cooperation in defense and security.
- No active military, reliant on police force
- Member of the Caribbean Regional Security System since 1982
Energy
Energy access in Dominica is nearly universal, with 100% of the population having access to electricity. The electricity supply relies heavily on fossil fuels, while some capacity is also derived from hydroelectric sources.
- 41,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
- 145.827 million kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
- 84.3% of electricity capacity from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
Environment
Dominica is known for its lush vegetation and biodiversity, leading to its nickname as "The Nature Island." Environmental challenges include pollution from agricultural chemicals and threats to forest areas due to farming expansion.
- 63.8% of land is forested (2022 est.)
- Participates in multiple international environmental agreements
- 200 million cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2020 est.)
Transportation
The transportation network includes both air and sea routes, with two airports facilitating air travel. The island's merchant marine fleet consists of 77 vessels.
- 2 ports, primarily for small vessels
- 77 ships in national merchant marine fleet (2023)
- 2 airports projected by 2025
Communications
Dominica has a growing communications infrastructure, highlighted by a high rate of internet usage and mobile subscriptions. The population is well-connected, with 84% of residents using the internet.
- 57,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
- 14,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
- 7,000 fixed phone line subscriptions (2021)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,661 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 751 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.241 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 78.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | Not available | Data not provided |
| Birth Rate | 13.3 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption | 36.395 million Btu/person | 2023 est. |
| Total Renewable Water Resources | 200 million cubic meters | 2020 est. |
| Electric Power Consumption | 145.827 million kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Installed Generating Capacity | 41,000 kW | 2023 estimate |
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