Country Profile: Dominica

Dominica, known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean," is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The island has a population of approximately 74,661 (2024 est.) and relies primarily on agriculture, particularly banana exports, alongside growing sectors in ecotourism and education. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Dominica became independent from the UK in 1978, and its political landscape features a vibrant democratic process influenced by historical transitions from colonial rule.

Geography

Dominica is characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain and tropical climate, which is moderated by northeast trade winds and experiences heavy rainfall. The island covers a total area of 751 square kilometers, with a coastline measuring 148 kilometers. It boasts a significant volcanic landscape, including Morne Diablotins, the highest peak at 1,447 meters.

• 751 sq km: Total land area
• 148 km: Length of coastline
• 33.3%: Land designated for agriculture (2023 est.)
• 76.6%: Forest coverage (2023 est.)
• 12 nm: Territorial sea limit

People and Society

The population of Dominica is ethnically diverse, with 84.5% identifying as of African descent and a mix of other ethnicities. The island's official language is English, while French patois is also spoken. Approximately 52.7% of the population adheres to Roman Catholicism, with a significant Protestant presence as well.

• 74,661: Total population (2024 est.)
• 1.02: Sex ratio (male to female) (2024 est.)
• 78.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
• 72%: Urban population (2023)
• 20.7%: Population aged 0-14 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Dominica has an agrarian-based economy with agriculture contributing 12.2% to the GDP. The country is part of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and has made strides in diversifying its economy through ecotourism and services. The real GDP is projected to grow at 2.1% in 2024, reflecting ongoing improvements in various sectors.

• $1.241 billion: Real GDP (2024 est.)
• 2.1%: Projected real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
• $688.881 million: GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.)
• $155.971 million: Foreign exchange reserves (2024 est.)
• 12.2%: GDP contribution from agriculture (2024 est.)

Government

Dominica operates as a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. Its political system is deeply influenced by its colonial history, and universal suffrage is granted to citizens aged 18 and over. The constitution was last amended in 1978.

• President: Sylvanie Burton (since October 2023)
• Prime Minister: Roosevelt Skerrit (since January 2004)
• 32: Total seats in the House of Assembly
• 10: Number of administrative parishes
• 3 November 1978: Independence from the UK

Military and Security

Dominica does not maintain regular military forces; security is provided by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. The island is a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System, which facilitates regional cooperation in matters of national security and disaster response.

• 0: Regular military forces
• Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force: Primary security force
• Since 1982: Member of the Caribbean Regional Security System

Energy

Dominica achieves 100% electricity access for its population. The island's energy generation is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, although there is a small contribution from renewable sources such as hydroelectric power.

• 41,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 145.827 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 8 million kWh: Transmission and distribution losses (2023 est.)
• 84.3%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023 est.)

Environment

Dominica faces environmental challenges such as pollution from agricultural chemicals and untreated sewage, along with soil erosion and deforestation. The country is signatory to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

• 76.6%: Forest area (2023 est.)
• 200 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
• 168,000 metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
• 12.6%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)

Transportation

Transportation within Dominica includes limited civil aviation and a merchant marine service. The island has two airports, facilitating access for tourism and trade.

• 2: Total airports (2025)
• 77: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
• 2: Major ports (Roseau and Portsmouth)

Communications

Dominica has a relatively high level of internet access, with 84% of the population using the internet. The telecommunication system includes fixed and mobile services, with a growing number of subscriptions.

• 56,929: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
• 84%: Internet user percentage of the population (2023 est.)
• 7,000: Fixed telephone line subscriptions (2021 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	74,661	(2024 est.)
Area	751 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$1.241 billion	Real GDP (2024 est.)
Electricity access	100%	Total population (2022 est.)
Life expectancy	78.7 years	(2024 est.)
Urbanization	72%	Urban population (2023)
Inflation rate	2.6%	Consumer prices (2024 est.)
CO2 emissions	168,000 metric tonnes	(2023 est.)
Literacy rate	94%	(2023 est.)
Unemployment rate	NA	Not available