Dominica Island. The Commonwealth of Dominica

The island of Dominica is associated with a peculiar geographical confusion. Many take him for the Caribbean republic of the same name. Our article is designed to clarify this issue. All three political and geographical objects are located in the Caribbean Sea. But on this similarity ends. The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern part of a fairly large island of Haiti. It is located in the Great Antilles archipelago. But the Commonwealth of Dominica occupies a whole, albeit small, island. This is a completely different state, with its government, currency and history. Geographically, Dominica belongs to the group of Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. By the number of people and a modest territory, the country is considered a dwarf state. The tourist sphere of the economy in it is only gaining momentum and while far behind the untwisted Dominican Republic. But the Commonwealth has a great future. The country is often called the "Island of the Caribbean", hinting at the pristine pristine landscapes.

Geography

The island of Dominica on the world map is barely visible. Its area is only 754 square kilometers. We will try to find it on the map. A narrow strip from north to south stretches the Lesser Antilles (also called Windward Islands), arc delineating the eastern borders of the Caribbean Sea. This archipelago includes many dwarf states, such as Saint-Martin (St. Martin), Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada. Dominica is located approximately in the center of this cluster of islands. From the north-west it borders with Guadeloupe, and in the southeast - with Martinique. Small Antilles are formed by volcanic activity. Dominica is the youngest of them. But there are no active volcanoes on the island. Only hot springs and geysers show that the bowels have not yet calmed down. The highest point is the extinct volcano Dyabloten (1447 meters above sea level). On this mountainous island is the second largest lake in the world with eternally boiling water.

Climate

The island of Dominica is located approximately at the fifteenth degree of northern latitude. And because the climate there is humid, tropical. The temperature of the air here all year round ranges from +25 ... + 27 degrees. In the west of the island, near the sea, there are relatively arid regions. But in the majority on Dominica often rains. There are two distinct seasons. From November to March-month excellent weather is established. Downpours if they go, they are short, and precipitation falls at night. Then the island is a tourist season. But from July to September, it is better to refrain from a trip to Dominica. The island at this time is in the hurricane zone. As recently as August 2015, a terrible typhoon "Erica" hit Dominica, throwing the country back in its development twenty years ago. The nature of the island is amazingly beautiful. The mountainous terrain is covered by lush jungles. Near the sea there are beaches with golden or black volcanic sand. Tropical forests are home to many species of plants and animals that you will not find anywhere else in the world. The water area off the coast of Dominica is teeming with livestock. Therefore, the island is attractive for its sea fishing.

History of Dominica

When Christopher Columbus opened this island to the world, it was the third of November 1493, Sunday. Therefore, the great seafarer named the land site on the day of the week (from the Latin word Dominicus). After that, the island of Dominica was over a hundred years forgotten by Europeans. In 1635, France claimed its rights to this territory. But in twenty-five years the island was left at the disposal of the Indian Caribs. But the French influence remained. By the terms of the Paris Peace, signed in 1763, the island departed Britain. The population sympathized with the French, and those in 1778 tried to return this colony. But in 1805 Dominica officially became part of the British heritage. Slavery in all the colonies of the United Kingdom was abolished in 1834. Since the island was forcibly inhabited by immigrants from Africa, Dominica became the first territory where a negroid majority was represented in the authority. In 1958-1962, the island was part of the Federation of the West Indies. As an independent state, Dominic appeared on the political map of the world on November 3, 1978. This day is celebrated as a national holiday.

Modern political structure and state symbols

In the form of government it is the Parliamentary Republic. Dominica is governed by the President, who is elected by the Parliament, and the Prime Minister. At this time it's Charles Savarin and Roosevelt Skerrit. The hymn of Dominica begins with the words "Island of Beauty and Splendor". The motto of the state is the phrase on the patois: "After God we love the Earth." The Commonwealth of Dominica is a very beautiful flag. On the green field (the color of the jungle) is depicted a parrot sisser. This bird, also called the imperial Amazon, lives only on the island of Dominica and nowhere else. This endemic decorates itself and the coat of arms of a parliamentary republic called Dominica. The country's currency is the East Caribbean Dollar. It is quoted in relation to the American one approximately as one to two and a half. The country is administratively divided into parishes. All of them bear the names of saints (which reflects the great authority of the Roman Catholic Church on the island). There are ten parishes in all: David, Andrew, George, John, Joseph, Mark, Luke, Paul, Patrick and Peter.

Population

On the island of Dominica there are 73,607 people - in the overwhelming majority it is the distant descendants of Africans. Aborigines - Indian-Caribs - make up less than three percent of the total population. White Europeans and even less - 0.8%. The state of Dominica is urban. In cities, about seventy percent of the population lives. Although the welfare of the country largely depends on the success of agriculture. The capital of the country is Roseau (Roseau). This is not a metropolis, although it is the largest city on the island. Its population is only eighteen thousand people. People on the island mostly live long: 80 years - women, 74 years - men. The population density is 94 people per square kilometer. The official state language is English. In the countryside people talk on the patois. This is a local dialect based on the French language.

Culture

The Caribbean island of Dominica is an ethnic cauldron, in which representatives of various ethnic groups co-exist. Although, when the Europeans arrived on these shores, there lived only two tribes - the Kaliningo and Arawak. Now the population is very mixed, and this affects the local culture. Dance and music - without them, there is not a single significant event in the country. That's why Dominica has become a scene for many festivals. So, since 1997, there has been a week of Creole music every year. Also, a tourist who has visited this island, just need to try the dishes of the local cuisine. Mostly it's meat (usually a bird, but maybe a lamb or beef) with a very spicy sauce. Desserts are served with mixtures made from fruits.

Tourism

The Stanovoi Range of the Dominican Commonwealth economy is the cultivation of bananas, cocoa, coconut palms, tobacco, citrus and mango. Tourism is the second important industry. It every year is gaining momentum. Near the capital of Roseau, Melville International Airport operates. But bank cards are still accepted only in the capital and resorts of the west coast. Tourists visit the island mainly in the winter. Mostly people attract beautiful beaches with fine black sand and azure Caribbean Sea. On the east side of the island of Dominica is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. That's why safaries also go here. The nature here is fabulously beautiful. In the forests there are many exotic birds, from the mountains falls waterfalls and crystal streams. The heat is softened by the constantly blowing north-east trade winds. For citizens of the Russian Federation visiting the island for tourism purposes, a visa is not needed. However, the period of stay in the Commonwealth should not exceed twenty-one days.

Beaches

Rest on the black sand washed by azure waters - is not this a fairy tale? If you are an unsure swimmer, choose the west coast of the island. But in the east there are areas where high waves of the Atlantic Ocean do not make their way over the reef. These are sandy beaches south of Kalibishi. In general, the Republic of Dominica provides tourists with a wide choice of beautiful places for swimming. In the south of the island is the "Champagne Beach". It pebbly, but that's not the point. In the shallows, hot springs are emerging. Bubbles of air and gave the name of the recreation area. For snorkeling, this is a great place, as a coral reef is located nearby. And lovers of a noisy merry holiday on the water will suit the beach "Purple Turtle" (Purple Turtle) on the north coast. Not less popular are Coconut Beach, Mero and Napiers.

sights

The island of Dominica has everything, than it is possible to surprise the tourist. Under the number first in the list "Must see" is Boyling Lake. As it is clear from the name, the water in it boils because of fading volcanic activity. The lake, included in the UNESCO list, is located in the Morne-Trois-Piton National Park. Masterpieces created by nature itself are waterfalls of Boli, Brandi, Sari-Sari. In the state capital, Roseau, you should see Fort Shirley and the Old Market, where slaves were once sold. Also in the list of attractions is L'Escaille Tete Shin.

When the volcano erupted, which occurred thousands of years ago, a vast field of petrified lava formed. This lunar landscape is considered sacred by locals and associated with it by many legends. It is worth staying on this Caribbean island for at least a couple of days to understand why Dominica is the fourth most-visited country in the world among the happiest countries (according to the New Economic Foundation rating).