Dominica

November 3, 1978 (Friday) – Dominica gains independence from the United Kingdom

August 29, 1979 (Wednesday) – Hurricane David strikes; 80% of homes destroyed, 56 deaths

July 19, 1980 (Saturday) – First female Prime Minister in the Caribbean, Dame Eugenia Charles, takes office

September 17, 1989 (Sunday) – Hurricane Hugo causes flooding and agricultural damage

November 3, 1998 (Tuesday) – Hurricane Georges passes nearby; heavy rains cause landslides

September 17, 2004 (Friday) – Hurricane Jeanne causes severe flooding

August 27, 2015 (Thursday) – Tropical Storm Erika devastates Dominica; 30+ lives lost, major infrastructure damage

September 18, 2017 (Monday) – Hurricane Maria (Category 5) makes landfall; nearly entire island destroyed, 31 confirmed deaths

October 25, 2019 (Friday) – Dominica declared world’s first “Climate-Resilient Nation” at UN

December 6, 2022 (Tuesday) – General elections held; Skerrit’s party retains power

October 2, 2023 (Monday) – Sylvanie Burton becomes first female President of Dominica

Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Location: Eastern Caribbean, between Guadeloupe and Martinique
Capital: Roseau
Language: English (official), Antillean Creole (widely spoken)
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Population: ~73,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC−4)

Borders: None (island country)
Landscape: Volcanic mountains, tropical rainforest, hot springs, rivers
Major Rivers: Layou River, Roseau River, Indian River
Major Mountains: Morne Diablotins (highest), Morne Trois Pitons, Morne Anglais
Deserts: None
Lakes: Boiling Lake, Freshwater Lake, Emerald Pool
Volcanoes: Multiple volcanic peaks; Morne Trois Pitons, Morne Diablotins (active system)
Highest Point: Morne Diablotins (1,447 m / 4,747 ft)
Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea (sea level)
Climate: Tropical rainforest climate; warm, humid, with heavy rainfall
Geological Features: Active volcanic arc; part of Lesser Antilles subduction zone; geothermal activity

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly African descent (~86%), mixed heritage, indigenous Kalinago
Religion: Christianity (mostly Roman Catholic, some Protestant denominations)
Urban Population: ~70% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Small population, low birth rate, emigration to diaspora communities

Famous For: Natural beauty, geothermal activity, eco-tourism, Creole culture, Carnival
Cuisine: Mountain chicken (crapaud), Callaloo soup, Saltfish and bakes, tropical fruits
Arts: Creole music and dance (Bouyon, Cadence-lypso), oral traditions, crafts
Sports: Cricket, football (soccer), athletics, netball

Economy Type: Small island economy; agriculture- and tourism-based
GDP: Approx. $610 million USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (bananas, citrus), eco-tourism, offshore services
Key Exports: Bananas, soap, fruits, vegetables, essential oils
Unemployment Rate: ~16% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Roseau (economic center), Portsmouth, Kalinago Territory

Government Type: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy (King Charles III)
Head of State: President Sylvanie Burton (since October 2023)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (since 2004)
Legislature: Unicameral (House of Assembly)
Constitution: In effect since 1978 (independence)

Morne Trois Pitons National Park (UNESCO): Rainforests, hot springs, Boiling Lake
Boiling Lake: World’s second-largest hot lake
Emerald Pool: Waterfall and forest grotto
Cabrits National Park: Fort Shirley, hiking trails
Kalinago Territory: Indigenous heritage, traditional village
Scotts Head: Snorkeling, volcanic peninsula