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Truly the nature island! When Christopher Columbus arrived in Dominica in 1493, he found an island flourishing with nature's wild abandon.

Today, Dominica remains largely untamed and immensely appealing for travelers seeking a different Caribbean adventure. All across this abundant island, rivers rush through dense rainforests, mountains reflect in quiet lakes, and the songs of rare birds mingle with the roar of waterfalls.

Dominica (pronounced "Dom-in-eek-a") is an island of volcanic origins located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, at approximately 15 degrees North latitude and 61 degrees West longitude.

It is the largest and most mountainous of the the Windward Islands, with an area of 289.5 sq. miles. It is 29 miles long and 16 miles at its widest. The formal name Commonwealth of Dominica is often used to distinguish it from the Dominican Republic, while the Zip code 00109-8000 ensures mail isn't mis-sent there.

It has several peaks of over 3,000', the tallest of which are Morne Diablotin (4,747') and Morne Trois Pitons (4,600').

Dominica is famous for its tropical rainforest, and the many rivers and waterfalls which result from the high rainfall in the interior. In addition, its volcanic origins manifest themselves most noticably in the Boiling Lake (one of the largest of its kind in the world) and many other smaller fumaroles around the island (including at least one underwater). Moreover, it is widely acknowledged to be both one of the best dive sites and a prime whale watching location in the region (if not world).

There are a number of National parks or reserves on the island. Our World Heritage Site, the 17,000 acre Morne Trois Pitons National Park contains perhaps the majority of Dominica's above-water famous sights - several crater lakes and waterfalls, including the Emerald Pool, 14 miles from Roseau.

The Northern Forest Reserve is another fine example of oceanic rainforest and is also famous as the home of Dominica's national bird, the rare Sisserou Parrot. The Cabrits National Park, just north of Portsmouth, is home to the partly-restored Fort Shirley. It is also a marine reserve, as is the area around Scott's Head/Soufriere at the south-western tip of the island.

Dominica's population is around 70,000, of which 20,000 live around the capital city, Roseau (pronounced 'Ro-zo'), which is located on the south-west coast. Roseau was named after the French name for the reeds that grow by the river (interestingly, there is a Roseau in Minnesota named for the same reason).

The second largest city is Portsmouth in the north-west. Other towns of note include Marigot in the north-east, and Grand Bay in the south.

English is the official language but a French-based Creole (kweyol) is widely spoken, especially in outlying villages. This reflects an often turbulent history in which the island would be assigned to Britain by a treaty with the French, who would promptly break it and try to regain control of Dominica. Throughout and to the present day the original inhabitants, the Caribs, tried to coexist. In 1903 they were assigned a 3,700 acre Territory in the north-east where around 3,000 live today.

The original Carib name for Dominica is Waitikubuli, and many of the villages still retain (or at least know) their Carib name.

Dominica's cuisine is based on our local wildlife which includes agouti, crabs, crayfish, crapaud ('Mountain Chicken') and manicou, but there is a Closed Season for game and freshwater fish from March 1 through August 31. Because of the decline in the forementioned species, the close season has been extended all year round.

Other regulations visitors should bear in mind is that the import and export of fruit, vegetables and flowers is restricted; you will need to obtain a license to take out flowers, for example. The purchase of Coral is forbidden so please resist the temptation to buy coral from vendors.

Roseau
A number of places around the capital city of Roseau (pop. 20,000) are of note. The Roseau Museum is compact but well organised. Opposite the cruise ship jetty, it is housed in the old Post Office. Behind it is the Old Market, where once slaves were bought and sold, and today can be found a craft market. The New Market, at the other end of the Bayfront, comes alive early Saturday morning (but is also open other week days) with a stunning variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers and sundry items. Be sure also to take a refreshing drink of coconut water while there.

The 'crushed bus' in the Botanical Gardens is a silent testimony to the force of the winds of Hurricane David (1979), and also the the regenerative power of nature (the tree is still growing, on top of the bus). A small Aviary in the Gardens has some of Dominica's rare parrots.

High above the Gardens is a fine vantage point, Morne Bruce, which can be reached from a track near the east gate, and provides a splendid view of Roseau.

Leaving the Gardens via the west gate, go straight and you'll soon pass Tropicrafts (look in to see the mats being made) and see the Roman Catholic Cathedral on your left.

The North
Dominica's second city is Portsmouth, situated in the north-west of the island on Prince Rupert Bay.

For visitors, the focal point is The Cabrits, a headland on which can be found the remains of the recently restored Fort Shirley. Wander around the headland and you'll probably stumble on old buildings and cannon from the Fort.

Also of note near Portsmouth is the Indian River, where you can take a boat ride up through the mangroves for about a mile. Portsmouth is also home to Ross University Medical School.

The South
On your way to the south of the island, about a mile south of the fishing village of Pointe Michel, where the road leaves the coast and goes up into the hills, is a track down to a pebbly beach. At the end of this beach and starting a few feet into the water, is Champagne, a large area where volcanic activity causes thousands of bubbles to come from the rocks beneath the water.

At the end of the island, the villages of Soufriere and Scott's Head are both on the same beautiful bay. Scott's Head is at the end of a short isthmus and affords a brilliant view of the bay, north along the coast, and south to Martinique if the weather is good. On the Head are the ruins of Fort Cachacou which was an important defence post and involved in action between the British and French in 1778 and 1805.

> As the name implies, Soufriere is home to more sulphur springs. Also of note is a fine vantage point over looking the bay at the village of Gallion above Soufriere

Culture

Despite Dominica's political affiliations and choice of measurement standard, the French have had a more lasting influence on the island than the British. This can be seen in the predominance of Roman Catholicism, the widespread use of French-based patois, and the commonness of French place names. African, West Indian and native Carib traditions all contribute to a Creole culture, resulting in mix of language, food, art and customs. Common sights include Carib dugout canoes, stilt houses, Rastafarian dreadlocks, and red, green and yellow African clothing. Dominica has a thriving music scene, centered mainly around reggae, calypso and zouk. Cricket and soccer are the most popular sports.

Dominica's most celebrated author, Jean Rhys, was born in Roseau in 1890. Although she moved to England at age 16 and only made one brief return visit to Dominica, much of her work draws upon her childhood experiences in the West Indies. Rhys touches lightly upon her life in Dominica in her books Voyage in the Dark (1934) and her autobiography Smile Please (1979).

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