History

The Commonwealth of Dominica is a unique volcanic island nation of the Eastern Caribbean Basin. It is located between the two French islands of Martinique in the south and Guadeloupe in the North. It is the largest of the Windward Islands, with its size being 754 square kilometers or 291 square miles.

On Sunday, 3rd of November 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted the island and named it Dominica, which is the Latin word for Sunday. French and British settlers soon arrived and began a long struggle against the pre-Colombian inhabitants – the Caribs, a proud people who to this day still form one of the only settlements of Kalinago. The British gained control in 1763 and brought in African slaves to work on their farms. From the 1930’s onwards Dominica gradually gained more control and declared its independence in 1978.

The island is renowned for its breath-taking natural splendor, lush primordial forests climb its steep volcanic slopes and dramatic waterfalls tumble through its deep valleys. Heavy rainfall feeds the countless streams, rivers and lakes. Dominica possesses the most pristine tropical rainforest; its exotic flora and fauna are preserved from almost since Columbus’ era.

In Dominica, there are two marine reserves, four national parks, one of which, the Morne Trois Pition National Park, was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as one of its kind in the Caribbean. Because of its volcanic origin, Dominica is home to the second largest Boiling Lake in the world, along with numerous sulfuric and mineral springs, geysers and fields of volcanic pumice. These volcanic features have made us famous. Dominica has become a paradise for lovers of diving and a sanctuary for whale watching.

The islanders have sought to preserve this “untouched nature” and because of phenomenal natural beauty, Dominica is nicknamed “The Nature Isle of the Caribbean.”