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Largely
rural, uncrowded and unspoiled, Dominica touts itself as a
'non-tourist destination' for divers, hikers and naturalists
- partly because it lacks those white-sand beaches so favored
by holidaymakers to the Caribbean. The island's main attractions
involve strapping on some gear and working up a sweat, making
it a great destination if your interests extend beyond lying
motionless in the sun.
Dubbed
the Caribbean's 'Nature Island,' Dominica has a lush mountainous
interior of rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs and
more than 200 rivers, many of which cascade over steep cliff
faces en route to the coast. The only way to really experience
this fabulous terrain is to pull on your hiking boots and
start walking. Get ready to test your calf muscles because
the island has the highest mountains in the Eastern Caribbean;
the loftiest peak, Morne Diablotin, is 4747 feet (1447 m)
high - not bad for an island measuring only 29 miles (47km)
by 16 miles (26km).
Apart
from its natural splendours, the island has an interesting
fusion of British, French and West Indian cultural traditions,
and is home to the Eastern Caribbean's largest Carib Indian
community.
Orientation
Most
of Dominica's attractions and places to stay are along the
west coast or in the mountains just inland from the capital,
Roseau.
Dominica
has two airports: Canefield, a 10-minute drive from Roseau,
and Melville Hall, on the secluded northeast side of the island.
If you're planning to base yourself in Roseau, try to avoid
Melville Hall as it's a good 75-minute haul to the capital.
This
is a large island, but the primary roads are well paved and
getting around is easy. With a reasonably early start, it's
possible to drive up the west coast from Roseau to Portsmouth,
explore Cabrits National Park, travel down the east coast
through the Carib Territory and stop at the Emerald Pool on
your way back across the island, all in a full-day outing.
Area:
290 sq miles (166 sq km)
Population: 71,540
Capital city: Roseau
People: African descent (90%), native Carib (4%)
Language: English, French-based patois
Religion: Roman Catholic 77%, Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%,
Baptist 2%, Seventh Day Adventist 2%, and other 7%, none 4%
Government: Independent state within the British Commonwealth
Prime Minister: Roosevelt Douglas
GDP: US$225 million
GDP per head: US$3400
Annual growth: 2%
Inflation: 1.1%
Major industries: Agriculture (primarily bananas and coconuts),
tourism, shoes, furniture, cement blocks
Major trading partners: Caricom countries, Italy, USA, UK,
Japan, Canada
Dominican
Republic Flight from UK
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