Dominica
is an island in
the Caribbean Sea, located
about halfway between the French islands of Guadeloupe (to the north) and
Martinique (to the south). Its coordinates are 15 25 N, 61 20 W. It is known as
"The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied
flora and fauna, which is protected by an extensive natural park system. It is
the fourth largest largest island in the Caribbean with a population of people
mainly from African descent.The lowest point in the country is at sea level along the coast, and the highest is Morne Diablotins (1,447 m/4,747 ft). The extreme southwestern coast of the island includes a large collapsed submarine caldera. Portions of the exposed rim of this caldera form the southwestern tip of the island at Scott's Head. Natural resources include farming, hydropower and timber.
Geographically, Dominica is distinctive in many ways. The country has one of
the most rugged landscapes in the Caribbean, covered by a largely unexploited,
multi-layered rain forest. It is also among the Earth's most rain-drenched
lands, and the water runoff forms cascading rivers and natural pools. The
island, home to rare species of wildlife, is considered by many as a beautiful,
unspoiled tropical preserve. According to a popular West Indian belief, Dominica
is the only New World territory that Columbus would still recognize.
Dominica is the largest and most northerly of the Windward Islands. The
island faces the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west.
Its nearest neighbors are the French islands of Guadeloupe, some 48 kilometers
(30 mi) north, and Martinique, about 40 kilometers (25 mi) south. Oblong-shaped
and slightly smaller than New York City, Dominica is 750 square kilometers (290
sq mi) in area, 47 kilometers (29 mi) in length, and 29 kilometers (18 mi) in
width. Roseau, the nation's capital and major port, is favorably situated on the
sheltered, southwestern coast.
