Welcome to the mystic island of Dominica, lying approximately halfway between the islands of Guadeloupe (on the north) and Martinique (on the south). It is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, Dominica is 47 km long and has an area of 750 sq km. The island has a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of about 80°F, and has a total population of 71,655. More than 90 percent of the inhabitants are black, descendants of slaves brought from Africa in the 18th century. The Capital city of the island is called Roseau which is located in the south west coast of the island

Dominica is volcanic in origin and has a mountainous terrain, with several peaks rising above 3,000 ft; the highest point is Morne Diablotins. Also famous for its tropical rainforest and the many rivers and waterfalls which results from the high rainfall in the interior. In addition its volcanic origins manifest themselves most noticeably in the Boiling Lake, one of the largest of its kind in the world, and many other small fumaroles around the island including at least one underwater

LANGUAGE:
English is the official language but a French-Based Creole is widely spoken especially in the villages

FOOD:
Dominica's cuisine is simple. You'll find basic fried chicken and fish and chips, Creole cuisine like goat Colombo and Callao soup (a creamed spinach type soup), and Caribbean staples like roti (curry-filled flat bread).
The national dish is the ubiquitous mountain chicken, actually giant legs of a mountain crapaud (toad) common to Dominica and Montserrat that is caught only between September and March to keep its numbers from dwindling. Prepared in a variety of ways, it does taste like chicken, and goes down nicely with the light local beer, Kubuli

MUSIC:
Dominica has a thriving music scene, centered mainly around reggae, calypso and zouk

FESTIVALS:
Dominica's Carnival celebrations are held during the traditional Mardi Gras period, in the two weeks prior to Lent (February/March). It includes calypso competitions, a Carnival Queen contest, 'jump-ups' and a costume parade. Creole Day, usually held on the Friday before Independence Day (3 November), is a celebration of the island's Creole language and culture. It includes traditional dancing, folklore, food and music.

Few places on earth exude eternal beauty like Dominica, located in the Eastern Caribbean, the island embraces a sense of serene, ageless beauty. It's a place where man and nature live in harmony, above and below the surrounding sea. You’ll remember the small coastal towns. The rugged mountains of the interior. The generosity of the people. And blessed with fertile soil and abundant seas, you’ll remember the quiet confidence of and island that can feed itself. For well-traveled couples. Young adventurers. Professionals looking to unwind. And everyone who travels with a passion not just to see things, but to make discoveries, Dominica anticipates your arrival.

By: Melissa Hunte