Dominica History

The History of Dominica

Known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in the world.

The official name is Commonwealth of Dominica. Dominica’s pre-Columbian name was Wai’tu kubuli, which means “her body is tall.” The indigenous Kalinago people of the island, somewhat erroneously called ‘Caribs’, have a territory which resembles the Indian reserves of Canada. Because the island went through a period of French occupation, and lies between two overseas départements of France (Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south), the island is sometimes called “French Dominica”. It also has the nickname “The Nature Isle of the Caribbean” due to its seemingly unspoiled natural beauty.

The isle of Dominica is one of the youngest islands in the Lesser Antilles, and it is still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity. It is a lush island of mountainous rainforests, home of many rare plant, animal and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions but heavy rainfall can be expected inland. The Sisserou parrot is featured on the Dominica flag.Dominica’s economy is heavily dependent on both tourism and agriculture.