Your guide to being an expatriate in Dominica

Demographics of Dominica:

Religion Overview

Dominica is a predominantly Christian country, with Roman Catholicism being the most widely practiced religion. The church plays a significant role in Dominican society, with many religious festivals and ceremonies taking place throughout the year.

Major Religions

Climate

Dominica features a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high rainfall and warm, humid weather all year round. The wettest months are September and October, while the driest months are February and March. Dominica is also prone to occasional hurricanes, which can cause significant damage to the island's infrastructure during the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November).

Economy Overview

Dominica's economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and fisheries. The country is well-known for its production of bananas, citrus fruits, and tropical vegetables, as well as its abundant marine resources. The government has also taken steps to diversify the economy, with a focus on geothermal energy, offshore finance, and medical tourism.

Key Industries

• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Fisheries
• Geothermal energy
• Offshore finance
• Medical tourism

Major Companies

• National Development Corporation of Dominica
• Dominica Tree Planting and Watershed Management Corporation
• Dominica Agritourism and Marketing Society

Culture and Language Overview

Dominica's culture is a delightful blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. The country is known for its vibrant festivals, such as the World Creole Music Festival, which is held annually in October. Creole patois, a unique English-based creole language, is spoken by many Dominicans, and English is also widely spoken and used as the official language.

Cultural Highlights

• Carnival, also known as J'ouvert, is a lively celebration held over several days in July
• Kaiso, the national art form, is a traditional form of calypso music that often deals with social and political issues
• Cocoa Fest, a week-long celebration of chocolate and cocoa farming, takes place in September

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Dominica's varied terrain includes steep mountains, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches. The island is mostly covered by the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to several endemic species of plants and animals.

Notable Landmarks

• Morne Trois Pitons National Park
• Boiling Lake, the second largest hot spring in the world
• Trafalgar Falls, a dual waterfall that is a popular tourist attraction

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Caribbean Barbecue Festival (June)
• Emancipation Day (July 30)
• Independence Day (November 3)
• Constitution Day (November 6)
• Citizenship Day (November 19)

Political Stability

Dominica is a stable independent nation, with a Westminster-style government and a constitutional monarchy. The country has a multi-party system, with the Dominica Labour Party serving as the current ruling party. The economy is inherently sensitive to international economic conditions, with agriculture and tourism representing a significant portion of exports. While recent political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition have caused some unrest, Dominica remains a relatively peaceful and democratic nation.