In the 15th century, the local population of Dominica began to be enslaved by French colonialists, and soon the British joined them. In the second half of the 16th century, the island officially became part of the British colonies. Slavery was abolished on the island in the 19th century. It was only in 1978 that the Commonwealth of Dominica gained the status of an independent state. The autonomous development of the Caribbean country has long been hampered by political and social instability.
Climatic conditions
Dominica has a tropical humid climate. Summer is all year round on the island. The thermometer is practically not lower than below +20°С. The average monthly temperature varies in the range from +26°С to 28°С. The dry season, in which short-term precipitation can occur, lasts from December to June. From mid-summer to October, it often rains profusely.
In the autumn period, tornadoes and hurricanes periodically dominate the island. In a tropical humid climate, the local population is engaged in the cultivation of exotic fruits and plants. In the coastal areas of Dominica, plantations of mangoes, coconuts, bananas, cocoa, feijoa, passion fruit, papaya are concentrated.
Demography
According to the latest data, the ethnic composition of the Commonwealth of Dominica is 86% African and 8.9% mulatto. About 0.8% of the population of the exotic island are carriers of the white race, and almost 3% of the inhabitants identify themselves as indigenous Indians (Colinago).
The official language in the country is English. In addition, Dominican Creole and Antillean Creole are spoken among the local population. More than half of the island's residents – 61.4% – attend the Roman Catholic Church, 20.6% consider themselves Protestants, and 18% are representatives of religious minorities, as well as those who adhere to atheistic views.
The average life expectancy in the Commonwealth of Dominica is 73 years (for men) and 79 years (for women).
An authoritative Internet resource countrymeters provides information on the overall coefficient of demographic load in an exotic country – 49.7%. It shows that in Dominica the number of the working-age population is almost twice as large as those who live on subsidies from the state. The coefficient of pension load is 15%. The average birth rate on the island reaches 664 people per day, and the mortality rate is 188 people. In 2023, migration growth in the Commonwealth of Dominica decreased by 33.5 thousand people.
Economy
Dominica is one of the major suppliers of bananas. Export of exotic fruits provides a stable replenishment of the country's budget. Dominica also sells vegetables, spices and flowers, which are massively supplied to the markets of Asia and the North American continent. In addition, the island's authorities export pumice, a material that is in demand in construction. It is mined on volcanoes. Fisheries are developed on the island, but almost the entire volume of seafood meets the needs of the domestic market.
A separate source of income for the state is tourism. Local officials are actively investing in the development of infrastructure – comfortable hotels are being built, beaches are being ennobled, new routes for travelers are being laid. Officials replenish the budget by issuing citizenship to foreigners who are willing to invest in investment projects.
According to the Internet portal, in 2023, GDP per capita in Dominica was $7,648. Taking into account purchasing power parity, this figure was $15,862. An alternative publication cites data that the highest index of the cost of living was recorded in the city of Santo Domingo (32.2). Last year's inflation rate in the state was 3.5%.
Freedom of movement
The passport of Dominica allows you to travel without a visa to 89 countries of the world. Entry permit on arrival will have to be issued in 39 foreign countries.
An electronic visa will be required when crossing the borders of 5 countries. The Commonwealth of Dominica ranks 33rd in the ranking of the passport strength.
In accordance with the agreement between the Russian Federation and Dominica, which entered into force on January 14, 2019, Russians can stay on the territory of an exotic island without a visa for up to 90 days within six months. The purpose of the visit can be any, but compatriots are prohibited from working and doing business in Dominica.