Dominica

The Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island country in the Lesser Antilles chain in the Caribbean Sea. It is the southernmost of the Windward Islands, between Guadeloupe to the northwest and Martinique to the southeast. Its area is 750 square kilometres (290 sq mi), and the highest point is Morne Diablotins, at 1,447 metres (4,747 ft) elevation. The population was 72,301 at the 2019 census. The capital city is Roseau. Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" for its natural beauty. It is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity, as evidenced by the world's second-largest hot spring, Boiling Lake. The island has lush mountainous rainforests, and is the home of many rare plant, animal, and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions, especially near Scotts Head. The Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis), also known as the imperial amazon and found only on Dominica, is the national bird and featured on the national flag. Dominica's economy depends on tourism and agriculture. Culturally, Dominica is considered part of the Anglophone Caribbean. It has one of the highest percentages of citizens of African descent in the Americas. The island was also the first British colony in the Caribbean to abolish slavery, in 1763. Dominica is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations. The President of Dominica is the head of state, and the Prime Minister of Dominica is the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Dominica. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Dominica is a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas, ALBA, and Petrocaribe. The Dominican Republic is also a member of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization.