Discover Dominica 
Dominica is situated at the northern end 
of the Windward Chain of the Lesser 
Antilles.lt is the largest of this island group, 
lying between the two French islands of 
Martinique and Guadeloupe. 
Roughly rectangular in shape with 
rounded projections at each end, it is 46 
kms. (29 miles) long by 25 kms. (16 miles) 
wide, an area of 790 sq. kms (290 sq. miles). 
Ruggedly beautiful and volcanic in origin, 
Dominica’s narrow coastal shelves, tower¬ 
ing green mountains covered in dense tropi¬ 
cal forests, deep valleys and countless streams 
provide magnificent scenic views. Agricul¬ 
ture is the mainstay of the island’s economy, 
with bananas being the main crop followed 
by coconuts. 
Dominica is perhaps the most naturally 
beautiful and different of all Caribbean desti¬ 
nations. Dominated by towering mountains 
The church of St. Marie of the Caribs 
at Salybia, Carib Territory 
and primordial rain forests, criss-crossed by 
rivers and waterfalls, Dominica offers an 
opportunity to experience one of the last 
spots on earth, where nature, so unchanged 
and unspoiled, flourishes in abundance. 
Under water is as spectacular as above. 
The unexplored coral reefs, dramatic drop- 
offs and wrecks offer spectacular world class 
diving possibilities and visibility of 80 plus. 
The “Adventure Dive Destination” is ideal 
for the diver seeking a new and different dive 
vacation experience. 
Dominica was originally inhabited by the 
Arawak and Carib Indians. The island is still 
home to about 3000 Carib Indians, descen¬ 
dants of the original inhabitants of the island, 
who live in the Carib Reserve, an area of 
about 3,700 acres in the north east of the 
island, established in 1903 and owned by 
the Carib Indians. The Caribs are mainly 
agriculturalists, but still practice their tradi¬ 
tional skills of canoe building and basketry. 
The first known Europeans to sight the 
island were led by Christopher Columbus, 
who sailed past on a Sunday in 1493 (hence 
the name Dominica). Dominica has changed 
ownership many times, between the French 
and the English. In 1748, the English and 
French agreed that Dominica would remain 
neutral and left to its original inhabitants, the 
Caribs.By the Treaty of Paris in 1763, 
Dominica was assigned to Britain, but the 
Treaty was broken when the French tried to 
recapture the island in 1795 and made a last 
attempt in 1805 when Roseau was burnt. 
The French finally pulled out with a 
ransom of £8000. The island remained a 
British colony until 1967 when it became a 
self-governing Associated State. Full Inde¬ 
pendence with republican status within the 
British Commonwealth came on 3 Novem¬ 
ber 1978.The French influence is still evi¬ 
dent in the Creole which is spoken and in the 
family and place names. Dominica is now 
formally known as: 
“The Commonwealth of Dominica”. 
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Joan Iaconetti 
The main cascade of Trafalgar Falls 
What better souvenir 
can be found in 
Dominica 
than 
Dominica itself in 
pictures and in words 
AVAILABLE AT.’ 
Dominica NDC 
Tel: (809) 448 2045/6 
All bookstores and hotels. 
Dear Visitor, 
Dominica is just the island that you have 
been looking for - an island of unbelievable 
natural beauty and warm friendly people. 
Nature abounds here and combined with 
opportunities for scuba diving, yours will 
be the ultimate "nature tourism" experi¬ 
ence! Like others who have visited, the 
charm of this island will lure your return. 
Welcome! 
Cordially, 
C.A. Maynard 
Minister for Tourism 
Dear Visitor, 
Welcome to Dominica. We are pleased that 
you have selected our "Nature Island" for 
your vacation destination. We hope you 
enjoy all the things "Dominican" which 
will make your vacation memorable. Our 
warm hospitality, the various natural at¬ 
tractions both land based and aquatic, our 
island culture, unique handicrafts or just 
the peace and tranquillity you will find 
here. 
This guide is intended to provide compre¬ 
hensive information to assist the planning 
of your vacation here. Rest assured that the 
Tourism Information Office is here to assist 
you in every way possible. I hope you take 
back with you fond memories of Dominica 
which will urge you to return. 
Sincerely, 
Marie-Jose Edwards, 
Director of Tourism 
National Development Corporation 
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