ABSTRACT
Dominica is situated in the centre of the chain of the Lesser Antilles, and is regarded as the northernmost of the Windward Islands. Area overall: 751sq km (290sq miles); capital: Roseau; population: 70,158 (2002 estimate), mainly black, with the only surviving population of c. 3,000 Caribs on the north-eastern coast; official language: English (a French Creole patois is also widely spoken); religion: 80% Roman Catholic, Protestant denominations 15%. Constitution: The Commonwealth of Dominica is a parliamentary republic within the Commonwealth. The Constitution dates from independence on 3 November 1978. The head of state is a President elected by the House of Assembly for a term of five years, renewable for one further term. Parliament consists of the President and the House of Assembly of 30 members: nine Senators (who may either be elected or appointed as Parliament orders) and 21 members elected by universal adult suffrage. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who is the elected member most likely to command a majority in the House of Assembly. Other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. History: Dominica was given its present name by Christopher Columbus, who sighted it on 3 November 1493. Because of its mountainous nature, France and Britain agreed to regard it as neutral in the 17th century, but French settlers gradually began to arrive and were well established when Britain first captured the island during the Seven Years War (1759). It changed hands several times before finally being recaptured by Britain in 1805, but retains its French patois and Roman Catholic faith.
