Country Profile: Dominica

Dominica, known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean," is a mountainous island located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The country boasts a population of approximately 74,661, with a diverse cultural heritage shaped by its historical native Carib inhabitants and colonial past. Economically, Dominica relies heavily on agriculture, particularly bananas, while also exploring emerging sectors like ecotourism and information technology. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Dominica has faced significant challenges, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Geography

Dominica is situated in the Caribbean, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. The island has a rugged terrain featuring volcanic mountains and a tropical climate moderated by trade winds, which brings heavy rainfall. Dominica's total area is 751 square kilometers, making it slightly more extensive than Washington, D.C. The coastline spans 148 kilometers, with no land borders, and a significant portion of the population is concentrated along the coast.

751 sq km: Total land area.
148 km: Length of coastline.
1,447 m: Height of Morne Diablotins, the highest point in the country.
33.3% (2023 est.): Agricultural land use.
76.6% (2023 est.): Forested area.

People and Society

With a population of about 74,661 as of 2024, Dominica's demographic makeup includes a majority of individuals of African descent, along with mixed and Indigenous communities. The official language is English, often spoken alongside French patois. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, followed by various Protestant denominations. The country is experiencing gradual urbanization, with approximately 72% of the population living in urban areas.

20.7%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years.
13.7% (2024 est.): Percentage of the population aged 65 years and over.
78.7 years (2024 est.): Life expectancy at birth.
36.5 years: Median age for males.
10.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.): Infant mortality rate.

Economy

Dominica's economy is primarily agrarian, with bananas playing a significant role in exports. The country is working towards diversifying its economy into sectors like ecotourism and information technology. In 2024, the estimated real GDP is around $1.241 billion, with a steady growth rate forecasted. The economy faces challenges from past natural disasters and a reliance on remittances from citizens abroad.

$1.241 billion (2024 est.): Real GDP (PPP).
56.9% (2024 est.): Services sector contribution to GDP.
$688.881 million (2024 est.): GDP at official exchange rate.
2.1% (2024 est.): Projected GDP growth rate.
12.2% (2024 est.): Agriculture's share of GDP.

Government

Dominica operates as a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The capital city is Roseau, and the country gained independence from the UK on November 3, 1978. The political landscape features multiple parties, with the Dominica Labor Party being a prominent player. Suffrage is universal for citizens aged 18 and above.

Sylvanie BURTON: Current President since October 2, 2023.
Roosevelt SKERRIT: Prime Minister since January 8, 2004.
10: Number of administrative parishes.
32: Total seats in the House of Assembly.

Military and Security

Dominica does not maintain regular military forces; instead, it relies on the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force for national security. The nation is a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System, assisting in regional security efforts and emergency situations.

1982: Year of establishment of the Caribbean Regional Security System.
CDPF: The main security force in Dominica.

Energy

Dominica's energy sector is characterized by a high reliance on fossil fuels, though there is a small contribution from renewable sources such as hydropower. The island has achieved 100% electrification as of 2022, with total electricity consumption reaching 145.827 million kWh in 2023.

41,000 kW (2023 est.): Total installed electricity generation capacity.
84.3%: Percentage of electricity generation from fossil fuels.
1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.): Refined petroleum consumption.

Environment

The lush environment of Dominica faces challenges from pollution, soil erosion, and threats to its forests due to agricultural expansion. The country participates in various international environmental agreements, aiming to protect its rich biodiversity and natural resources.

76.6% (2023 est.): Forest area percentage.
200 million cubic meters (2022 est.): Total renewable water resources.
13,200 tons (2024 est.): Annual municipal solid waste generation.

Transportation

Dominica has limited transportation infrastructure with two airports and several ports, primarily serving small vessels. The country’s transportation is essential for trade and tourism, with key ports located in Portsmouth and Roseau.

2: Number of airports.
77 (2023): Total merchant marine vessels.
2: Total ports in the country.

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Dominica showcases high mobile cellular penetration, with a significant portion of the population having access to the internet. The country has around 56,929 mobile subscriptions reflecting its connectivity progress.

84% (2023 est.): Internet usage rate.
56,929 (2022 est.): Number of mobile cellular subscriptions.
14,000 (2022 est.): Fixed broadband subscriptions.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	74,661 (2024 est.)	Total population estimate
Area	751 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$1.241 billion (2024 est.)	Estimated GDP purchasing power parity
Life Expectancy at Birth	78.7 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy
Unemployment Rate	Not specified	Data not provided
Birth Rate	13.02 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)	Annual birth rate estimate
Energy Consumption Per Capita	36.395 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Total energy consumption per capita
Total Debt	Not specified	Data not provided
Annual Municipal Solid Waste Generated	13,200 tons (2024 est.)	Annual solid waste generation estimate