Dominica is situated in the eastern Caribbean, south of Guadeloupe, and north of Martinique. Dominica is part of the Windward Islands, the southern group of the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies.
Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. The country has been a member of the Commonwealth since independence in 1978. The capital, Roseau, is located on the leeward side of the island.
The island has a coastline of 148 km, its landscape is mountainous and of volcanic origin. The Sisserou parrot, also known as the imperial amazon is the island’s national bird and featured on the national flag. Dominica’s economy depends on tourism and agriculture.
Dominica’s government system is that of a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations, based on its constitution which was adopted in 1978.
The head of state is the president; the head of government is the prime minister. The currency of the country is East Caribbean dollar.