Dominica

This week’s country is Dominica not to be confused with The Dominican Republic

Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean Island nation with natural hot springs and tropical rainforests. Morne Trois Pitons National Park is home to the volcanically heated, steam-covered Boiling Lake. The park also encompasses sulphur vents, the 65m-tall Trafalgar Falls and narrow Titou Gorge. To the west is Dominica’s capital, Roseau, with colourful timber houses and botanic gardens.

It has a population of 66,510, its official language is English; however, French and a local French Creole dialect are widely spoken.

Roseau is the Capital city of Dominica, it lies on the island’s southwestern coast, at the mouth of the Roseau River.

The currency in Dominica is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD) although some businesses also accept US dollars and euros.

The flag of Dominica features a green background with a white, black, and yellow cross in the centre. Superimposed on the cross is a red disc with a purple and green Sisserou parrot facing the hoist side, encircled by ten green stars. The red disc symbolizes justice, and the parrot represents the nation’s identity and aspirations.

Green Field: Represents the lush greenery and natural beauty of the island. 

Cross: The yellow, black, and white stripes in the shape of a cross symbolize the Trinity and Christian faith. 

Red Disc: Symbolizes justice and unity. 

Sisserou Parrot: The national bird, symbolizing flight towards greater heights and fulfilling aspirations, and is also featured on the coat of arms. 

Ten Green Stars: Represent the ten parishes of Dominica, each with equal status, symbolizing the equality of its people. 

Purple and Green Parrot: A unique feature, one of the few national flags to contain the colour purple.

In Dominica, Christianity, particularly Catholicism, is the dominant religion, with a significant minority adhering to various Protestant denominations. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and other smaller religious groups like Rastafarians and Baha’is are also present, according to the U.S. Department of State.