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The Commonwealth of Dominica is a borderless
country in the Caribbean, a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth. Unlike other former British colonies in the region, Dominica was never a Commonwealth realm with the British monarch as head of state, as it instead
became a republic on independence.
It is not to be confused with the Dominican Republic,
another Caribbean nation. The name is pronounced "Dom-in-EEK-a," with the accent on the third syllable.
History
Main article: History of Dominica
The island was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the
native Caribs. France ceded possession to
Great Britain in 1763, which made
the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after
independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia Charles, the
first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Dominica
The President is head of state, while executive power rests with the
Cabinet, headed by the Prime
Minister. The unicameral parliament consists of the 30-member House of Assembly, which consists of twenty-one directly elected members
and nine Senators, who may either be appointed by the President or elected by the other members of the House.
Parishes
Main article: Parishes of Dominica
Geography
Main article: Geography of Dominica
Commonly referred to as "The Nature Island", Dominica is largely covered by lush rainforest, and is home to the world's second-largest boiling lake.
The capital is Roseau.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Dominica
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of
Dominica
Culture
Main article: Culture of Dominica
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Dominica
- Transportation in Dominica
- Military of Dominica
- Foreign relations of Dominica
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