Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its seemingly unspoiled natural beauty. It is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity, as evidenced by the world's second-largest boiling lake. The island features lush mountainous rainforests, home of many rare plant, animal, and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions, but heavy rainfall can be expected inland. The Sisserou Parrot (also known as the Imperial Amazon), the island's national bird, is featured on the national flag. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on both tourism and agriculture. 

The emancipation of African slaves occurred throughout the British Empire in 1834, and, in 1838, Dominica became the first British Caribbean colony to have a legislature controlled by an African majority. In 1896, the United Kingdom reassumed governmental control of Dominica, turning it into a Crown colony. Half a century later, from 1958 to 1962, Dominica became a province of the short-lived West Indies Federation. In 1978, Dominica became an independent nation.

In 2008, Dominica had one of the lowest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) rates of Eastern Caribbean states. The country nearly had a financial crisis in 2003 and 2004, but Dominica's economy grew by 3.5% in 2005 and 4.0% in 2006, following a decade of poor performance. Growth in 2006 was attributed to gains in tourism, construction, offshore and other services, and some sub-sectors of the banana industry. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently praised the Government of Dominica for its successful macroeconomic reforms. The IMF also pointed out remaining challenges, including the need for further reductions in public debt, increased financial sector regulation, and market diversification.

From the cruise ship's rail this panoramic picture clearly showcases Dominica as a lush, mountainous island.  Rainforests abound with fantastic aerial trams, fantastic views, hiking trails, snorkeling, scuba diving, freshwater lakes, hot springs, and whatever else floats your boat.  The people are friendly and eager to help. The photo (left) is of me on a foot bridge 370 feet above a gorge in the rainforest, and the other (below, left) is what you see as you traverse the foot bridge and look down. This is the kind of adventure that make the hairs rise-up on the back of your neck, and it's NOT for folks who are afraid of heights.

The photo on the right is a waterfall in this same rainforest. It's a beautiful place.

The photo on the right is of a mountain peak situated in the middle of the rainforest. It's a rugged island and has many wonders for the casual tourist to enjoy (we certainly did!).

The photo (left) is Lois at the entrance to the aerial tram that took us to the top of the park (we hiked down). The hike down the mountain was filled with spectacular trees, flora, and fauna, some of the many species of plants and trees that we had never before seen anywhere in the Caribbean (and we have been to several different rainforest on many different islands).

Our guide (right) was more than just knowledgeable, he knew not only the names of the various plant life but he knew their medicinal uses as well.  The man was a walking, talking encyclopedia.

The photo (left) is of Lois walking down the path from where our cruise ship is berthed (ours is the ship on the left).  Dominica has a very informal docking procedure and the island can park several cruise ships side-by-side to accommodate the thousands of tourist who visit this island paradise.  The photo at the top of this page depicts the rates you pay if you want different island services such as taxi's, motor-scooter rental prices, local tour prices and the like.  Dominica's government has talked about building a "proper" terminal but we think in doing that it would take-away from some of Dominica's intimate charm. 

Downtown (left) is not so picturesque but it is busy, especially when thousands of tourists storm the shops and stores. 

Deals abound (as they do on all the islands) and the open market is always  the busiest.

And the occasional Iguana (right) strolling through the streets shouldn't surprise you in the slightest.  It's just the way life is in Dominica. And yeah, these little buggers can  move like "greased lightning" when they want to...