Fact 1: Nature's Little Secret
Often called "Nature Island" or "Nature's Little Secret" due to its rich biodiversity, Dominica is home to many endemic species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Its lush greenery, unspoiled rainforests, and marine life make it a paradise for nature lovers.
Fact 2: Dominica – Not the Dominican Republic
People often confuse Dominica with the Dominican Republic because of the similarity in their names. However, these two are completely different nations, the former being an island nation located in the Carribean and the latter sharing a land border with Haiti.
Fact 3: The Sisserou Parrot
The Sisserou Parrot, also known as Amazona Imperialis, is the national bird of Dominica. This bird species is unique to the island and is also depicted on the national flag, making Dominica the only country with a purple color on its flag.
Fact 4: Home to The World's Second Largest Hot Spring
Dominica boasts the world's second largest hot spring, Boiling Lake. Located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, this lake's water temperature can reach boiling point and is usually enveloped in a cloud of vapor.
Fact 5: Carib Territory
There is a special reserve area known as Carib Territory for the Kalinago people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the island. It is a renowned tourist destination as it provides insight into the lives of the island's original settlers.
Fact 6: Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Morne Trois Pitons National Park is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean. The park is well-known for its natural features such as the Valley of Desolation, Boiling Lake, and Emerald Pool.
Fact 7: The Land of Many Rivers
Dominica is also known as “The Land of Many Rivers” as it houses 365 rivers, one for every day of the year! These rivers have etched a number of spectacular gorges throughout the island.
Fact 8: Unspoiled Coral Reefs
Dominica's Scott’s Head Pinnacle is a top-rated diving spot globally, known for its unspoiled coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Divers are also treated to underwater thermal springs due to the island's volcanic nature.
Fact 9: Dominica's Carnival
Known as the 'Real Mas,' Dominica's Carnival is one of the most original, creative, and unique carnivals in the Caribbean. It is an integral part of the nation's culture and involves colorful parades, Calypso music, and folk dramas.
Fact 10: The Waitukubuli National Trail
Dominica is home to the Caribbean's first long-distance walking trail: The Waitukubuli National Trail. Stretching over 115 miles, the trail offers a unique experience of Dominica's natural and cultural landscapes.
Fact 11: Produces World-Class Rum
The island has a rum distillery called the Macoucherie Rum Distillery, which produces its classic rum brand, Red Cap. This rum is famous worldwide for its distinctive character.
Fact 12: Dominica's National Flower
Dominica's national flower is a wild savannah flower called Sabinea Carinalis, commonly known as Carib Wood or Bwa Kwaib. Blossoming in May, it exhibits a vibrant display of flaming red color throughout the island.
Fact 13: Rainforest Canopy Gondolas
A unique attraction in Dominica is the Rainforest Canopy Gondolas. This unusual and scenic gondola ride provides hikers a bird's eye view of the tropical rainforest.
Fact 14: Jacko and Sisserou Parrots
Dominica is the only Caribbean island that has two endemic parrots: The Imperial Amazon or Sisserou and the smaller Red-necked Amazon, known as the Jacko. Both parrots are protected species and form an integral part of the island's ecology.
Fact 15: The Trafalgar Falls
These are twin waterfalls, known as the father and mother. The taller one (Father falls) cascades down hot springs, while the shorter one (Mother falls) has a natural swimming pool at its base.
Fact 16: Citrus Paradise
Dominica is heaven for citrus lovers as the island produces a wide variety of citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, limes, tangerines and mandarins.
Fact 17: Stone Petroglyphs
Dominica houses several ancient stone petroglyphs created by the island's original inhabitants, the Kalinago people. Some of the best examples can be found near the village of Salybia in the Carib Territory.
Fact 18: Largely Unexplored Marine Life
Despite its small area, Dominica's deep coastal waters serve as a sanctuary for many whales and dolphins, including the largest toothed whale, the Sperm Whale. It is often called the 'Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean.’
Fact 19: The Unique Dominican Creole
Dominica has a unique form of creole, known as Dominican Creole French. A blend of African languages, Carib, and French, it is widely spoken across the island, reflecting the mix of cultures present in Dominica.
Fact 20: Traditional Music and Dance
Dominican music and dance are rooted in African and Kalinago traditions. The national dance is called Bele, and traditional music genres include Jing Ping and Cadence-Lypso, influencing much of the popular music in the eastern Caribbean.