Colonized first by the French, Dominica came under British control in 1759.

• 1975 Morne Trois Pitons national park established.
• 1978 Independence from UK. Patrick John first prime minister.
• 1980 Eugenia Charles becomes Caribbean's first woman prime minister.
• 1981 Two coup attempts, backed by Patrick John, foiled.
• 1995 Opposition DUWP defeats DFP. Dame Eugenia Charles retires after 27 years in politics.
• 1999 WTO ruling on preferential access for bananas to EU market.
• 2000 DLP wins elections.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004