Date of independence, or formation date: 1978
Date when current borders were established: 1978
National day: Nov 3
Vehicle country identifying code: WD
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): -4
International telephone dialling code: +1767
Internet country identifying code: .dm

Dominica is renowned as the Caribbean island that resisted European colonization until the 18th century, when it came under French control, passing to the UK in 1759. It is known as the "Nature Island" because of its spectacular, lush, and abundant flora and fauna, protected by extensive national parks. The most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, Dominica is located between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the West Indian Windward Islands group. Its volcanic origin has given it very fertile soils and the second-largest boiling lake in the world.

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