Caribbean, Leeward Islands.

GMT - 4.

754 sq km (290 sq miles).

69,029 (2005).

91.5 per sq km.

Roseau. Population: 14,500 (UN estimate 2005).

Dominica is a large and mountainous island, geographically part of the Leeward Islands, though historically for administrative purposes it has been grouped with the Windward Islands. It boasts volcanic peaks, mountain streams and rivers, dense forests, quiet lakes, waterfalls, geysers and boiling volcanic pools. There are beaches of both black (volcanic) and golden sands, while orchids and untamed subtropical vegetation grow in the valleys. Guadeloupe lies to the north and Martinique to the south.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1978.

President Nicholas Liverpool since 2003.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit since 2004.

Roosevelt Skerrit, who was 31 when he took office, was sworn in as Dominica's youngest prime minister two days after the sudden death of his predecessor, Pierre Charles, in January 2004. Mr Skerrit pledged to boost Dominica's sluggish economy, which relies heavily on tourism and the export of bananas. In 2004, Mr Skerrit's government cut diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favour of ties with mainland China, which had agreed to give more than US$100 million in aid to Dominica.

The official language is English, but Creole French, the national language, is spoken by most of the population.

Almost entirely Christian, with Roman Catholic majority.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin European-style plugs are usual.

Casual dress is normal. Evening clothes are informal but conservative. The Catholic Church is one of the most dominant social influences. Photography: Visitors should ask before taking photographs of local people.