LYCOS RETRIEVER
Dominica: Islands
built 633 days ago
Dominica is situated at the northern end of the Windward Chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is the largest of this island group, lying between the two French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Roughly rectangular in shape with rounded projections at each end, it is 46 kms. (29 miles) long by 25 kms. (16 miles) wide, an area of 790 sq. kms (290 sq. miles). Ruggedly beautiful and volcanic in origin, Dominica's narrow coastal shelves, towering green moun tains covered in dense tropical forests, deep valleys and countless streams provide magnificent scenic views.
Source:
Dominica is judged by many to be the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. It reminds many of Hawaii with its forested mountains. In fact it has the highest mountains in all the Caribbean. Numerous climates exist in the differing terrain from tropical rain forest to dry scrub. But for the most part Dominica is a forested island. These same mountains mean multitudes of small rivers and streams and hiking trails to wonderful places and indeed to a Boiling Lake in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Source:
Dominica is home to a wide range of people. Although it was historically occupied by several native tribes, only a Carib tribe remained by the time European settlers reached the island. French and British settlers each claimed the island and imported slaves from Africa. The remaining Caribs now live on a 3,700-acre (15 km²) territory on the east coast of the island. They elect their own chief. This mix of cultures is important to Dominica.
Source:
Dominica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. The official name is Commonwealth of Dominica. The island went through a period of French occupation, and lies between two overseas departments of France (Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south). The island is sometimes called "The Nature Isle of the Caribbean" due to its seemingly unspoiled natural beauty. The isle of Dominica is one of the youngest islands in the Lesser Antilles, and it is still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity. It is a lush island of mountainous rainforests, home of many rare plant, animal and bird species.
Source:
Dominica is an island for travellers and adventurers rather than for those who like their pleasures manicured and tamed. As a visitor to Dominica, one participates in the life of the island and enjoys its natural gifts of sea, river and mountains as the natives do, whether on foot, by bus, car or in the air. In this way each new visit becomes a personal discovery rather than a programmed slot on a package itinerary. On Dominica, there is time to compare your impressions with those of the chroniclers who have been this way before.
Source:
The Caribbean Sea offshore of the island of Dominica is home to many cetaceans. Most notably a group of sperm whales lives in this area year round. Other cetaceans commonly seen in the area include spinner dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Less commonly seen animals include killer whales, false killer whales, pygmy sperm whales, dwarf sperm whales, Risso's dolphins, common dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, humpback whales and Bryde's whales. This makes Dominca a popular destination for tourists interested in whale-watching.
Source: