Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2017 | Page 172

About Dominica the Nature island

Dominica ’ s location is 15 degrees North latitude and 61 degrees West longitude . The island sits midway along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago , just a few miles from Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north . Its official name is the Commonwealth of Dominica , which is mostly referenced in official communiqués and to distinguish the island from its northerly Caribbean sister , the Dominican Republic . Known as “ The Nature Island ,” Dominica ’ s tropical rainforests cover two thirds of the island , and are home to 1,200 plant species . Rivers , lakes , streams , and waterfalls abound , fed by the island ’ s high annual rainfall . Its volcanic physique points to extensive geothermal activity – even underwater . The Morne Trois Pitons National Park was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean . The island is sparsely populated with 70,000 people inhabiting its 289 square miles . A significant portion of the population lives in and around the capital city of Roseau . About 80 % of the population is Roman Catholic . English is the official language , spoken with a melodic French lilt , but a large portion of the population speaks Kwèyòl ( Creole ), and a few northern villages speak Kokoy . www . dominica . dm
On this lush tropical island , eco-tourists are promised adventures that can ’ t be found anywhere else in the Caribbean . Hikers can explore over 300 miles of trails along rugged terrain . A fascinating ecosystem with an overwhelming variety of flora and fauna , including 175 bird species also wait to be explored . Trails on Dominica are a true nature lover ’ s dream . Breathtaking vistas , waterfalls , rushing streams , and volcanic wonders await hikers of every skill level .
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