Dominica: flag, capital, currency and history
Dominica, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is a country in Caribbean, the Americas. Its capital is Roseau. The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. Languages spoken include English.
Quick facts about Dominica
- Official name
- Commonwealth of Dominica
- Capital
- Roseau
- Region
- Americas, Caribbean
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD, $)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +1767
- Internet domain
- .dm
- Area
- 751 km² (290 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- Dominican
- National day
- Independence Day, November 3
Flag of Dominica
Download the flag of Dominica as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇩🇲.
History of Dominica
The island was inhabited by the Kalinago people when Europeans first sighted it in 1493 during Columbus's second voyage. Strong Kalinago resistance delayed colonisation, and French settlers from the neighbouring islands established themselves in the early 18th century. Britain and France contested the island, and it was ceded to Britain in 1763. It was part of the British Windward Islands and later became a self-governing associated state in 1967. Dominica gained independence on 3 November 1978 and is a parliamentary republic in the Lesser Antilles.
Key dates
- 1493Christopher Columbus sights the island on his second voyage.
- 1727French settlement on the island becomes established.
- 1763France cedes Dominica to Britain under the Treaty of Paris.
- 1833Slavery is abolished across the British Empire, including Dominica, taking effect in 1834.
- 1967Dominica becomes a self-governing associated state of the United Kingdom.
- 1978Dominica becomes an independent republic.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Dominica
Dominica uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Dominica?
The capital of Dominica is Roseau.
What currency does Dominica use?
Dominica uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Dominica?
Languages used in Dominica include English.
What is the calling code of Dominica?
The international calling code of Dominica is +1767. Its internet domain is .dm.
Which countries border Dominica?
Dominica has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is Dominica?
Dominica is in Caribbean, part of the Americas, in the region of Caribbean.
What is the national day of Dominica?
Dominica marks Independence Day on November 3.
More countries in Caribbean
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).