Dominica

Capital: Roseau

Population 71,000

Area 751 sq km (290 sq miles)

Major languages English (official), French patois

Major religion Christianity

Life expectancy 74 (men), 78 (women)

Currency East Caribbean dollar

President: Charles Savarin

Dominica is a mountainous, forested Caribbean island nation with a year-round tropical climate, national parks, rare indigenous birds and the second-largest boiling lake in the world. It has significant tourism potential, but poor infrastructure and the absence of a large airport have impeded the industry's growth. The country is also vulnerable to hurricanes.

With few natural resources, Dominica is attempting to reduce its reliance on bananas, traditionally its main export earner. The banana market has faced stiffer competition since the European Union was forced by the World Trade Organisation to phase out preferential treatment for producers from former colonies.

Dominica has no daily newspapers; its press consists of weeklies. There is no national TV, but cable TV covers part of the island. The radio scene comprises public and private stations. All media are free from government interference and carry a range of sometimes critical views.

information provided by www.bbcnews.co.uk