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Dominica

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Capital:

Roseau

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago (slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC).

Registration Embassy and Consulate:

Americans living in or visiting Dominica are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados and obtain updated information on travel and security within Dominica. Consular Section hours are 9:00am-12 noon and 2:00pm-4:00pm, Monday-Friday except local and U.S. holidays. The U.S. Embassy is located in the American Life Insurance (ALICO) building, Cheapside, Bridgetown, Barbados, telephone 1-246-431-0225, fax 1-246-431-0179, e-mail: consularbridge@state.gov or Internet: http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/bb1/wwwhcons.html.

Consular Access:

There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Dominica. The U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados is responsible for the safety and security of U.S. citizens on the island of Dominica. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry their U.S. passports, certified birth certificates or Certificates of Naturalization/Citizenship and photo identification with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.

Background:

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years.

Ethnic Groups:

Black, Carib Amerindian

Language:

English (official), French patois

Currency:

XCD East Caribbean dollar (XCD) East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7000 (fixed rate since 1976)

Climate:

Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Population:

70,786 (July 2001 est.)

Religion:

Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6%

Medical:

Medical care is limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the U.S. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

Traffic Safety:

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the U.S. The information below concerning Dominica is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation:

Good

Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: