DOMINICA
Dominica is a very mountainous and heavily forested island with dramatic scenery. It covers an area of approx- imately 290 square miles and has an almost continuous range of mountains which run the whde length of the island. The estimated population in 1971 was 71,400. Because of the virtual cessation of emigration opportunities it is expected to rise by 2.8% a year from 1971-80, compared with a rate of 1.6% from 1961 to 1971. Roseau, the capital, has a population of about 12,000. The ownership of this island was long in dispute between Britain and France. Many French settled there in the 18th century but the island finally became British in 1783. The French culture has however, left enduring legacies in the widespread use of a French patois as a second language and in the predominance of the koman Catholic faith. There is a small community of Syrians and Cariba (the original inhabitants although few now of pure descent).
Political
Dominica has been an Associated State since 1967. The House of Assembly/consists of 21 elected and 3 nominated members. (Up to the last election there were only 11 elected members.) At the general election held on 24 March 1975, the Dominica Labour Party under Mr Patrick John won 16 seats, the Freedom Party 3 seats and 2 seats went to Independents.
Economic
Dominica is one of the poorest and most backward of the Associated States. The main cash earner is bananas, although the industry is high cost compared with Latin America producers and it only survives because it has access to the protected UK market. The banana industry has been badly hit over the last four years by a combination of factors droughts, rising costs, Falling income - and has reached a position where it must raise ́yields and improve quality if it is to preserve its already
reduced share of the UK banana market.
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