by Shirley Bourget

Created on: November 22, 2011   Last Updated: November 30, 2011

When Christopher Columbus sailed the Western Hemisphere in the late 1400s, he stumbled upon an island chain that he thought to be India. These islands are still referred to as the West Indies and harbor some of the world’s richest tropical regions. Among them are a group of fragmented land masses known as the Antilles.

The Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles are situated just north of Venezuela at the southeastern foot of the Caribbean Sea. Flowing in a north to south direction, each boasts year round temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, offering tourists the ideal tropical vacation paradise. The islands include Dominica, Martinique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Grenada; all are among the world’s most popular travel destinations. Visit 

http://www.paradise-islands.org for great travel information.

Dominica is the most northern island. It is fairly large consisting of around 290 square miles with a population of approximately 72,000 people. Roseau, on the eastern coast, is the island’s capital and cruise port. Its main airport isn’t large enough to accommodate large jets but connecting flights to the island flow regularly from Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbados. Although Dominica doesn’t have many pristine sandy beaches, it does possess a wealth of nature.

A mountainous volcanic island, Dominica has over 365 rivers and numerous waterfalls. This tropical rainforest is well protected and the Morne Trois Pitons National Park is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Boiling Lake is one of the largest volcanic manifestations of its kind and visitors trekking the eight mile hike to the lake are rewarded with spectacular views. The island has over 160 species of birds. Other wildlife consists of various frogs, lizards, and sea turtles.

Dominica is steeped in French and British culture. The Carib Indians maintained control until 1635 when French missionaries settled there. It was invaded by the British in 176 but was finally granted its independence from the U.K. in 1978. Today, Dominica is a parliamentary representative democratic republic with the Prime Minister heading the government through a multi-party system. Most of its national peoples are descendants of eighteenth century African slaves brought in by colonial planters. Its official language is English with French patois spoken in most regions. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency but travelers have no problem using U. S.

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