The New International Encyclopædia/Dominica

​DOMINICA, dō′mē̇-nē′kȧ, or DOMINIQUE, dōm′ĭ-nēk′. One of the British West Indies, the largest of the Leeward group, lying between the French island of Guadeloupe on the north and Martinique on the south (Map: West Indies, R 7). Area, 291 square miles. It is mountainous, containing the highest peaks found in the Leeward group, which rise to a height of over 5000 feet. Its irregular surface, together with the subterranean vapors and boiling lakes, prove the volcanic origin of the island. The soil is well watered and in some parts highly fertile. The chief products are coffee, cacao, cotton, indigo, sugar, and several kinds of fruit. The annual value of the commerce fluctuates between £120,000 and £130,000, the imports usually exceeding the exports by about £10,000. Dominica forms a Presidency of the Leeward group and sends two members to the Federal Legislative Council at Antigua. Locally, the island is administered by a Governor, assisted by an executive council of ten members. Prior to 1898 the Legislative Assembly was partly representative, but since then it has consisted of six official and six unofficial members, nominated by the Governor. Population, in 1891, 26,841; in 1901, 28,894, mostly colored. Roseau, the capital, is a fortified town and port with a population of about 5000, and has a United States consular agency. ​Dominica was discovered by Columbus, November 3, 1493, and was so named on account of being first sighted on Sunday. It was owned by England and France, alternately, until 1814, when it fell into the hands of the English. See British West Indies.