Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Dominica
Commonwealth of Dominica
CapitalRoseau
Population65,871
GDP$723.9m
Area751 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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 Britain in 1763, and Dominica became a British colony in 1805. Slavery ended in 1833, and in 1835, the first three men of African descent were elected to the legislative assembly of Dominica. In 1871, Dominica became first part of the British Leeward Islands and then the British Windward Islands until 1958. In 1967, Dominica became an associated state of the UK, formally taking responsibility for its internal affairs, and the country gained its independence in 1978. In 1980, Dominica's fortunes improved when Mary Eugenia CHARLES -- the first female prime minister in the Caribbean -- replaced a corrupt and tyrannical administration, and she served for the next 15 years. In 2017, Hurricane Maria passed over the island, causing extensive damage to structures, roads, communications, and the power supply, and largely destroying critical agricultural areas.
Reference: 2017, 1980, 1978, 1967Geography
Location
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total: 751 sq km
land: 751 sq km
water: NEGL
land: 751 sq km
water: NEGL
Area - comparative
slightly more than four times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
148 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall
Terrain
rugged mountains of volcanic origin
Elevation
highest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural resources
timber, hydropower, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 33.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 22.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 2.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 76.6% (2023 est.)
other: 0% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 22.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 2.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 76.6% (2023 est.)
other: 0% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
NA
Population distribution
population is mostly clustered along the coast, with roughly a third living in the parish of St. George, in or around the capital of Roseau; the volcanic interior is sparsely populated
Natural hazards
flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months
volcanism: Dominica lies in the middle of the volcanic-island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from the island of Saba in the north to Grenada in the south; of the 16 volcanoes that make up this arc, five are located on Dominica, more than any other island in the Caribbean: Morne aux Diables (861 m), Morne Diablotins (1,430 m), Morne Trois Pitons (1,387 m), Watt Mountain (1,224 m), which last erupted in 1997, and Morne Plat Pays (940 m); the two best-known volcanic features on Dominica, the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake thermal areas, lie on the flanks of Watt Mountain, and both are popular tourist destinations
Reference: 1997volcanism: Dominica lies in the middle of the volcanic-island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from the island of Saba in the north to Grenada in the south; of the 16 volcanoes that make up this arc, five are located on Dominica, more than any other island in the Caribbean: Morne aux Diables (861 m), Morne Diablotins (1,430 m), Morne Trois Pitons (1,387 m), Watt Mountain (1,224 m), which last erupted in 1997, and Morne Plat Pays (940 m); the two best-known volcanic features on Dominica, the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake thermal areas, lie on the flanks of Watt Mountain, and both are popular tourist destinations
Geography - note
known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its lush and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest thermally active lake in the world
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Dominican(s)
adjective: Dominican
adjective: Dominican
Ethnic groups
African descent 84.5%, mixed 9%, Indigenous 3.8%, other 2.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.)
Reference: 2011Languages
English (official), French patois
Religions
Roman Catholic 52.7%, Protestant 29.7% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 6.7%, Pentecostal 6.1%, Baptist 5.2%, Christian Union Church 3.9%, Methodist 2.6%, Gospel Mission 2.1%, other Protestant 3.1%), Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Rastafarian 1.1%, other 4.3%, none 9.4%, unspecified 1.4% (2011 est.)
Reference: 2011Age structure
0-14 years: 20.7% (male 7,891/female 7,530)
15-64 years: 65.6% (male 25,000/female 24,009)
65 years and over: 13.7% (2024 est.) (male 4,862/female 5,369)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 65.6% (male 25,000/female 24,009)
65 years and over: 13.7% (2024 est.) (male 4,862/female 5,369)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 52.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 31.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 20.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.8 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 31.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 20.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.8 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 37 years (2024 est.)
male: 36.5 years
female: 37.6 years
Reference: 2024male: 36.5 years
female: 37.6 years
Population growth rate
-0.01% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
13.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
population is mostly clustered along the coast, with roughly a third living in the parish of St. George, in or around the capital of Roseau; the volcanic interior is sparsely populated
Major urban areas - population
15,000 ROSEAU (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
36 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.98 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.16 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Reference: 2018Hospital bed density
3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
27.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 6.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.64 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.64 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
40.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023People - note
3,000-3,500 Kalinago (Carib) still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the Caribbean; only 70-100 may be "pure" Kalinago because of years of integration into the broader population
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Sylvanie Burton | — | 2023-10-02 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Roosevelt Skerrit | — | 2004-01-08 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica
conventional short form: Dominica
etymology: the island was named by explorer Christopher COLUMBUS for the day of the week on which he spotted it, Sunday (Domingo in Spanish, dominica dies in Latin), 3 November 1493
conventional short form: Dominica
etymology: the island was named by explorer Christopher COLUMBUS for the day of the week on which he spotted it, Sunday (Domingo in Spanish, dominica dies in Latin), 3 November 1493
Government type
parliamentary republic
Capital
name: Roseau
geographic coordinates: 15 18 N, 61 24 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is French for "reed;" the first settlement was named after the river reeds that grew in the area
geographic coordinates: 15 18 N, 61 24 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is French for "reed;" the first settlement was named after the river reeds that grew in the area
Administrative divisions
10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter
Legal system
common law based on the English model
Constitution
history: previous 1967 (pre-independence); latest presented 25 July 1978, entered into force 3 November 1978
amendment process: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as fundamental rights and freedoms, the government structure, and constitutional amendment procedures requires approval by three fourths of the Assembly membership in the final reading of the amendment bill, approval by simple majority in a referendum, and assent of the president
Reference: 1978, 1967amendment process: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as fundamental rights and freedoms, the government structure, and constitutional amendment procedures requires approval by three fourths of the Assembly membership in the final reading of the amendment bill, approval by simple majority in a referendum, and assent of the president
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Sylvanie BURTON (since 2 October 2023)
head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8 January 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process: president nominated by the prime minister and leader of the opposition party and elected by the House of Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president
most recent election date: 27 September 2023
election results: 2023: parliament elects Sylvanie BURTON (DLP) with 20 votes for and five against
2018: Charles A. SAVARIN (DLP) reelected president unopposed
expected date of next election: October 2028
Reference: 2028, 2023, 2018, 2004head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8 January 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process: president nominated by the prime minister and leader of the opposition party and elected by the House of Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president
most recent election date: 27 September 2023
election results: 2023: parliament elects Sylvanie BURTON (DLP) with 20 votes for and five against
2018: Charles A. SAVARIN (DLP) reelected president unopposed
expected date of next election: October 2028
Legislative branch
legislature name: House of Assembly
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 32 (21 directly elected; 9 appointed)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/6/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Dominica Labor Party (DLP) (19); Independents (2)
percentage of women in chamber: 40.6%
expected date of next election: December 2027
Reference: 2027, 2022legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 32 (21 directly elected; 9 appointed)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/6/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Dominica Labor Party (DLP) (19); Independents (2)
percentage of women in chamber: 40.6%
expected date of next election: December 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; the Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: Court of Summary Jurisdiction; magistrates' courts
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: Court of Summary Jurisdiction; magistrates' courts
Political parties
Dominica Freedom Party or DFP
Dominica Labor Party or DLP
Dominica United Workers Party or UWP
Dominica Labor Party or DLP
Dominica United Workers Party or UWP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Steve FERROL (since 15 September 2023)
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781
FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791
email address and website: embdomdc@gmail.com
consulate(s) general: New York
Reference: 2023chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781
FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791
email address and website: embdomdc@gmail.com
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, Commonwealth of Nations, ECCU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
3 November 1978 (from the UK)
Reference: 1978National holiday
Independence Day, 3 November (1978)
Reference: 1978Flag
description: green with a centered cross of three equal bands in yellow, black, and white; in the center of the cross is a red disk with a Sisserou parrot surrounded by 10 five-pointed green stars edged in yellow
meaning: the stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the tricolor cross represents the Christian Trinity; yellow stands for sunshine, the primary agricultural products (citrus and bananas), and the Carib people; black for the rich soil and the African heritage of most citizens; white for rivers, waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc for social justice
meaning: the stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the tricolor cross represents the Christian Trinity; yellow stands for sunshine, the primary agricultural products (citrus and bananas), and the Carib people; black for the rich soil and the African heritage of most citizens; white for rivers, waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc for social justice
National symbol(s)
sisserou parrot, Carib wood flower
National color(s)
green, yellow, black, white, red
National coat of arms
the coat of arms was adopted on July 21, 1961, and features two sisserou parrots supporting a shield that is divided into four sections by a cross, a reference to the island’s discovery on a Sunday; the quadrants feature a palm tree, a banana tree, a frog that is native to the island, and a canoe on the Caribbean Sea; the golden lion symbolizes Dominica’s past colonial ties with the UK; below the shield is the national motto, which means "After God is the Earth"
Reference: 1961National anthem(s)
title: "Isle of Beauty"
lyrics/music: Wilfred Oscar Morgan POND/Lemuel McPherson CHRISTIAN
history: adopted 1967
Reference: 1967lyrics/music: Wilfred Oscar Morgan POND/Lemuel McPherson CHRISTIAN
history: adopted 1967
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| House of Assembly of Dominica | — | 21 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
highly agrarian OECS island economy; ECCU-member state; large banana exporter; improved oversight of its citizenship-by-investment program; emerging ecotourism, information and communications, and education industries
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $1.241 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.216 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.173 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.216 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.173 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $18,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $18,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $17,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $18,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $17,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 12.2% (2024 est.)
industry: 13.9% (2024 est.)
services: 56.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 13.9% (2024 est.)
services: 56.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 87.7% (2018 est.)
government consumption: 27.4% (2018 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 32.7% (2018 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2018 est.)
exports of goods and services: 29.2% (2018 est.)
imports of goods and services: -77.8% (2018 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2018government consumption: 27.4% (2018 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 32.7% (2018 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2018 est.)
exports of goods and services: 29.2% (2018 est.)
imports of goods and services: -77.8% (2018 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
taro, grapefruits, yams, bananas, coconuts, plantains, milk, yautia, sugarcane, oranges (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes
Industrial production growth rate
8.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 5.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 5.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 6.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 5.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 6.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $233.831 million (2017 est.)
expenditures: $164.673 million (2017 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2017expenditures: $164.673 million (2017 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 71.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$160.12 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$223.632 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$163.746 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$223.632 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$163.746 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $212.753 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $188.818 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $173.93 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $188.818 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $173.93 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Bahamas, The 13%, Saudi Arabia 11%, Iceland 10%, Guyana 7%, Antigua & Barbuda 7% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
iron blocks, medical instruments, excavation machinery, power equipment, soap (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $387.532 million (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $417.164 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $354.27 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $417.164 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $354.27 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 24%, China 11%, Indonesia 8%, Trinidad & Tobago 7%, Italy 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, plastic products, semi-finished iron, cars (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $155.971 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $183.53 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $204.343 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $183.53 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $204.343 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $301.191 million (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 2.7 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 2.7 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2.7 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.7 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.7 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 2.7 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 2.7 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2.7 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.7 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.7 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$160.12 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$223.632 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$163.746 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$223.632 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$163.746 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $212.753 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $188.818 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $173.93 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $188.818 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $173.93 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Bahamas, The 13%, Saudi Arabia 11%, Iceland 10%, Guyana 7%, Antigua & Barbuda 7% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
iron blocks, medical instruments, excavation machinery, power equipment, soap (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $387.532 million (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $417.164 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $354.27 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $417.164 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $354.27 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 24%, China 11%, Indonesia 8%, Trinidad & Tobago 7%, Italy 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, plastic products, semi-finished iron, cars (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 41,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 145.827 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 8 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 145.827 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 8 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 84.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 15% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 15% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 36.395 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 7,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2021 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
36 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.16 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Reference: 2018Hospital bed density
3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
27.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
common law based on the English model
Judicial branch
highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; the Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: Court of Summary Jurisdiction; magistrates' courts
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: Court of Summary Jurisdiction; magistrates' courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) under the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs (2025)
Military - note
Dominica has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1982International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Steve FERROL (since 15 September 2023)
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781
FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791
email address and website: embdomdc@gmail.com
consulate(s) general: New York
Reference: 2023chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781
FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791
email address and website: embdomdc@gmail.com
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, Commonwealth of Nations, ECCU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1978-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1978-12-18 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, Commonwealth of Nations, ECCU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
J7
Airports
2 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 77 (2023)
by type: general cargo 26, oil tanker 10, other 41
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 26, oil tanker 10, other 41
Ports
total ports: 2 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Portsmouth, Roseau
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Portsmouth, Roseau
Environment
Environmental issues
pollution from agrochemicals and from untreated sewage; forests endangered by the expansion of farming; soil erosion; pollution of the coastal zone from agricultural/industrial chemicals and untreated sewage
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall
Land use
agricultural land: 33.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 22.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 2.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 76.6% (2023 est.)
other: 0% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 22.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 2.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 76.6% (2023 est.)
other: 0% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 72% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 168,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 168,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 168,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
7.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 13,200 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.6% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 19 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 0 cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 0 cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
200 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 7,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2021 est.)
Broadcast media
no terrestrial TV service; subscription cable TV provider offers some locally produced programming, plus channels from the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean; state-operated radio broadcasts on 6 stations; privately owned radio broadcasts on about 15 stations (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.dm
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 69,606 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 68,496 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 68,174 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 67,880 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 67,573 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 67,202 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 66,826 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 66,510 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 66,205 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 65,871 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $612,711,111 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $563,355,556 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $628,244,444 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $644,259,259 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $528,944,444 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $562,911,111 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $623,062,963 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $659,311,111 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $688,881,481 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $723,859,259 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8,284 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 8,440 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 18,686 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 20,457 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 22,406 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 21,077 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 20,788 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 21,079 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 20,838 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 21,384 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -2,032 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -234 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -231 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -228 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -225 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -224 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -202 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -199 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -200 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -242 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 65,871 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 65,511 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 74,656 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 8,440 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 12.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 21,384 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -242 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 0 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 5 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 97 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 642 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 2024; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Has no military | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $723,859,259 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $10,989 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 2.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 71.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.5 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 74.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 82.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 102.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 8.9% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 5.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 33.3 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 63.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 85.2 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 20.9 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 62,865 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 15.2976° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -61.3900° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 15.4167° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -61.3333° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC−04:00, Atlantic Time Zone, America/Dominica | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: availability) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:13