PEOPLE
Almost all Dominicans are descendants of African slaves brought in by colonial planters in the 18th century. Dominica is the only island in the eastern Caribbean to retain some of its pre-Columbian population--the Carib Indians--about 3,000 of whom live on the island's east coast. The population growth rate is very low, due primarily to emigration to more prosperous Caribbean Islands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
English is the official language;
however, because of historic French domination, the most widely
spoken dialect is a French patois. About 80% of the population
is Catholic. In recent years, a number of Protestant churches
have been established.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Dominican (Dom-i-NEE-can).
Population (2008): 69,000.
Annual growth rate (2006): 0.55%.
Ethnic groups: Mainly of African descent, mixed Black and European, Syrian and some Carib Amerindians.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant (Methodist, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, and Baptist), Islam, Baha'I, Rastafarianism, Anglican, Jehovah's Witnesses, Nazarene, Church of Christ, and Brethren Christian Churches.
Languages: English (official); a French patois is widely spoken.
Education (2005): Adult literacy--94%.
Health (2006): Infant mortality rate--13/1,000. Life expectancy--men 72 years; women 77.9 years.
Work force (2005): 24,370.
Unemployment (2005): 13.1%.
