English (official), French patois

Roman Catholic 61.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%, Pentecostal 5.6%, Baptist 4.1%, Methodist 3.7%, Church of God 1.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.2%, other Christian 7.7%, Rastafarian 1.3%,

The Dominican economy depends on agriculture, primarily bananas, and remains highly vulnerable to climatic conditions and international economic developments. Tourism has increased as the government seeks to promote Dominica as an "ecotourism" destination.

No regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force
(includes coast guard).

The US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica.The US Embassy in Barbados is in Bridgetown andlocated in the Wildey Business Park in suburban Wildey, south and east of downtown Bridgetown. The main number for the Consular Section is(246) 431-0225 after hours, the Embassy duty officer can be reached by calling (246) 436-4950.The website for Embassy Bridgetown is http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov/

All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter the United States.  This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed-loop cruises), including ferry service, on June 1, 2009.  Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea may present government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization).  Starting June 1, 2009, all travelers must present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card for entry to the United States.  While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for entry into the United States, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.

In addition to a valid passport or passport card, U.S. citizens may be asked to present a return or onward ticket. U.S. citizens should take special care to secure their passports while traveling as it can be time-consuming and difficult to acquire new proof of citizenship to facilitate return travel should the passport be lost or stolen. There is a departure tax assessed when leaving Dominica. Children under twelve years of age are exempt from the departure tax.  For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Commonwealth of Dominica, 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC  20016, telephone (202) 364-6781, or the Consulate General of Dominica in New York at (212) 768-2480. Visit the Dominica Division of Tourism official web site  for more information.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports:  2, Airports w/paved runways:2
Melville Hall Airport (DOM/TDPD)
Melville Hall Airport,Dominica,Ministry of Housing,Lands,Telecommunications,Roseau,Windward Islands, DOMINICA
Tel: +1 767 445-7101, +1 767 445-7109
Fax: +1 767 445-7405
E-mail: melvillehallairport@yahoo.com

Petty street crime occurs in Dominica. Valuables left unattended, especially on beaches, are vulnerable to theft.
Like all Caribbean countries, Dominica can be affected by hurricanes.The hurricane season normally runs from June to the end of November, but there have been hurricanes in December in recent years.

Infant MR total:14.61 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:TOTAL 75.1 years  (male 72.17/female 78.18)

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: MMR, DPT

Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes in this region. Cutaneous larval migrans is a risk for travelers with exposures on beaches and leptospirosis is present.There remains very limited risk of schistosomiasis in few areas. Other hazards for travelers include toxic fish poisoning

Medical care is limited. There are two hospitals in Dominica, only one of which performs general surgery,and several clinics.There is no operational hyperbaric chamber;divers requiring treatment for decompression illness must be evacuated to Martinique.Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.