Caribbean - Armed Forces Pest Management Board

untreated industrial wastes, and agro-chemical run-off frequently contaminate many streams, coastal waters and
drinking water sources.
I. Dominica.
1. Geography. Dominica has a total land area of 754 sq km and is about four times the size of Washington, DC. It
lies nearly half way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago, in the northern part of the Windward Islands of
the Lesser Antilles. Dominica is characterized by rugged mountains of volcanic origin and is the most mountainous of
the Lesser Antilles. The economy is primarily based on agriculture and is highly vulnerable to climatic events,
especially tropical storms. Agriculture, primarily bananas, accounts for 21% of the country’s gross domestic product,
50% of exported commodities, and 40% of the workforce. Other industries include soap, coconut oil, tourism,
copra, furniture, cement blocks, and shoes. Dominica’s economy is still developing, but it already ranks among the
upper half of the world’s economies. Further development of tourism is difficult because of the rugged coastline,
absence of beaches, and inadequate airport facilities. Heavy rainfall makes flash floods a constant threat, and
destructive hurricanes can be expected during late summer months. The country’s highest point is 1,447 m at Morne
Diablatins, nearly in the middle of the northern half of the island. Land use includes: 9% arable, 13% permanent
crops, 3% permanent pasture, 67% forests and woodlands, and 8% other. Half the country’s electricity is produced
by generators powered by fossil fuels, and the other half is produced by hydroelectric generators. Natural resources
include timber, hydroelectric power potential, and arable land. Dominica also has lush national parks, rare indigenous
birds, and hot springs and sulfur pools that may draw ecotourists once airport access and roads are improved. The
country has about 780 km of roads, 393 km of which are paved, and two airports, both with paved runways, though
they can accommodate only small propeller planes. Dominica has been a transshipment point for illegal drugs bound
for the U.S. and Europe, and its banking industry has been involved in money laundering.
2. Climate. The climate is tropical. Heavy rainfall is common, and destructive hurricanes can be expected during
late summer from July to November. Temperatures are moderated by trade winds but vary only slightly throughout
the year. Average daily temperatures are seldom above 30 o C in summer and seldom below 18 o C in winter. Average
rainfall is 208 cm per year, falling primarily during the rainy season, May through November.
Roseau, Dominica (elevation 18 m)
Mean Daily Temperatures ( o C)
MONTH J F M A M J J A S O N D
MAXIMUM 29 29 31 31 32 32 32 32 32 32 31 30
MINIMUM 20 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 23 22 22 21
Monthly Precipitation (liquid equivalent)
63