Diplomatic representation from the US:
the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to
Barbados is accredited to Dominica
Flag description:
green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical
part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the horizontal
part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center
of the cross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot encircled by 10
green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent
the 10 administrative divisions (parishes)
Economy Dominica
Economy - overview:
The Dominican economy depends on agriculture, primarily bananas,
and remains highly vulnerable to climatic conditions and
international economic developments. Production of bananas dropped
precipitously in 2003, a major reason for the 1% decline in GDP.
Tourism increased in 2003 as the government sought to promote
Dominica as an "ecotourism" destination. Development of the tourism
industry remains difficult, however, because of the rugged
coastline, lack of beaches, and the absence of an international
airport. The government began a comprehensive restructuring of the
economy in 2003 - including elimination of price controls,
privatization of the state banana company, and tax increases - to
address Dominica's economic crisis and to meet IMF targets. In order
to diversify the island's production base the government is
attempting to develop an offshore financial sector and is planning
to construct an oil refinery on the eastern part of the island.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$384 million (2003 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
-1% (2003 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $5,500 (2003 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 18% industry: 24% services: 58% (2002 est.)
Labor force:
25,000 (1999 est.)
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture 40%, industry and commerce 32%, services 28%