World Health Organization: Country Profile on Dominica

The Commonwealth of Dominica became independent from Great Britain in 1978. It is the largest of the Windward Islands, and it lies between the French dependent territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Dominica extends across 790 km2; its landmass is of volcanic origin and its topography is the most mountainous in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The island has lush forests and an abundance of rivers.