Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Roseau - Capital

French Quarter

The most historic section of the city, the streets are lined with picturesque wooden buildings; most with beautiful balconies.

Roseau Cathedral

A beautiful black stone cathedral, built in the Gothic style

Dominica Museum

An excellent, if small museum, on Dominica's history and nature

Food Market

Located on the north end of town, this market abounds with vendors selling all manner of tropical fruit

Botanical Gardens

Interesting collection of specimens and a school bus that was crushed by a tree during a hurricane. The cricket pitch for the town is located nearby.