Dominica is a small island in the Caribbean; it is approximately 289.5 square miles (754 km²).  It is located between the French island of Guadeloupe to the North and Martinique to the South. Dominica has a population of approximately Seventy Two Thousand (72 000) people. Dominica was discovered by Christopher Columbus but was previously settled by the Caribs who named the island Waitikubli which means “Tall is her Body”. The world over Dominica is referred to as the Nature Island of the Caribbean and sometimes even the Nature Island of the world.

There are many factors which contribute to why Dominica is nicknamed the Nature Island of the Caribbean. Although development is widely encouraged on the island it is done in a way which protects its natural beauty, flower and fauna, rivers and other landmarks. Because of the sensitivity of the population of nature, the island’s natural beauty has virtually remained untouched. It is often said that if Christopher Columbus himself should return the only island he would recognize is Dominica.

The island is mostly inhabited along the coastline which leaves the interior covered in lush green tropical forests. These forests are home to and protects a number of species some indigenous to the island. Indigenous species include the Sisserou parrot which is the Nation Bird of Dominica. Although hunting if allowed in the forests there are laws protecting the animals so as to prevent them from being over hunted. These forests do not only protect the animals and flowers but also the truly beautiful rives which flows through them. There are Three (3) main forest reserves or parks: The Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The Morne Diablotin National Park and the Central Forest Reserve. The Morne Trois Pitons Park protects some of the countries waterfalls, the world’s second largest boiling lake and flower and fauna and was named a World Heritage Site in 1997 by UNESCO. The Morne Diablotin National Park is a bird’s paradise and is the main habitat for two of our indigenous parrots. The Sisserou and the Jacquot.

Other than the forests which cover a large area of the island there are other wonderful and unique attributes which gained Dominica the nickname nature island of the Caribbean. Dominica boasts of Three Hundred and Sixty Five (365) rivers, a river for everyday of the year.  The rivers provide water and a percentage of the island’s electricity is hydro powered. The island possesses some of the most beautiful rivers and springs in the world, rivers which are free from the effects of pollution and human inhabitation. These rivers are unique as they come in different temperatures and colors which can be attributed to geothermal activity going on in different areas of the island. There are hot springs and rivers and some have a sulfuric content owing to the fact that they bubble from way beneath the earth’s surface.

Due to its terrain a number of waterfalls can be spotted around the islands adding to its natural beauty. The most popular waterfalls are the Trafalgar Falls and the Emerald Pool, Which is really a small waterfall which forms a pool or basin.

There are a few volcanoes on the island all of which are dormant. These are all reachable and are very popular tourist sites. The most popular volcano being the Soufriere Volcano located in the south of the island. At the base of the mountain is a very popular sulfur spring which runs directly from the volcano. People are encouraged to take baths there and because of its sulfuric contents it is said to have medicinal properties. All of which contributes to the nature and uniqueness of this island.
The natural beauty of Dominica also lies in its ocean. Although Dominica does not possess many white sand beaches there are other factors which makes its oceans and seas beautiful and helps to make it the nature island of the Caribbean. Beneath the Dominican seas lie corals and a number of different species of fish which are protected in Marine reserves. The island provides a unique snorkeling and scuba diving experience free from pollution that is normally seen in developed countries. Dominican seas provide a haven for a number of species of whales and dolphin who roamed undisturbed.

The warmth and uniqueness of the Dominican population also helps it stand out. The population is very small in when compared to other islands. The population is made up of people of African descent and a small number of indigenous people, the Caribs. The population is constantly being educated on the importance of the natural beauty of Dominica and in this way they are sensitive to protecting the resources which help to give this island its nickname “Nature Island of the Caribbean”.