Today (November 3) is the 44th anniversary of Dominica’s independence from English rule in 1978.

In the national flag, the dark green symbolises the forestry and lushness of the island. The yellow symbolises sunshine, bananas and citrus as well as the indigenous people, black symbolises the soil and African people, white symbolises the clarity of the rivers and waterfalls and purity and aspirations of the people. They intersect into a cross symbolising, the Holy Trinity and belief in God.

The circular red emblem in the centre symbolises the country’s commitment to social justice and equality The 10 lime green stars is the country’s traditional symbol of hope represents the 10 parishes of the country and at the very centre is the country’s national bird, the Sisserou Parrot or Dominican Amazon symbolising flight towards greater heights.

Dominica is often referred to as the ‘The Nature Island’ and known for its forestry and 365 rivers.

It is an adventures paradise with over nine volcanoes, mountains to hike, black sand beaches, waterfalls, the second largest boiling lake in the world, whale watching.

Dominica is the only country in the Caribbean that retained its native Kalinago population with more than 3,000 people residing in the eastern region of the country.

Dominica is the birthplace of bouyon music, which is a combination of many elements and various forms of Caribbean music, including calypso, reggae, soca.