World Happiness Report for Dominica 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Dominica: na
- Happiness Score Dominica:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Dominica. DM.
- Known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” for its natural beauty and lush forests
- A parliamentary democracy with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government
- Famous for its annual World Creole Music Festival, celebrating the island’s unique cultural blend of African, Caribbean, and European influences
Dominica – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History:
The first inhabitants of Dominica were the Arawak and Carib peoples, who settled on the island around the 5th century. These pre-colonial civilizations lived as hunter-gatherers and subsisted on fishing and agriculture.
Colonial Period:
Dominica was first colonized by Europeans in 1493 when Christopher Columbus landed on the island. In the following centuries, Dominica became a colony of various European powers, including France and Britain, who fought over control of the island. Dominica was officially ceded to Britain in 1763 and remained a British colony until independence.
Independence and Modern Era:
Dominica gained independence from Britain on November 3, 1978. In its post-independence history, the country has been relatively stable, with a parliamentary democracy and a focus on developing its agriculture and tourism industries. However, Dominica has also faced challenges such as natural disasters, including devastating hurricanes in recent years.
Current Political Situation:
Dominica is a parliamentary democracy with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The current Prime Minister is Roosevelt Skerrit, who has been in power since 2004. Recent elections in 2019 saw Skerrit’s Dominica Labour Party retain control of the government.
International Relations:
Dominica is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth of Nations. The country maintains good relations with its regional neighbors and has close ties with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
Human Development and Economy:
Dominica has a small, primarily agricultural economy, with bananas, citrus fruits, and coconuts as major exports. Tourism is also an important industry, with the country’s natural beauty and eco-tourism attractions drawing visitors. Dominica ranks 94th on the Human Development Index, with relatively high levels of education and healthcare accessibility.
Cultural Highlights:
Dominica has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its indigenous, European, and African roots. The island is known for its vibrant music scene, with genres like bouyon and cadence-lypso. Traditional crafts, such as basket weaving and pottery, are also an important part of Dominican culture. English is the official language, but French Creole is also widely spoken.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Dominica faces challenges in terms of economic diversification, vulnerability to natural disasters, and ongoing recovery efforts from recent hurricanes. However, the country also has opportunities in sustainable tourism, renewable energy development, and leveraging its natural resources for economic growth.
Main facts
1. Location
Dominica is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, situated between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, and approximately halfway between Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
2. Map References
Dominica is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of 751 square kilometers (290 square miles), Dominica is slightly more than four times the size of Washington, D.C.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
As an island nation, Dominica has no land borders.
5. Coastline
Dominica has a total coastline of 148 kilometers (92 miles), featuring numerous rocky headlands, sheltered bays, and small offshore islets.
6. Maritime Claims
Dominica claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, a contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles, and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.
7. Climate
Dominica has a tropical maritime climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island experiences a rainy season from June to December and a drier season from January to May.
8. Terrain
Dominica is a rugged, mountainous island, with lush rainforests and numerous rivers and streams. The island’s interior is dominated by the Morne Diablotin, the highest peak at 1,447 meters (4,747 feet).
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Dominica is Morne Diablotin at 1,447 meters (4,747 feet), while the lowest point is the Caribbean Sea at 0 meters (0 feet).
10. Natural Resources
Dominica’s natural resources include timber, hydropower potential, and arable land.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Dominica include the Caribbean Sea, which surrounds the island, and several rivers, such as the Layou River, the Roseau River, and the Picard River.
12. Natural Hazards
Dominica is prone to natural hazards, including hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and landslides.
13. Geography – Notes
Dominica is known for its diverse and pristine natural environment, with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs. The island’s unique geography has earned it the nickname “The Nature Isle of the Caribbean.” Dominica is also home to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and natural beauty.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 57.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 180. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 33.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 15.414999-61.370976.
- Capital: The capital of Dominica is Roseau
- Major Cities:
- Population: 71,808
- Area(Km2): 751
- Population Density( P/Km²):96. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:1
- Official Language(s):Dominica is English (official) and 100%.
- Currency: XCD
Main Economic Indicators
Dominica’s economy is small and primarily service-based, with a significant contribution from the agriculture and tourism sectors. The island nation faces challenges such as vulnerability to natural disasters and a lack of economic diversification. Key policies focus on promoting sustainable development, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: -0.1% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 0.2% (Source: World Bank)
Credit Ratings
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated
Fitch: Not Rated
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 10.9%
Industry: 14.6%
Services: 74.5% (Source: CIA World Factbook, 2017 estimates)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, coconuts, vegetables
Industrial Products: soap, coconut oil, tourism, construction, ceramic products, electrical components, furniture, cement blocks and pipes
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 28,600 (2021 estimate, CIA World Factbook)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available
Current Account Balance
2021: -$120 million (Source: World Bank)
2020: -$48.9 million (Source: World Bank)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available
Exports and Imports
Exports: $46.5 million (2021, CIA World Factbook)
Key Partners: Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, United States
Main Commodities: bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, orange concentrates
Imports: $268.9 million (2021, CIA World Factbook)
Key Partners: United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, Antigua and Barbuda
Main Commodities: manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $191.8 million (December 2021, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank)
Gold Reserves: Not Available
- GDP (Current US$):$596,033,333. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 22.10%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 32.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $1.48. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): . It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
Noun: Dominican(s)
Adjective: Dominican
Ethnic Groups
- Black/African descent: 86.8%
- Mixed: 8.5%
- Indigenous: 2.9%
- Other: 1.8%
Religions
- Roman Catholic: 61.4%
- Protestant: 28.6%
- Baptist: 6.3%
- Pentecostal: 5.6%
- Seventh-Day Adventist: 4.2%
- Anglican: 3.7%
- Other Protestant: 8.8%
- Rastafarian: 1.3%
- Other or unspecified: 8.7%
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 22.3%
- 15-64 years: 67.5%
- 65 years and over: 10.2%
Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 48.2
Youth dependency ratio: 33.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 15.1
Median Age
Total: 34.8 years
Male: 34.1 years
Female: 35.5 years
Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 25.9% of the population aged 15 and older
- Alcohol consumption: 6.1 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
- Tobacco use: 9.6% of adults aged 15 and older
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.6. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:12. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.6. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 71.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 50,83. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):28.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Dominica maintains a very small military force with limited defense capabilities. The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force is responsible for internal security and law enforcement. It consists of about 400 personnel organized into various units, including a paramilitary Special Service Unit (SSU).
Military Expenditures
Dominica has minimal military spending, allocating less than 1% of its GDP to defense over the past five years. The country’s military expenditure is among the lowest globally, reflecting its lack of a formal military.
Personnel Strengths
Dominica does not maintain any active-duty military personnel. The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, with around 400 officers, is the primary security force.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
As a country without a formal military, Dominica has a very limited inventory of military equipment, primarily consisting of small arms and light weapons for law enforcement purposes. There are no significant military acquisitions or development programs.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Dominica does not have a compulsory military service requirement. The country relies on voluntary recruitment for its police force.
Military Deployments
Dominica does not have any overseas military deployments or participation in international peacekeeping missions due to the absence of a formal military force.
Strategic Military Notes
As a small island nation with limited resources, Dominica’s defense strategy focuses primarily on maintaining internal security and relying on regional partnerships for external defense. The country is a member of the Regional Security System (RSS), an collective defense organization comprised of several Caribbean nations.
- Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 01.08
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): . This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.