, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS,
OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (resident in
Dominica)
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an
embassy in Dominica; the Ambassador to Dominica resides in
Bridgetown (Barbados), but travels frequently to Dominica

Flag description: green, with a centered cross of three equal
bands--the vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and
the horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed
in the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot
encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10
stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes)

Economy

Economy--overview: The economy depends on agriculture and is
highly vulnerable to climatic conditions, notably tropical storms.
Agriculture, primarily bananas, accounts for 20% of GDP and employs
40% of the labor force. Development of the tourist industry remains
difficult because of the rugged coastline, lack of beaches, and the
lack of an international airport. Hurricane Luis devastated the
country's banana crop in September 1995; tropical storms had wiped
out one-quarter of the crop in 1994 as well. The economy began to
recover in mid-1998, fueled by increases in construction, soap
production, and tourist arrivals. The government is attempting to
develop an offshore financial industry in order to diversify the
island's production base.

GDP: purchasing power parity--$216 million (1997 est.)

GDP--real growth rate: 1.8% (1997)

GDP--per capita: purchasing power parity?$3,300 (1997 est.)

GDP--composition by sector:
agriculture: 20%
industry: 16%
services: 64% (1996 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.2% (1997)

Labor force: 25,000

Labor force--by occupation: agriculture 40%, industry and commerce
32%, services 28%

Unemployment rate: 15% (1992 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $72 million
expenditures: $79.9 million, including capital expenditures of $11.5
million (FY97