CASE STUDY – DOMINICA

Dominica is a small Caribbean island located in the Lesser Antilles. It has an area of
751 square kilometers. In July of 2011, its population was estimated to be 73,126. Therefore the
population density of Dominica works out to be roughly 97 per sq. km. Dominica happens to be
a good choice for this.

Population Distribution in Dominica

Population distribution refers to the way in which people are spread out over an area. Let us
examine how the people who live in Dominica are spread out over the island. By studying the
map of Dominica very closely we can notice where the main settlements are located. Most
settlements are represented by orange dots with the exception of the capital which is represented
by an orange star. Also, the darker green patches represent mountainous areas.

Map of Dominica!
The interior of Dominica is very mountainous and there are no major settlements in the
mountainous areas. Therefore it is clear that relief or topography is a major factor affecting
population distribution in Dominica. Since the interior of the island is very mountainous, most
settlements are located in the flatter areas near the coast. It is easier to build roads, houses and
other buildings and also to practice agriculture in flatter areas.
The greatest population densities exist in and around the capital Roseau as it is the main
commercial, cultural and social centre in the country. In the north, high population densities
exist in the area in and around Portsmouth which is the main commercial centre in the north of
the island. On the west coast of the island the population is mostly concentrated in various
nucleated settlements. On the east coast, the population is more dispersed.