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Basic	Economy	Geography
Government	History	Military
People	Tourism	Transportation

Economy

Main Crops: Bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, coconuts; forest and fishery potential not exploited

Natural Resources: Timber

Major Industries: Soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes

The Dominican economy was historically dependent on agriculture, primarily bananas, but in recent years it has increasingly been driven by tourism, as the government promotes Dominica as an "ecotourism" destination. However, Hurricane Maria, which struck the island in September 2017, destroyed much of the country’s agricultural sector and caused extensive damage to transportation and physical infrastructure. Prior to Hurricane Maria, the government had been fostering an offshore financial industry and planned to sign agreements with the private sector to develop geothermal energy resources.

Following the hurricane, the government has focused on rebuilding and improving the country's ability to service cruise ships, an essential aspect of its tourism industry. Despite these efforts, the economy faced significant challenges. The economy contracted in 2015 but saw a recovery to positive growth in 2016 due to the rebound in agriculture and tourism. Dominica has struggled with high debt levels, which increased from 67% of GDP in 2010 to 77% in 2016.

In response to these financial challenges, Dominica is one of five countries in the Eastern Caribbean with citizenship by investment programs. Through these programs, foreigners can obtain Dominican passports for a fee, providing a significant source of revenue for the government. This revenue has been crucial in supporting government budgets and financing recovery and development projects.

In recent years, Dominica has continued to focus on rebuilding and strengthening its economy. Efforts to restore and enhance infrastructure have been ongoing, with international aid and investment playing a crucial role. The tourism sector, particularly ecotourism, remains a key component of the economy, with the government continuing to market Dominica's natural beauty and environmental initiatives to attract visitors.

Furthermore, the development of geothermal energy resources has seen progress, with the potential to provide a sustainable and reliable energy source for the island. This initiative aligns with Dominica's goal of becoming the world's first climate-resilient nation, a vision articulated by the government in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

As of 2024, the Dominican economy is on a gradual path to recovery, bolstered by international support, strategic economic initiatives, and a renewed focus on sustainability and resilience. The government remains committed to reducing debt levels, improving infrastructure, and fostering sectors that can provide long-term economic stability and growth.