Dominica was originally inhabited by the Kalinago people, also known as Island Caribs, before the European powers started exploring and colonizing the Lesser Antilles. In this case, the French took possession of Dominica (which explains why it’s pronounced Dom-in-EEK-ah, i.e., akin to the French Dominique) (although purportedly named thusly by Cristoforo Colombo, himself having “passed by” on a Sunday in November 1493), but subsequently lost the island to the British during the Seven Years’ War. Now known particularly for its natural wonders and beauties, the imperial amazon parrot is native only to Dominica and is featured, as the national bird, on the national flag adopted in 1978 upon independence from Britain. [Fun flag fact: the depiction of the sisserou parrot makes the Dominiquais flag one of only two flags sporting the color purple.] [The other being Nicaragua, which has a rainbow in the emblem.]
Stamp details: Stamps on top: Issued on: May 4, 1874 From: Dominica, Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands MC #2, 5
Middle stamp: Issued on: November 1, 1978 From: Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica MC #609, 611
Stamps on bottom: Issued in: 2015 From: Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica Colnect #2015-001
Recognized as a sovereign state by the UN: Yes (since December 18, 1978) Official name: Commonwealth of Dominica Member of the Universal Postal Union: Yes (since January 31, 1980)