capital and chief town of Dominica, an independent island republic in the Caribbean Sea. It lies on the island's southwestern coast, at the mouth of the Roseau River. Its port, an open roadstead, exports limes, lime juice, essential oils, tropical vegetables, and spices. The main buildings include a Roman Catholic cathedral, St. George's Church (Anglican), Government House, and Victoria Memorial Museum. There are botanic gardens and nearby waterfalls and thermal springs. The town, formerly called Charlotte Town, was burned by the French in 1805 and again suffered nearly total destruction by a hurricane in 1979. Pop. (1981) 8,300.