Caribbean: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Region of the Americas consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
[[File:CIA_map_Central_America_&_Caribbean.png|thumb|right|Map of Central America and the Caribbean]] | |||
The '''Caribbean''' is a region of the [[Americas]] that consists of the [[Caribbean Sea]], its islands, and the surrounding coasts. The region is southeast of the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and the [[North American mainland]], east of [[Central America]], and north of [[South America]]. | |||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
The Caribbean region | [[File:Atlantic_continents_at_night_by_VIIRS.jpg|thumb|left|The Caribbean region at night]] | ||
The Caribbean region comprises more than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. These islands generally form island arcs that delineate the eastern and northern edges of the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are divided into three main groups: the [[Greater Antilles]], the [[Lesser Antilles]], and the [[Bahamas]]. | |||
===Greater Antilles=== | |||
The Greater Antilles includes the larger islands of [[Cuba]], [[Hispaniola]] (shared by [[Haiti]] and the [[Dominican Republic]]), [[Jamaica]], and [[Puerto Rico]]. | |||
===Lesser Antilles=== | |||
The Lesser Antilles is a group of smaller islands to the southeast of the Greater Antilles. It is further divided into the [[Leeward Islands]], the [[Windward Islands]], and the [[Leeward Antilles]]. | |||
===Bahamas=== | |||
The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of 700 islands and cays, located to the north of Cuba and Hispaniola. | |||
[[File:West_Indies_-_Island_Groups.svg|thumb|right|Island groups of the West Indies]] | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The history of the Caribbean is rich and | The history of the Caribbean is rich and complex, marked by the arrival of [[Christopher Columbus]] in 1492, the subsequent [[colonization]] by European powers, and the establishment of the [[transatlantic slave trade]]. | ||
===Colonial Era=== | |||
The Caribbean was colonized by several European nations, including [[Spain]], [[France]], [[England]], [[Netherlands]], and [[Denmark]]. The region became a major center for the production of [[sugar]], [[tobacco]], and other commodities. | |||
===Independence Movements=== | |||
In the 20th century, many Caribbean nations gained independence from colonial powers. The process of decolonization was marked by political and social changes. | |||
[[File:The_Battle_of_the_Saints,_12_April_1782_RMG_BHC0444.jpg|thumb|left|The Battle of the Saints, 1782]] | |||
==Culture== | ==Culture== | ||
Caribbean | The Caribbean is known for its diverse cultural heritage, which includes influences from [[African]], [[European]], [[Indigenous]], and [[Asian]] cultures. This diversity is reflected in the region's music, dance, art, and cuisine. | ||
===Languages=== | |||
The languages spoken in the Caribbean include [[Spanish]], [[English]], [[French]], [[Dutch]], and various [[Creole languages]]. | |||
[[File:Languages_of_the_Caribbean.png|thumb|right|Languages of the Caribbean]] | |||
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
The Caribbean economy is | The Caribbean economy is primarily based on [[tourism]], [[agriculture]], and [[mining]]. The region is a popular tourist destination due to its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. | ||
==Environment== | |||
The Caribbean is home to a wide variety of [[flora]] and [[fauna]], with many species being endemic to the region. The islands are also vulnerable to [[hurricanes]] and other natural disasters. | |||
[[File:Map_of_the_Territorial_Waters_in_the_Caribbean.png|thumb|left|Map of territorial waters in the Caribbean]] | |||
== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Greater Antilles]] | |||
* [[Lesser Antilles]] | |||
* [[Bahamas]] | |||
* [[Caribbean Sea]] | |||
* [[West Indies]] | |||
[[File:ECHO_Caribbean_Basemap_A3_Landscape_v2.png|thumb|right|General map of the Caribbean]] | |||
[[Category:Caribbean]] | [[Category:Caribbean]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:19, 21 February 2025
Region of the Americas consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts
The Caribbean is a region of the Americas that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts. The region is southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America.
Geography[edit]
The Caribbean region comprises more than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. These islands generally form island arcs that delineate the eastern and northern edges of the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are divided into three main groups: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas.
Greater Antilles[edit]
The Greater Antilles includes the larger islands of Cuba, Hispaniola (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
Lesser Antilles[edit]
The Lesser Antilles is a group of smaller islands to the southeast of the Greater Antilles. It is further divided into the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the Leeward Antilles.
Bahamas[edit]
The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of 700 islands and cays, located to the north of Cuba and Hispaniola.
History[edit]
The history of the Caribbean is rich and complex, marked by the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the subsequent colonization by European powers, and the establishment of the transatlantic slave trade.
Colonial Era[edit]
The Caribbean was colonized by several European nations, including Spain, France, England, Netherlands, and Denmark. The region became a major center for the production of sugar, tobacco, and other commodities.
Independence Movements[edit]
In the 20th century, many Caribbean nations gained independence from colonial powers. The process of decolonization was marked by political and social changes.
Culture[edit]
The Caribbean is known for its diverse cultural heritage, which includes influences from African, European, Indigenous, and Asian cultures. This diversity is reflected in the region's music, dance, art, and cuisine.
Languages[edit]
The languages spoken in the Caribbean include Spanish, English, French, Dutch, and various Creole languages.
Economy[edit]
The Caribbean economy is primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and mining. The region is a popular tourist destination due to its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.
Environment[edit]
The Caribbean is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, with many species being endemic to the region. The islands are also vulnerable to hurricanes and other natural disasters.
