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'''West Indies''' is a region of the [[Caribbean]] 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.
{{Short description|Overview of the West Indies}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


== Geography ==
The '''West Indies''' is a region of the [[Caribbean]] that includes the island nations and territories located in the Caribbean Sea. This region is known for its diverse cultures, languages, and histories, as well as its significant role in global trade and tourism.
The West Indies have a tropical maritime climate. The islands are part of a volcanic arc and consist of three main island groups: the [[Greater Antilles]], the [[Lesser Antilles]], and the [[Bahamas]]. The Greater Antilles include [[Cuba]], [[Jamaica]], [[Hispaniola]] (comprising the countries of [[Haiti]] and the [[Dominican Republic]]), and [[Puerto Rico]]. The Lesser Antilles include the smaller islands to the east, and the Bahamas are a group of coral islands to the north.


== History ==
==Geography==
The West Indies were named by [[Christopher Columbus]] in 1492, during his voyage to find a westward route to Asia. The name "Indies" was derived from the belief that he had reached the [[Indian subcontinent]]. The West Indies were colonized by several European powers, including Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands. The region played a significant role in the [[Atlantic slave trade]], with many African slaves brought to work on sugar plantations.
The West Indies consists of three main island groups: the [[Greater Antilles]], the [[Lesser Antilles]], and the [[Bahamas]]. These islands are situated in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, forming an arc from the tip of [[Florida]] to the northern coast of [[South America]].


== Culture ==
===Greater Antilles===
The West Indies is known for its diverse culture, which is a blend of African, Amerindian, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences. The region is famous for its music, particularly [[reggae]], [[calypso]], and [[soca]]. The West Indies also has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors such as [[Derek Walcott]] and [[V.S. Naipaul]].
The Greater Antilles includes the larger islands of [[Cuba]], [[Hispaniola]] (shared by [[Haiti]] and the [[Dominican Republic]]), [[Jamaica]], and [[Puerto Rico]]. These islands are characterized by their mountainous terrain and rich biodiversity.


== Sport ==
===Lesser Antilles===
[[Cricket]] is the most popular sport in the West Indies. The [[West Indies cricket team]] is one of the most successful in the world, having won the [[Cricket World Cup]] twice.
The Lesser Antilles is a chain of smaller islands that extends from the Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Tobago. This group is further divided into the [[Leeward Islands]], the [[Windward Islands]], and the [[Leeward Antilles]].


== Economy ==
===Bahamas===
The economy of the West Indies is varied, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing playing significant roles. The region is known for its production of sugar, bananas, and rum.
The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of over 700 islands and cays, located to the north of Cuba and Hispaniola. The capital city is [[Nassau]], situated on the island of [[New Providence]].


== See also ==
==History==
The history of the West Indies is marked by the arrival of [[Christopher Columbus]] in 1492, which led to European colonization. The islands were originally inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the [[Arawak]] and [[Carib]].
 
===Colonial Era===
During the colonial era, the West Indies became a focal point for European powers, including [[Spain]], [[France]], [[Britain]], and the [[Netherlands]]. The region was heavily involved in the [[Atlantic slave trade]], which brought millions of enslaved Africans to work on sugar plantations.
 
===Independence Movements===
In the 20th century, many West Indian territories gained independence from colonial rule. Notable independent nations include Jamaica (1962), Trinidad and Tobago (1962), and Barbados (1966).
 
==Culture==
The culture of the West Indies is a vibrant blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. This is reflected in the region's music, dance, cuisine, and festivals.
 
===Music and Dance===
The West Indies is famous for its musical genres such as [[reggae]], [[soca]], [[calypso]], and [[dancehall]]. These styles have gained international popularity and are celebrated in festivals like [[Carnival]].
 
===Cuisine===
West Indian cuisine is known for its use of spices and tropical ingredients. Popular dishes include [[jerk chicken]], [[roti]], and [[ackee and saltfish]].
 
==Economy==
The economy of the West Indies is diverse, with tourism, agriculture, and financial services playing significant roles. The region's natural beauty and warm climate make it a popular tourist destination.
 
===Tourism===
Tourism is a major economic driver, with millions of visitors attracted to the beaches, resorts, and cultural heritage of the islands.
 
===Agriculture===
Agriculture remains important, with products such as sugar, bananas, and coffee being key exports.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Caribbean Sea]]
* [[Caribbean Community]]
* [[Caribbean Community]]
* [[Caribbean Sea]]
* [[Caribbean Basin Initiative]]
* [[History of the Caribbean]]


[[Category:Caribbean]]
[[Category:Regions of the Americas]]
[[Category:Regions of the Americas]]
[[Category:Caribbean]]
{{Caribbean-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Antillas_(orthographic_projection).svg|Orthographic projection of the Antilles
File:East_and_West_Indies.svg|Map showing East and West Indies
File:West_Indies_-_Island_Groups.svg|Island groups of the West Indies
File:Caribe-Político.svg|Political map of the Caribbean
File:Atlantic-trench.JPG|Image of the Atlantic trench
File:CIA_map_Central_America_&_Caribbean.png|CIA map of Central America and the Caribbean
File:Life_expectancy_map_-Caribbean_-2019_-with_names.png|Life expectancy map of the Caribbean, 2019
File:Life_expectancy_map_-Caribbean_-2021_-with_names.png|Life expectancy map of the Caribbean, 2021
</gallery>

Revision as of 17:43, 18 February 2025

Overview of the West Indies



The West Indies is a region of the Caribbean that includes the island nations and territories located in the Caribbean Sea. This region is known for its diverse cultures, languages, and histories, as well as its significant role in global trade and tourism.

Geography

The West Indies consists of three main island groups: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas. These islands are situated in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, forming an arc from the tip of Florida to the northern coast of South America.

Greater Antilles

The Greater Antilles includes the larger islands of Cuba, Hispaniola (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. These islands are characterized by their mountainous terrain and rich biodiversity.

Lesser Antilles

The Lesser Antilles is a chain of smaller islands that extends from the Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Tobago. This group is further divided into the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the Leeward Antilles.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of over 700 islands and cays, located to the north of Cuba and Hispaniola. The capital city is Nassau, situated on the island of New Providence.

History

The history of the West Indies is marked by the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, which led to European colonization. The islands were originally inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Arawak and Carib.

Colonial Era

During the colonial era, the West Indies became a focal point for European powers, including Spain, France, Britain, and the Netherlands. The region was heavily involved in the Atlantic slave trade, which brought millions of enslaved Africans to work on sugar plantations.

Independence Movements

In the 20th century, many West Indian territories gained independence from colonial rule. Notable independent nations include Jamaica (1962), Trinidad and Tobago (1962), and Barbados (1966).

Culture

The culture of the West Indies is a vibrant blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. This is reflected in the region's music, dance, cuisine, and festivals.

Music and Dance

The West Indies is famous for its musical genres such as reggae, soca, calypso, and dancehall. These styles have gained international popularity and are celebrated in festivals like Carnival.

Cuisine

West Indian cuisine is known for its use of spices and tropical ingredients. Popular dishes include jerk chicken, roti, and ackee and saltfish.

Economy

The economy of the West Indies is diverse, with tourism, agriculture, and financial services playing significant roles. The region's natural beauty and warm climate make it a popular tourist destination.

Tourism

Tourism is a major economic driver, with millions of visitors attracted to the beaches, resorts, and cultural heritage of the islands.

Agriculture

Agriculture remains important, with products such as sugar, bananas, and coffee being key exports.

Related pages

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