Caribbean

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

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.

Island groups of the West Indies

History

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.

The Battle of the Saints, 1782

Culture

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.

Languages of the Caribbean

Economy

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.

Map of territorial waters in the Caribbean

Related pages

• Greater Antilles
• Lesser Antilles
• Bahamas
• Caribbean Sea
• West Indies

General map of the Caribbean