the Caribbean today
The most diversified group of countries and people in the world
The Caribbean islands were originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Carib and the Arawak. In the 15th century, Europeans began to colonize the islands, with the Spanish, British, French, and Dutch establishing colonies throughout the region. The islands played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, with millions of Africans brought to the region to work on sugar plantations. Today, the Caribbean islands are independent nations, with a fascinating history and extensive cultural heritage.
The Caribbean is a very special region that is made up of over 7,000 islands over 28 nations. Consisting of islands and coastal countries surrounding the Caribbean Sea as well as islets, reefs and caves. Yet only around 2% of the islands in the Caribbean are inhabited by people. The nation of Bahamas itself includes about 700 islands. The largest island measuring 109,884 square kilometers (42,426 square miles) belong to Cuba. The Caribbean is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by archipelagoes forming an arc shape. Although it is part of the Atlantic Ocean but there is a marked visual difference between where the two bodies of the water meet. The Caribbean Seas is light turquoise in color while the Atlantic Ocean is a striking Marine blue.
Due to its tropical climate the Caribbean is home to a diverse flora and fauna. There are 13,000 species of plants of which approximately 6,500 are endemic to the region. There are at least 1,000 documented species of animals in this body of water, including 90 species of mammals such as the manatee which is currently endangered and one mammal that is most likely extinct that is the Caribbean monk seal. It is the deepest sea in the world with an average dept of 22,788 ft (6,946 meters). The only bodies of water that are deeper ae the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean. Its deepest point, the Cayman through measures 7,686 meters (25,220 feet) below sea level. Located between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the Through is one of the lowest places on earth. Furthermore, the Caribbean Sea is one of the world's largest, measuring 1,063,00 square miles (2,754,000 square kilometers).
The temperature of the Caribbean climate makes it ideal for vacationers it stays around 81 F (27 C) all year round. Making the Caribbean the most visited holiday destinations in the world. It should not be a surprise to any of us as it has so many different places to see and things to do. Added to that, the region is breathtakingly beautiful with a rich history, diverse cultures, and unique ecological features. The Caribbean people have a more relaxing mentality and let it all wash over you as they say.
The islands of the Caribbean are typically sorted into three distinct groups: The Greater Antilles, the Lucayan Archipelago, and the Lesser Antilles.
Did you know?
- Despite being almost six time smaller than the smallest ocean, the Caribbean Sea is home to 14 percent of the world's reefs.
- Pirates of the Caribbean is a real thing: thousands of pirates went around pillaging the Caribbean Sea from 1500s to 1820s. There were famous ports in Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas
- the Caribbean is an important oil sourced region. Large oil reserves can be found in Venezuela and the discovery of a major oil field in Guyana in 2015. There are also potential oil locations in the Caribbean Sea off the cost of Suriname.
- The beaches on the Caribbean Sea are some of the bests in the world providing excellent snorkeling and with crystal clear water with no seaweed or rocks.
independent caribbean countries
Bold, defiant and trailblazers
The Caribbean islands encompasses a unique blend of tropical paradise and rich heritage. It is a region located east of Central America in the Caribbean Sea and has a rich history and culture that dates back to the 15th century. There are over a dozen independent countries in the Caribbean to name a few, they are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These countries are considered part of the Caribbean region due to their location and shared cultural heritage. Trinidad and Tobago is considered a 13th sovereign nation but is located on South America’s continental shelf.
dutch caribbean countries
Laid-back and Sunkissed
The Dutch Caribbean, sometimes referred to as the Netherlands Antilles, refers to six islands in the Caribbean Sea which belong to the Kingdom of Netherlands. Three of the islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao – are nestled just off the Venezuelan coast, meaning they share more in common with the South American mainland beneath them than they do with the majority of the Caribbean islands. Meanwhile, the remaining three territories – Saba, Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius – are positioned more northerly and are far more representative of the lush vegetation and laid-back culture of the Caribbean.
- Countries: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius
french caribbean countries
seductive and refine.
Explore dramatic rain forests, towering waterfalls and turquoise lagoons. Visit some of the world's most spectacular beaches. Discover picturesque villages, inviting boutiques and fascinating historical sites. Enjoy a wide range of land and water sports. Savor traditional French and spicy Créole cuisine. Our destinations, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barthélemy (St. Barts, St. Barth), St. Martin, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante are all truly part of France. Although each has its own unique character, they all offer delightful French flavor and Joie de vivre.
- Countries: Guadeloupe, French Guinea, Martinique, St. Barthélemy (St. Barts, St. Barth), St. Martin, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante
british caribbean countries
adventurous
The Commonwealth Caribbean is the region of the Caribbean with English-speaking countries and territories, which once constituted the Caribbean portion of the British Empire and are now part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The term includes many independent island nations. British Overseas Territories some mainland nations. The Commonwealth Caribbean consists of countries and territories, which include Caribbean islands or parts of mainland North and South America surrounding the Caribbean Sea.
- Countries: Anguilla, Cayman Island, British Virgin Islands, Monserrat, Turks & Caicos islands
u.s. caribbean countries
live vicariously, the Piña Coladas of island life.
The United States has two territories in the Caribbean Sea which are ultimately subject to US Law 123. These territories are Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands are three main islands that are the hilly, volcanic islands of St. Thomas and St. John, which border the North Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, and St. Croix in south, the largest island of USVI is entirely in the Caribbean Sea. The archipelago has a combined land area of 347 km² (134 sq mi). Highest point is Crown Mountain on Saint Thomas at 474 m (1555 ft).
- Countries: Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands
other status caribbean countries
Authenticity and holistic
In the Caribbean there are as well as nearly two dozen non-sovereign territories
- . Countries: Bay islands (Honduras), Bocas Del Toro (Panama), Federal Dependency of Venezuela (Venezuela), Guna Yala (Panama), Navassa Island (Haiti/USA), Nueva Esparta (Venezuela), Quintana Roo (Mexico), Roatan (Honduras), St. Andres & Providencia (Columbia).