How many countries are there in Caribbean?
Geographic Location
The Caribbean region is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America. It is bounded by the Caribbean Sea and includes more than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays.
Political Divisions
The Caribbean is politically divided into sovereign states, dependent territories, and several other political entities. The region’s political structure is diverse, reflecting its colonial history and the various powers that have controlled different parts of the region.
Sovereign States in the Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda
History
Antigua and Barbuda gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. The islands have a rich history influenced by Amerindian, African, and European cultures.
Geography
The country consists of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and several smaller islets. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
Economy
Tourism is the backbone of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, with the islands attracting visitors from around the world. The service sector also plays a significant role.
The Bahamas
History
The Bahamas, an archipelago of 700 islands, became an independent Commonwealth realm in 1973. Its history includes a blend of Lucayan, Spanish, British, and African influences.
Geography
The Bahamas are located north of Cuba and Hispaniola and southeast of the US state of Florida. The islands are characterized by their clear waters and marine biodiversity.
Economy
The Bahamian economy relies heavily on tourism, banking, and financial services. The country is a popular destination for cruise ships and luxury travel.
Barbados
History
Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. It has a history marked by British colonization and African slavery.
Geography
Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island known for its diverse landscapes, including beaches, botanical gardens, and the central highland region.
Economy
Tourism and offshore finance are key components of Barbados’ economy. The country also has a strong agricultural sector, primarily producing sugar and rum.
Cuba
History
Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, became an independent republic in 1902 after gaining independence from Spain. Its history includes Spanish colonization, African slavery, and a significant revolutionary period in the 20th century.
Geography
Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean, where the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean meet. The island is known for its mountainous regions, coastal plains, and vibrant cities like Havana.
Economy
Cuba’s economy is diversified, with key sectors including tourism, healthcare, biotechnology, and agriculture. The country is known for its state-controlled economy and recent reforms aimed at modernization.
Dominica
History
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island,” gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. It has a rich indigenous history and a blend of African and European influences.
Geography
Dominica is characterized by its rugged terrain, rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs. It is located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Economy
The economy of Dominica is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and geothermal energy. The island is famous for its eco-tourism and sustainable practices.
Dominican Republic
History
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It gained independence from Haiti in 1844 and has a history marked by Spanish colonization and African influence.
Geography
The country features diverse landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and fertile plains. It is located in the Greater Antilles region of the Caribbean.
Economy
Tourism, agriculture, mining, and services are vital to the Dominican Republic’s economy. The country is a top tourist destination known for its resorts and cultural heritage.
Grenada
History
Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle,” gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1974. Its history includes French and British colonization and African slavery.
Geography
Grenada consists of the main island of Grenada and smaller islands like Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The islands are known for their spice plantations and scenic landscapes.
Economy
Grenada’s economy is driven by tourism, agriculture (especially nutmeg and mace), and services. The country is also developing its offshore financial sector.
Haiti
History
Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. It became the first independent black republic in 1804 after a successful slave revolt against French colonization.
Geography
Haiti is located in the Greater Antilles and features mountainous terrain, tropical forests, and a coastline along the Caribbean Sea.
Economy
Haiti’s economy is one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, heavily reliant on agriculture, remittances, and international aid. The country faces significant challenges, including political instability and natural disasters.
Jamaica
History
Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. Its history is marked by indigenous Taino culture, African slavery, and British colonization.
Geography
Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean and is known for its mountains, beaches, and reggae music. It is located south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola.
Economy
The Jamaican economy is diverse, with tourism, mining (bauxite and alumina), agriculture, and services being key sectors. The country is a popular destination for cultural and adventure tourism.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
History
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation that gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1983. The islands have a history of British and French colonization and African slavery.
Geography
The islands are located in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. They are known for their volcanic landscapes, rainforests, and beaches.
Economy
Tourism, agriculture, and financial services are crucial to the economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The country is also known for its citizenship-by-investment program.
Saint Lucia
History
Saint Lucia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. The island’s history includes periods of British and French control, reflected in its culture and language.
Geography
Saint Lucia is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea and features volcanic mountains, lush rainforests, and coastal beaches. The Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a notable landmark.
Economy
Tourism is the mainstay of Saint Lucia’s economy, supported by agriculture and manufacturing. The island is a popular destination for honeymooners and eco-tourists.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
History
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. The islands have a history of indigenous Carib culture, African slavery, and European colonization.
Geography
The country consists of the main island of Saint Vincent and a chain of smaller islands called the Grenadines. The islands are known for their scenic beauty and marine biodiversity.
Economy
Tourism, agriculture (especially bananas), and offshore banking are key sectors of the economy. The islands attract visitors for their yachting and diving opportunities.
Trinidad and Tobago
History
Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. The islands have a rich history influenced by indigenous peoples, African slavery, Indian indenture, and European colonization.
Geography
The country consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, located off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. Trinidad is known for its industrial base, while Tobago is famous for its beaches and resorts.
Economy
The economy of Trinidad and Tobago is heavily based on petroleum and petrochemicals. Tourism and manufacturing also contribute significantly to the country’s GDP.
Dependent Territories in the Caribbean
Anguilla
History
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory with a history of Amerindian settlement, European colonization, and African slavery.
Geography
The island is located in the eastern Caribbean and is known for its coral reefs, white sand beaches, and clear waters.
Economy
Anguilla’s economy is driven by tourism, offshore banking, and fishing. The island is a popular destination for luxury travelers and water sports enthusiasts.
Aruba
History
Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has a history of indigenous Arawak settlement, Spanish and Dutch colonization, and African slavery.
Geography
The island is located in the southern Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela. It is known for its dry climate, white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Economy
Tourism is the mainstay of Aruba’s economy, supported by oil refining and offshore banking. The island attracts visitors for its resorts, casinos, and cultural festivals.
Bermuda
History
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory with a history of indigenous settlement, European colonization, and African slavery.
Geography
The archipelago is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historic sites.
Economy
Bermuda’s economy is based on tourism, international business, and finance. The island is a global hub for insurance and reinsurance.
British Virgin Islands
History
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory with a history of indigenous settlement, European colonization, and African slavery.
Geography
The BVI consists of four main islands and numerous smaller ones, located in the northeastern Caribbean. The islands are known for their sailing, diving, and luxury tourism.