The Caribbean IslandsThe Caribbean is well-known for its beautiful scenery, perfect weather, incredible beaches, and friendly people. Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation or an exciting nightlife, the Caribbean has it for you. In every respect, whether physical or biological features, the key word that describes the Caribbean is diversity. It is difficult to determine exactly how many islands there are in the areas. However, it is believed that there are 100 permanently inhabited islands and 50 major vegetated cays. The distances between Caribbean islands vary but none is more than 200 km from its neighbor except for Bermuda. Like other tropical islands that had been colonized by Europeans for more than 500 years, the lush vegetation of the land had been fought over, bought, sold, and were eventually settled by people from European, African, and Asiatic descent while the local Amerindians were driven out. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the Caribbean islands became richer in history, culture, and tradition. Before the European occupation, the Caribbean was inhabited by three groups: the Ciboney (Guanahuatebey), Taino (Arawak), and the Caribs. The main distinction of the three groups is their arrival dates in the area. The Ciboney appears to have arrived first and they occupied Cuba and the Bahamas. The eastern island chain became home to the Caribs while the Arawaks occupied resided in the Greater Antilles islands – Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The oldest islands in the modern Caribbean are Trinidad and Cuba. Jurassic rocks that had been found in Cuba imply a relationship between the island and Yucatán. Certain biological patterns support the belief of a Cretaceous land mass occupying a location in the Caribbean Sea. This indicates a link between the Greater Antilles and northern South America. Overview of the Caribbean Islands: Caribbean Island: Regional Overview Country Studies: Caribbean Islands Caribbean History and Culture: Destination 360: History of the Caribbean Caribbean Islands People History Anthropology Islands in the Caribbean: List of Favorite Caribbean Islands Economic Expert: Caribbean Islands |
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