Lesser Antilles

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The Lesser Antilles are a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. They form a part of the West Indies and are located to the southeast of the Greater Antilles and to the north of South America. The Lesser Antilles are divided into two main groups: the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands.

Geography

The Lesser Antilles stretch in an arc from the Virgin Islands in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south. The islands are generally volcanic in origin, with some islands featuring coral reefs. The region is known for its tropical climate, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.

Leeward Islands

The Leeward Islands are the northern part of the Lesser Antilles. They include:

• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Barthélemy
• Saint Martin
• Saba
• Sint Eustatius
• Sint Maarten
• British Virgin Islands
• United States Virgin Islands

Windward Islands

The Windward Islands are the southern part of the Lesser Antilles. They include:

• Dominica
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Grenada
• Barbados

History

The Lesser Antilles were originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples. European colonization began in the 15th century with the arrival of Christopher Columbus. The islands were contested by various European powers, including Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands. The region has a rich history of colonialism, slavery, and plantation economy.

Economy

The economy of the Lesser Antilles is diverse, with tourism being a major industry. The islands also produce agricultural products such as sugar, bananas, and cocoa. Some islands have offshore financial services and light manufacturing.

Culture

The culture of the Lesser Antilles is a blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. The region is known for its music, including calypso, soca, and reggae. Festivals such as Carnival are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Languages

The official languages of the Lesser Antilles vary by island and include English, French, Dutch, and Spanish. Various Creole languages are also spoken.

See also

• Greater Antilles
• Caribbean
• West Indies
• Leeward Islands
• Windward Islands