West Indies

West Indies is a region of the Caribbean 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 West Indies have a tropical maritime climate. The islands are part of a volcanic arc and consist of three main island groups: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas. The Greater Antilles include Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (comprising the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico. The Lesser Antilles include the smaller islands to the east, and the Bahamas are a group of coral islands to the north.

History

The West Indies were named by Christopher Columbus in 1492, during his voyage to find a westward route to Asia. The name "Indies" was derived from the belief that he had reached the Indian subcontinent. The West Indies were colonized by several European powers, including Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands. The region played a significant role in the Atlantic slave trade, with many African slaves brought to work on sugar plantations.

Culture

The West Indies is known for its diverse culture, which is a blend of African, Amerindian, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences. The region is famous for its music, particularly reggae, calypso, and soca. The West Indies also has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors such as Derek Walcott and V.S. Naipaul.

Sport

Cricket is the most popular sport in the West Indies. The West Indies cricket team is one of the most successful in the world, having won the Cricket World Cup twice.

Economy

The economy of the West Indies is varied, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing playing significant roles. The region is known for its production of sugar, bananas, and rum.

See also

• Caribbean Community
• Caribbean Sea
• History of the Caribbean

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