The Caribbean countries, unique in their geographical and historical features, are the gigantic Antilles archipelago, which was entrenched between two large continents - North and South America. Uninhabited islets and vast land areas, a riot of greenery and desert sandy expanses have become the basis for the development of a new culture and new customs. The Caribbean was discovered about five hundred years ago, and since then it has often been called the West Indies. It combines the cultures of various peoples of the world, their customs and languages.
Location of the region
Very close to the equator, however, the Caribbean Sea is located in the Northern Hemisphere . It is considered one of the most beautiful in the world due to its genuine turquoise color and rich flora and fauna. Its waters are fenced from the Atlantic by the Antilles, among which there are large and small. The first category includes Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and Puerto Rico. The second includes the bright and noisy Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, all the small lands that are part of the Dominican Republic, the island of Curacao, Barbados, Aruba and many other "little things." It is on these lands that the Caribbean countries are located. We will list them a bit below, and also consider their proximity to the mainland.
List of Caribbean States
In the northern part of the waters, near the Gulf Stream, the famous Bahamas are located. For a long time already this place has become synonymous with luxurious relaxation, warm sea and vivid impressions. Below is the largest island in the region - Cuba. Local customs are a synthesis of communism and the latest developments in the field of infrastructure for tourists.
A little further south is another famous resort area - the Dominican Republic. It occupies the large island of Haiti, as well as the adjacent small islands. Local landscapes are marked by exotic plants and original fauna. Surround the Dominican Republic of Jamaica and Puerto Rico. These are two small states, where also all tourists are provided with a real tropical paradise.
Below, closer to the south, there are small islands: Guadeloupe, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia. And the Caribbean countries that have close proximity to the southern mainland are Curacao and Aruba.
Tourism in the Caribbean
Perhaps this is one of the few places on Earth where people from all over the world come to rest. And this is not surprising, because here all year round the same warm sea, hot sun, lots of tropical greenery. In addition, local customs, fiery dances, parties, communication will make your vacation bright and unforgettable. Caribbean countries have a similar in many ways, but still different in some aspects culture. For example, Barbados is the personification of English classics. British traditions are honored here, they speak exclusively English, and tourists are welcomed as is customary in London. Aruba is located near Colombia. It is mainly South Americans who come here to relax - Argentina, Brazil, Chile. Therefore, a more “Latinized" way of life is formed here.
What to eat in this summer paradise?
Thousands of islands that have been inhabited for five hundred years by residents of all over the world have absorbed many culinary traditions. The cuisine of the Caribbean countries includes recipes of local Indians, Spaniards, French, English, Indians, Africans, Arabs, and even Chinese. From Europe here came pork, beef, vegetables and fruits familiar to us. Africans brought Kalau, Aki and Bambia to the Central American region, as well as several of their own national dishes. Rice was delivered to the Antilles from the East, which is now eaten in almost all of Latin America. Of course, this synthesis was supplemented with local products - potatoes, corn, tropical fruits and beans. Thanks to this, the culinary assortment of the whole world was updated, and new recipes began to appear in the books of the hostesses. However, one cannot summarize about any one national dish, which is served in restaurants throughout the region. Each tiny country has its own culinary features.
Dishes prepared in different Antilles
Now consider what recipes you can borrow for yourself by visiting the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular resorts in this natural area. Local fruits and meat are popular here. The national dish is Bandera, which is made from meat, bananas and beans. In Jamaica, residents enjoy the taste of meat, fish and citrus. It is on the basis of these products that Saltfish and Aki are cooked, as well as the famous local Jusi Patis pies. But in Barbados, fish and other seafood are at a premium. Drink local traditional rum dishes. But a real paradise for lovers of the sea is Aruba. Here, seaweed salads are prepared; lobsters, king prawns and lobsters are served as appetizers.
Administrative features of the Antilles
In this region, there are about thirty island states that have their own symbols, laws and customs. Therefore, now we will consider in more detail what territorial units the Caribbean contains. Countries and capitals are both independent powers and territories that are provinces. The following is a list of the main ones:
- Cuba - Havana.
- Aruba - Orandjestad.
- Bahamas - Nassau.
- Barbados - Bridgetown.
- Guadeloupe - Basse Ter.
- Dominican Republic - Roseau.
- Puerto Rico - San Juan.
- Jamaica - Kingston.
- Saint Lucia - Castries.
Conclusion
Countries in the Caribbean are characterized by a consistently warm climate, hot sun and minimal rainfall. There is quite lush vegetation on most islands, only some of them are deserted. The unique nature and originality of local culture make this region different from all the others that exist in Latin America.