Title: Caribbean - New World Encyclopedia
Headings: Caribbean
Caribbean
Caribbean vs. West Indies
Island Groupings
Geography and Climate
Biodiversity
History
The Caribbean Before European Contact
The Colonial Era
Spanish conquest
Other European Powers
Wars
Independence
American Influence
Historical Groupings
Indigenous Tribes
Regional Institutions
References
Credits

Content: Caribbean - New World Encyclopedia
Caribbean
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World map showing the location of the Caribbean

The Caribbean (also known as the West Indies) is a region of the Americas consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts. The region is located southeast of North America, east of Central America, and to the northwest of South America. The islands of the Caribbean are sorted into three main island groups, The Bahamas, the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles. Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the area comprises more than seven thousand islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Geopolitically, the West Indies is usually regarded as a sub-region of North America and is organized into 28 territories including sovereign states, overseas departments, and dependencies. The Caribbean is a favorite destination for vacationers because of its beautiful beaches and tropical climate, as well as the exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands. History reveals the significant role these islands played in the colonial struggles of the European powers between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, as well as in the twentieth century Cold War era. Most islands at some point were, or still are, colonies of European nations. Map of the Caribbean
Caribbean vs. West Indies
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The name "Caribbean" is named after the Caribs, one of the dominant Amerindian groups in the region at the time of European contact during the late fifteenth century.