Title: Caribbean Sea - Wikipedia
Headings: Caribbean Sea
Caribbean Sea
Contents
History
Extent
Geology
Oceanography
Ecology
Climate
Flora and fauna
Vegetation
Fauna
Economy and human activity
Gallery
See also
References
Further reading
External links

Content: From the 16th century, Europeans visiting the Caribbean region identified the "South Sea" (the Pacific Ocean, to the south of the isthmus of Panama) as opposed to the "North Sea" (the Caribbean Sea, to the north of the same isthmus). Tulum, Maya city on the coast of the Caribbean in the state of Quintana Roo ( Mexico)
The Caribbean Sea had been unknown to the populations of Eurasia until 1492, when Christopher Columbus sailed into Caribbean waters on a quest to find a sea route to Asia. At that time the Western Hemisphere in general was unknown to most Europeans, although it had been discovered between the years 800 and 1000 by the vikings. Following the discovery of the islands by Columbus, the area was quickly colonized by several Western cultures (initially Spain, then later England, the Dutch Republic, France, Courland and Denmark ). Following the colonization of the Caribbean islands, the Caribbean Sea became a busy area for European-based marine trading and transports, and this commerce eventually attracted pirates such as Samuel Bellamy and Blackbeard . As of 2015
[update]
the area is home to 22 island territories and borders 12 continental countries . Extent
The International Hydrographic Organization defines the limits of the Caribbean Sea as follows: On the North. In the Windward Channel – a line joining Caleta Point (74°15′W) and Pearl Point (19°40′N) in Haiti. In the Mona Passage – a line joining Cape Engaño and the extreme of Agujereada (
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18°31′N 67°08′W
﻿ / ﻿ 18.517°N 67.133°W ﻿ / 18.517;