Questions and Answers
What is the geographical definition of the Caribbean?
What is a disadvantage of the geographical definition?
Some countries washed by the Caribbean Sea are not considered part of it.
Which countries are included in the geographical definition of the Caribbean?
Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, some mainland territories of Central and South America.
Why is Mexico sometimes described as part of the Caribbean?
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How else is the Caribbean defined geographically?
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Name the Windward Islands.
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Name the Leeward Islands.
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What are the ABC and SSS Islands?
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What is the geological definition of the Caribbean?
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Define colonization.
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What are the leading colonial powers in the Caribbean?
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What is the major distinguishing factor between Latin America and the Caribbean?
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Define dependency.
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The traditional boundary between the Windward and Leeward islands lies between __________ and __________.
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Name the Amerindian groups and where they settled.
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Define offshore haven.
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Study Notes
Geographical Definition of the Caribbean
- The Caribbean Basin is the area washed by the Caribbean Sea.
- Countries such as Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela are close but not considered part of the Caribbean.
Disadvantages of Geographical Definition
- Mexico is omitted despite coastal proximity; the Caribbean Sea does not wash over its territory.
- The Bahamas and Turks are washed by the Atlantic Ocean yet included in the Caribbean.
- Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana are recognized Caribbean countries due to historical ties, not geographical location.
Countries Included in the Caribbean
- The Caribbean encompasses Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles, along with some mainland regions of Central and South America.
Mexico's Caribbean Connection
- The Mexican Yucatan is often referred to as the 'Mexican Caribbean' due to its coastal position near the Caribbean Sea.
- Cancun is a prominent tourist area marketed as part of the Caribbean.
Geographical Definition Scope
- The Caribbean is also defined by its longitudinal location between 60°W and 85°W.
Island Classifications
- Windward Islands include St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Grenada, Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe.
- Leeward Islands consist of Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Martin, Anguilla, and the Virgin Islands.
Exceptions to Lesser Antilles
- Barbados and Trinidad are grouped with Windward Islands but are not part of the physical chain.
ABC & SSS Islands
- Include Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and Saba.
Mainland Territories of the Caribbean
- Belize, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana are included as mainland territories.
Geological Definition of the Caribbean
- Defined by the Caribbean Plate, characterized by shared seismic, tectonic, and volcanic features.
Tectonic Plates Adjacent to the Caribbean
- North American Plate, South American Plate, Cocos Plate, and Nazca Plate impact the region.
Geological Disadvantages
- Territories like Guyana and French Guiana are excluded from geological definitions as they sit on other tectonic plates.
- No singular rock type defines the Caribbean region.
Historical Definition of the Caribbean
- Defined by shared historical experiences of discovery, conquest, and colonization by European powers.
Leading Colonial Powers
- Key colonial powers include Spain, France, Britain, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and Portugal.
Features of Colonialism
- Involved military displays, uprooting of indigenous peoples, resistance, economic dependency, and the establishment of plantation systems.
Political Structure in the Caribbean
- The Caribbean has its unique socio-economic groupings and political contexts.
Definitions Related to Governance
- A republic is headed by a president, not a monarch.
- A départment is a local government unit akin to a parish or country.
Economic Definitions
- An offshore haven offers low taxes for companies and wealthy individuals to protect their assets.
- Dependency refers to a colony entirely controlled by a metropolitan nation.
Cultural Influences
- Acculturation involves profound cultural influence from one group to another, while cultural assimilation incorporates colonized groups into the dominant culture.
Diaspora Identification
- Identifying Caribbean diaspora through population statistics, cultural businesses, entertainment, media, and specific neighborhoods.
Boundary Definitions
- The traditional boundary between Windward and Leeward Islands is found between Martinique and Dominica.
Amerindian Settlements
- Mayas settled in Central America; Tainos in Greater Antilles; Kalinagos in Lesser Antilles.
Commonwealth and Communism
- A commonwealth includes the UK and former British colonies.
- Communism promotes community ownership of property based on collective needs and abilities.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the geographical definitions related to the Caribbean region. This quiz covers key terms and disadvantages of geographical classifications within the Caribbean Basin. Dive deep into the nuances of regional geography and understand the complexities involved.
