HFT2716 Study-guideExam 1The Caribbean, West Indies & MexicoThe Caribbean& West Indies**Map will be on examWest Indies islands east and south of Florida; divided into four groups1.Bahamas, Turks & Caicos: chain of islands that stretches east and southeast of Florida2.The Greater Antilles: Cuba, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Hispaniola( Haiti & Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico3. The Lesser Antilles: many small islands from Puerto Rico to South America a. Leeward IslandsVirgin Islands to Dominica b. Windward IslandsMartinique to Grenada4. ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao; politically these islands are part of different groups but their location near South America sets them apart.The Land- Only Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and the ABC islands are entirely surrounded by the Caribbean sea-Most islands are surrounded by both the Caribbean and the AtlanticContinental Islands islands that were once connected to a continent; tend to have golden beaches examples: Cuba, Hispaniola, TrinidadVolcanic Islands mountainous islands that were formed by volcanic eruptions; beaches of black, gray, or golden sand; examples: Saba and MartiniqueCoral Islands low islands formed in warm waters by tiny sea animals called coral polyps; water temperature greater than 65®F.Beaches of pink, white or golden sand. examples: Bahamas, Turks & CaicosThe Climate-The climate varies little from winter to summer, with the exception of Bermuda that has a mild subtropical climate with seasons. - Bahamas are slightly colder than the other islands- Hurricane Season begins in June and ends in November * If traveling during this timeframe, go to the ABC islands - Trade winds blow steady from the east across most of the Antilles and temper the islands’ tropical climatesThe People and their History- Of the original local West Indies tribes, the Carib are the only that still exist on a small settlement on the island of Dominica- Most island inhabitants are descendants from black Africans- The islands are a patchwork of independent state, dependencies and territories in political transition.- The islands are plagued with grinding poverty, high unemployment and high crime ratesLanguages -Spanish: Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico -French Creole: Haiti -English: Cayman Islands, Jamaica -Dutch: St.Maarten -Papiamento: ABC islands -Hindi & Chinese: TrinidadBackgrounds -British: British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Bermuda, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, St.Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados -Spanish: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, -Dutch: St.Barts, St. Maarten, Saba, Curaçao, -French: St. Martin, Martinique, -Danish: US Virgin Islands Bermuda- most gold courses in the world per square mile- Towns Hamilton capital city, English architecture, not known for nightlife or resorts St.George the original capital, more tranquil, more resort style-world’s most northerly group of coral islands- noted for its pink sand beaches, gentle landscape, colorful flowers, distinctive architecture, and romantic English atmosphereThe Bahamas- Officially known as the commonwealth of the Bahamas- during the first century, the Bahamas were a refuge for pirates- New Providence (cruise and resort destination) 1.Nassau: capital city, most popular destination 2.Paradise Island: Atlantis Resort 3.Cable Beach 4.Festivals: Goombay-Grand Bahamas Island (2nd most popular destination); shopping, casinos, nightlife, etc.-Out Islands 1. Bimini: Big Game fishing capital of the world2.Eleuthera: upscale resorts 3. Andors: largest island, underdeveloped, diving destination. The Greater AntillesCayman Islands- the underwater capital of the world (deepest part of the Caribbean sea)- Switzerland of the Caribbean; financial and banking center….tax exemptions-Towns Georgetown: capital city, busy cruise ship port Diving: Sting Ray City Seven Mile Beach: center of land activityJamaica- most populous English speaking island in the Caribbean - known for its beaches, waterfalls, rivers, lush tropical foliage, blue mountains-Towns Kingston: capital city, once named Port Royal, home of reggae Port Antonio: surrounded by the blue mountains Ochos Rios: Dunn’s River Falls, 75% cruise ships arrive here Montego Bay: international airportDominican Republic- Eastern part of Hispaniola- 4 million visitors every year; #1 tourism destination in the Caribbean-Towns: Santo Domingo: the Las Vegas of the Caribbean ; capital city,historic center. Resort Areas: La Romana, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata-most economical in the Caribbean-2nd largest Caribbean island- has both the highest (Pico Duarte) and lowest( Lake Enriquillo) points in the West IndiesPuerto Rico-Part of the US Commonwealth- Towns/Highlights: San Juan: capital city, divided into new and old town, old part founded in 1521 El Yungue: only rain forest in the US Rio Camuy: world’s largest system of caves-air and cruise ship hub of the Caribbean The Lesser AntillesLeeward Islands: (Virgin Islands to Dominica)US Virgin Islands- St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John- St . Thomas is the most developed- bought from Denmark in 1917-“America’s Paradise”-St. John is the smallest and ¾ is undeveloped Virgin Islands National Park-St. Croix is the largest and flattest of the USVI and has an underwater marine gardenBritish Virgin Islands- old English atmosphere-tax exempt-tourism is 45% national income-trade winds and sheltered harbors-ideal sailing destinationAntiqua & Barbuda-Antiqua is a premier sailing destination in the world-Antiqua is known for its carnival-Barbuda national park (bird sanctuary)- 98% population live on Anitqua-Capital city= St. JohnsSt.Martin/St. Maarten- half French, half Dutch- St. Martin: French, known for schooling, restaurants- St. Maarten: Dutch, known for entertainment- Phillipsburg: capital citySt. Barts- belonged to Sweden- luxury lodging and restaurants- can be reached only by ferry or small aircraft- Capita l= GustaviaSaba- part of the Netherland Antilles- volcano island- The Bottom: capital city, located at the bottom of a volcano crater- Premier diving destinationWindward Islands: (Martinique to Grenada)Martinique- French culture flagship-busy cruise ship
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