TEST 1: Carribean & Mexico- General Caribbean Factso Windward Islands – islands that are hit by winds that sweep across the Atlantic (toward the South Caribbean)o Leeward Islands – islands that are sheltered from the Atlantic winds (more northern)o Greater Antilles Cayman Islands, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaicao Lesser Antilles EVERYTHING ELSEo ABC Countries & their native language Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao Speak “Papiamento”, a mixture of many different languageso The US Virgin Islands were bought from Denmark in 1917o Climate Extremely stable Gets cooler in January & February June through November is hurricane seasono Islands consist of many different cultures Ex. Spain, France, England, Holland, Denmark, Sweden- Bermuda World’s most northerly group of CORAL islandso Cities to Know Hamilton- Capital; little nightlife, casinos or beaches; largest city St. George - Original capital; pubs, restaurants, shopso Other places of interest Aquarium, perfume factory o ALSO KNOWN FOR GOLF- The Bahamas Chain of about 2,400 keys and 700 coral islands Tourism centered in Freeport, Nassau (Paradise Island) & Out Islandso New Providence - Major cruise destination Nassau - Capital Paradise Island - Great hotels, home of the Atlantis Resort Cable Beach - Site of more development & casinos Festivals - Goombayo Celebrated July until August; includes beach parties, sports & folk showso Grand Bahama Island Only 60 miles from Florida 2nd most popular travel destinationo Out Islands Bimini – big game fishing capital of the world Eleuthera – upscale resorts Andros – largest island, mostly uninhabited- The Greater Antilles o Cayman Islands 3 Main islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman known as underwater capital of the Caribbean flat coral islands George Town- Capital; busy port - Atlantis Submarine Excursion- Million Dollar Month – fishing tournament in June Seven Mile Beach- Condos, hotels, shopping, diving KNOWN FOR DIVING- Sting Ray City – swimmimg and diving with sting rays- The North Wall dive off Grand Cayman has a drop to theocean bedo Jamaica Most populous English-speaking country in Caribbean Tourism in North Capital and business located in the South Kingston - Capital (formerly Port Royal) Port Antonio - east of island surrounded by Blue Mountains Ocho Rios- Dunn’s River Falls, 75% of cruise ships arrive here Montego Bay - International airport, major hotels Negril- Westernmost point, fine beacheso Dominican Republic Located on East side of Hispaniola (2nd largest island in Caribbean) Santo Domingo - Capital; no beaches; active nightlife, casinos; historic center Resort Areas- La Romnana (Casa de Campo located here), Punta Cana, Puerto Plata o Puerto Rico Became American after Spanish-American War Casablanca – “White House” El Convento Hotel San Juan - Capital- Old San Juan founded in 1521- El Morro fortress; casinos Other places of interest - El Yunque – only tropical rainforest under US jurisdiction - Ponce is 2nd largest city - Rio Camuy Cave Park – largest cave system in the world - The Leeward Islands (The Lesser Antilles)o US Virgin Islands Consists of St. Thomas, St. Croix & St. John Ruled by Denmark for 300 years, sold to US in 1917 St. Thomas is known for DUTY FREE SHOPPINGo British Virgin Islands Approximately 60 islands, only 15 inhabited Road Town is the major port 70% OF THE TOURISM IS SAILING. ITS VERY IMPORTANTo Anguilla excellent beaches, good sailing, stylish hotels, sailboats British dependencyo St. Martin/St. Maarten St. Martin is dependent of France- Known for DINING & major medical school St. Maarten (Netherlands Antilles) is dependent of Holland- Known for CASINOSo St. Barthelemy (St. Barts) Small rocky island Belonged to Sweden Luxurious hotels & gourmet restaurants o Saba Part of Netherlands Antilles The Bottom - Capital; located at bottom of a volcanic crater - Lodging is limited- Premier SCUBA destinationo St Kitts & Nevis England’s mother colony in the Caribbean Golf, restaurants, hotels, small casinoo Antigua & Barbuda English background Together, they are one independent country Largest Leeward island SAILING is big- The Windward Islands (The Lesser Antilles)o Martinique Northernmost of Windward Islands Flagship of French culture in the Caribbean Busy cruise port o St. Lucia British; great mountain scenery Interior is rain forest Beaches full of black volcanic sando St. Vincent & the Grenadines Became British in 1783 Capital is Kingston (NOT a typo) Known for yacht charters, idyllic beaches & luxury resorts witha distinct European flavor o Grenada “Spice Island” – leading producer of nutmeg oldest rum plant in the Caribbean was under French & British rule for many years beautiful beaches; gardens & many spice shops o Barbados Capital is Bridgetown History closely tied with English and sugar fortunes George Washington visited when tourism began in the 18th century “Crop Over Festival”- held during last week in July- half of visitors arrive on cruise ships - known for beautiful architecture, plantations, extensive caverns & surfing- Islands off South American coast o Aruba Enjoys hot & dry climate perfect for tourism Capital is Orangestad (small town) Casino gambling, nightlife & beaches are popularo Bonaire Known for DIVING Ideal for tourists who enjoy water sports Tourists “DIVE, eat, DIVE, sleep & DIVE”o Curacao Has emerged as a major tourist destination thanks to casinos, diving & duty-free shopping Willemstead - capital- Administration center of Netherlands Antilles - Known for Old World atmosphere - Dutch culture is very evident in architecture, customs & foodo Turks & Caicos Located toward southeast end of Bahamas Beautiful beaches, but no large cruise ships Providenciales is biggest tourist destination - Other destinations o Cuba largest country in the Caribbean size of Florida Havana - Capital- City with beautiful architecture & enjoyable nightlife Dramatic coastline and awesome beaches Travel between US & Cuba restricted to Cuban-Americans, journalists, researchers and individuals approved to travel by US government o Haiti Occupies western half of
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