Jamaica Puerto Rico The Lesser Antilles
Lesser Antilles
The Lesser Antilles is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. Most form a long, partly volcanic island arc between the Greater Antilles to the north-west and the continent of South America. The islands form the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Together…
Where are the windward and Leeward Islands?
These often delivered them to the edge of the Caribbean Sea near Dominica and Martinique. The Windward Islands were named because they were more windward at this location than the Leeward Islands. The Windward and Leeward Islands are positioned on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Plate.
Is Dominica part of the Leeward Islands?
Leeward Islands. The more southerly part of this chain, starting with Dominica, is called the Windward Islands. Dominica was originally considered part of the Leeward Islands, but was transferred from the British Leeward Islands to the British Windward Islands in 1940.
Why is Guadeloupe called the Leeward Islands?
When the British gained control of many of the Lesser Antilles, they designated Antigua, Montserrat and the islands to the north as the "Leeward Islands". Guadeloupe and the islands to the south were designated as the "Windward Islands".
What is the geology of the Leeward Islands?
Leeward Islands. The Virgin Islands are part of a submerged mountain chain, like the other islands of the Greater Antilles. Areas of Antigua, Anguilla, Barbuda, and eastern Guadeloupe consist of formations of coral limestone, whereas the small chain from Saint Kitts to Montserrat forms a volcanic ridge; the volcano Soufrière on Guadeloupe is...
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Is Jamaica a windward island?
The Windward Islands comprise Barbados, Grenada, the Grenadines, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Tobago and Trinidad, which are among the larger of the Lesser Antilles islands. They are referred to as the Windward Islands due to their location on the path of Northeastern trade winds.
What islands are the Leeward Islands?
Redonda IslandSaint‑Bart... IslandSint EustatiusSabaPetite MartiniqueMayreauLeeward Islands/Islands
What country is the Leeward Islands?
Starting with the Virgin Islands east of Puerto Rico, they extend southeast to Guadeloupe and its dependencies. In English, the term Leeward Islands refers to the northern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain....Leeward Islands.English: Leeward Islands French: Îles-Sous-le-VentGeographyTotal islands30+16 more rows
What is the leeward side of the Caribbean?
In island terms, the “leeward side” is the side protected by the elevation of the island from prevailing winds whereas the “windward side” is the side subject to those same winds. Loosely these phrases correspond to “upwind” and “downwind” in sailing terms – a windward vessel should always give way to a leeward vessel.
Which are the Windward Islands in the Caribbean?
The Windward Islands are Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenadines and Grenada. Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are sometimes put in this group as they are more windward than other Caribbean islands and are located in close proximity to the established Windward Islands.
Why are the islands called the Leeward Islands?
Call 1.800.344.6118 The Leeward Islands earned their name because they lie in the lee of the wind: the prevailing trade winds are blowing towards them from the east north east. They are situated near the meeting point of the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the difference between Windward and Leeward islands?
An island's windward side faces the prevailing, or trade, winds, whereas the island's leeward side faces away from the wind, sheltered from prevailing winds by hills and mountains.
What are the four Windward Islands?
The Windward Islands are comprised of the four independent States of Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Dominica.
What is the opposite of leeward?
The direction in which the wind is currently blowing. Windward is the opposite of leeward (the opposite direction of the wind). Sailboats move with the wind, making the windward direction an important sailing term to know.
What is the largest windward island?
St LuciaOverview. The Windward Islands, in the West Indies, was made up of the British possessions of Grenada, St Vincent and St Lucia. Grenada, the smallest, is the southernmost island and St Lucia, the largest, is the northernmost island.
Is Barbados a leeward or windward island?
Similarly, Barbados (east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) is not physiographically part of the chain but is usually grouped with the Windward Islands. Dominica was formerly administered by the British government as part of the Leeward Islands, rather than the Windwards.
What best describes the leeward side?
The adjective leeward describes an area or side of a boat that's facing away from the wind. If you move to the leeward side of your sailboat, you're shifting to the sheltered, downwind side. You're likely to hear the word leeward when you're on a boat, since wind direction is hugely important when you're sailing.
Is the U.S. Virgin Islands part of the Leeward Islands?
The Leeward group includes: the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Saint Martin, Saint-Barthelemy, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda, Antiqua, Redonda, Montserrat and Guadeloupe.
What is the difference between Windward and Leeward islands?
An island's windward side faces the prevailing, or trade, winds, whereas the island's leeward side faces away from the wind, sheltered from prevailing winds by hills and mountains.
How many Windward Islands are there?
The Windward Islands are comprised of the four independent States of Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Dominica.
What is the largest windward island?
St LuciaOverview. The Windward Islands, in the West Indies, was made up of the British possessions of Grenada, St Vincent and St Lucia. Grenada, the smallest, is the southernmost island and St Lucia, the largest, is the northernmost island.
What was the first land in Jamaica?
His probable landing point was Dry Harbour, called Discovery Bay, and St. Ann's Bay was named "Saint Gloria" by Columbus, as the first sighting of the land. He later returned in 1503; however, he was shipwrecked and he and his crew were forced to live on Jamaica for a year while waiting to be rescued.
How big is Jamaica?
Jamaica lies about 145 kilometres (90 mi) south of Cuba, and 191 kilometres (119 mi) west of Hispaniola (the island containing the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic );
How many miles of roads are there in Jamaica?
The Jamaican road network consists of almost 21,000 kilometres (13,000 mi) of roads, of which over 15,000 kilometres (9,300 mi) is paved. The Jamaican Government has, since the late 1990s and in cooperation with private investors, embarked on a campaign of infrastructural improvement projects, one of which includes the creation of a system of freeways, the first such access-controlled roadways of their kind on the island, connecting the main population centres of the island. This project has so far seen the completion of 33 kilometres (21 mi) of freeway.
What is the political party of Jamaica?
The party with current administrative and legislative power is the Jamaica Labour Party, after its 2020 victory.
How long have people lived in Jamaica?
Humans have inhabited Jamaica from as early as 4000–1000 BC. Little is known of these early peoples. Another group, known as the "Redware people" after their pottery, arrived circa 600 AD, followed by the Taíno circa 800 AD, who most likely came from South America. They practised an agrarian and fishing economy, and at their height are thought to have numbered some 60,000 people, grouped into around 200 villages headed by caciques (chiefs). The south coast of Jamaica was the most populated, especially around the area now known as Old Harbour.
What is the name of the Caribbean island country?
Jamaica. For other uses, see Jamaica (disambiguation). / 17.97139°N 76.79306°W / 17.97139; -76.79306. Jamaica ( / dʒəˈmeɪkə / ( listen)) is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Spanning 10,990 square kilometres (4,240 sq mi) in area, it is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean ...
When did the Chinese come to Jamaica?
Workers recruited from India began arriving in 1845, Chinese workers in 1854. Many South Asian and Chinese descendants continue to reside in Jamaica today. Over the next 20 years, several epidemics of cholera, scarlet fever, and smallpox hit the island, killing almost 60,000 people (about 10 per day).
What is the climate like in Leeward Islands?
The climate of the Leeward Islands is drier than that farther south but does vary from region to region and in different parts of a single island; rainfall increases with elevation and in more southerly latitudes. Trade winds ameliorate the tropical heat. Hurricanes occur occasionally from June to October. West Indies.
What are the islands in the US?
The major islands are, from north to south, the United States Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands (both geologically a part of the Greater Antilles ); Anguilla; Saint Martin, an island that is partly French and partly Dutch; Saint-Barthélemy; Saba; Sint Eustatius; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Antigua and Barbuda; Montserrat; and Guadeloupe.
What colony was Anguilla in?
Learn More in these related Britannica articles: Anguilla: History of Anguilla. …administered as part of the Leeward Islands colony. The British did not encounter any Arawaks on the island, but in 1656 a raid by Indians from one of the neighbouring islands wiped out their settlement.
What are the Virgin Islands?
John's, Antigua and Barbuda. © Holger W./Shutterstock.com. The Virgin Islands are part of a submerged mountain chain, like the other islands of the Greater Antilles. Areas of Antigua, Anguilla, Barbuda, and eastern Guadeloupe consist of formations of coral limestone, whereas the small chain from Saint Kitts to Montserrat forms ...
How long is the West Indies?
West Indies. West Indies, crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles (3,200 km) long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north. From the peninsula of Florida on….
When was Dominica a separate colony?
In 1666 a French expedition attacked the…. …administered as part of the Leeward Islands, in 1771 Dominica was made a separate colony. It was rejoined administratively to the Leewards in 1883 and remained thus until 1940, when it was transferred to the Windward Islands as a separate colony.
Where is Jamaica?
Jamaica is a large island nation located in the west-central Caribbean in the Greater Antilles archipelago. It is positioned both in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth. Jamaica is situated to the south of Cuba; to the west of Hispaniola Islands (Haiti & the Dominican Republic) and to the northwest of Cayman Islands. It is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea.
How big is Jamaica?
Where is Jamaica? Covering an area of 10,991 sq. km (4,244 sq mi), Jamaica is the 3 rd largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba and Hispaniola.
What is the largest Caribbean island?
Covering an area of 10,990 sq. km, Jamaica is the 3 rd largest Caribbean island. It is also the 3 rd most populous country in America and the 4 th most populous Caribbean nation. Located on the south eastern part of the island is Kingston – the capital and the largest city of Jamaica. It is a major port and an important business center ...
How many rivers are there in Jamaica?
As for rivers, there are over 100 in Jamaica. However, most are small, unexplored and not navigable, many are mostly underground rivers and run through the limestone region. The Black River is the largest (widest) river at 73km long. The Rio Minho is the longest river in Jamaica. Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes.
What are the landforms of Jamaica?
Volcanic in origin, Jamaica can be divided into 3 landform regions: the eastern mountains, the central valleys and plateaus, and the coastal plains. The most elevated area is the Blue Mountains in eastern Jamaica. The highest point is Blue Mountain Peak at 7,402 ft (2,256m).
What are the mountains in Jamaica?
It has been marked on the map by a yellow triangle. Other mountain ranges of note include the John Crow, Dry Harbour and the Southern Manchester Plateau. The limestone plateau covers two-thirds of Jamaica, and there are caves, caverns, sinkholes and valleys and scattered about in large numbers.
Is Jamaica in Cuba?
Jamaica is situated to the south of Cuba; to the west of Hispaniola Islands (Haiti & the Dominican Republic) and to the northwest of Cayman Islands. It is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Regional Maps: Map of North America.
Where are the Leeward Islands?
The Leeward Islands are located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea and form the northeastern boundary between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. The Leeward group includes: the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Saint Martin, Saint-Barthelemy, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda, Antiqua, Redonda, ...
What is the geologic setting of the Windward and Leeward Islands?
Geologic Setting: The Windward and Leeward Islands are positioned on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Plate. This is an area of modern and historic volcanism. The islands are mainly volcanic with some coral contributions. They have a rich volcanic soil that supports a small agricultural economy.
What are the Windward Islands?
The Windward Islands are located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea and form the southeastern boundary between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. The Windward group includes the islands of Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. Some geographers include Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago in the Windward Islands.
How were Windward and Leeward named?
These often delivered them to the edge of the Caribbean Sea near Dominica and Martinique. The Windward Islands were named because they were more windward at this location than the Leeward Islands.
What are the Leeward Antilles?
The Leeward Antilles is a chain of islands in the southern Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela. They include Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Isla la Tortuga and Isla la Margarita.
What is the Caribbean map?
This is a political map of the Caribbean which shows the countries and islands of the Caribbean Sea along with capital cities and major cities. The map is a portion of a larger world map created by the Central Intelligence Agency using Robinson Projection. You can also view the full pan-and-zoom CIA World Map as a PDF document.
How many countries are there in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean Islands contain several of nearly 200 countries illustrated on our Blue Ocean Laminated Map of the World. This map shows a combination of political and physical features. It includes country boundaries, major cities, major mountains in shaded relief, ocean depth in blue color gradient, along with many other features.
Overview
History
Humans have inhabited Jamaica from as early as 4000–1000 BC. Little is known of these early peoples. Another group, known as the "Redware people" after their pottery, arrived circa 600 AD, followed by the Taíno circa 800 AD, who most likely came from South America. They practised an agrarian and fishing economy, and at their height are thought to have numbered some 60,000 peop…
Etymology
The indigenous people, the Taíno, called the island Xaymaca /ʃa͡iˈmaka/ in their language, meaning the "Land of Wood and Water" or the "Land of Springs". Yamaye has been suggested as an early Taíno name for the island as recorded by Christopher Columbus.
Colloquially, many present-day Jamaicans refer to their home island as the "Rock". Slang names such as "Jamrock", "Jamdown" ("Jamdung" in Jamaican Patois), or briefly "Ja", have derived fro…
Government and politics
Jamaica is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the Queen of Jamaica (currently Queen Elizabeth II), represented locally by the Governor-General of Jamaica. The governor-general is nominated by the Prime Minister of Jamaica and the entire Cabinet and then formally appointed by the monarch. All the members of the Cabinet are appointed by the governo…
Geography and environment
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. It lies between latitudes 17° and 19°N, and longitudes 76° and 79°W. Mountains dominate the interior: the Don Figuerero, Santa Cruz, and May Day mountains in the west, the Dry Harbour Mountains in the centre, and the John Crow Mountains and Blue Mountains in the east, the latter containing Blue Mountain Peak, Jamaica's tallest mountain at 2,…
Demographics
Jamaica's diverse ethnic roots are reflected in the national motto "Out of Many One People". Most of the population of 2,812,000 (July 2018 est.) are of African or partially African descent, with many being able to trace their origins to the West African countries of Ghana and Nigeria. Other major ancestral areas are Europe, South Asia, and East Asia. It is uncommon for Jamaicans to identify th…
Religion
Christianity is the largest religion practised in Jamaica. About 70% are Protestants; Roman Catholics are just 2% of the population. According to the 2001 census, the country's largest Protestant denominations are the Church of God (24%), Seventh-day Adventist Church (11%), Pentecostal (10%), Baptist (7%), Anglican (4%), United Church (2%), Methodist (2%), Moravian (1%) and Plymouth B…
Culture
Though a small nation, Jamaican culture has a strong global presence. The musical genres reggae, ska, mento, rocksteady, dub, and, more recently, dancehall and ragga all originated in the island's vibrant, popular recording industry. These have themselves gone on to influence numerous other genres, such as punk rock (through reggae and ska), dub poetry, New Wave, two-tone, lovers rock, reggaeton,