The Wonders of the Caribbean and Its Geography

Reading Check on 214 - What formed the islands of the West Indies?

Many of the West Indie islands are actually the tops of a mountain, which is part of an underwater chain of mountains that were formed by volcanoes. While others are limestone mountains that were pushed up from the bottom of the ocean by the pressures under the crust of the earth.

Reading Check on 215 - What is the major industry in the West Indies?

The major industry of the West Indies is tourism. The airlines and cruise ships make frequent stops at many of the islands, and many people will go their for vacations because it is often lovely weather.

Reading Check on 217 - Where was the first permanent European settlement in the West Indies?

The first permanent European settlement in the West Indies was in the Western Hemisphere and it was established in 1496. The settlement is now called Santo Domingo, and is the capital of the Dominican Republic.

2. Region- What three archipelagos make up the West Indies?

The three archipelagos that make up the West Indies are the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles. Each of these archipelagos are made up of many islands. For instance, the Greater Antilles include, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. Hispaniola has two territories on it, Haiti and The Dominican Republic. Then, the Lesser Antilles and the Bahamas both are made of many small islands.

3. History- Name four groups who have influenced the culture of the Caribbean region.

First, many people in the Caribbean are Roman Catholic and the music played here is mostly influenced by African music. Also, many speak with European language, and lastly, some of the Cuban Salsa music brought in spanish styles.

4. Government- How is Cuba different from every other country in the Western Hemisphere?

Cuba is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that has a government based on the ideas of communism. Where the government leaders have a strong control of the economy and society. It has survived the breakup of the Soviet Communism. Also, in some sense, it is the only original-brand Red nation that is still around.