The Regions of the Caribbean Islands and a Few Questions About It

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

Volcanoes formed the islands of the West Indies. They are a part of an underwater chain of volcanoes. Not all volcanoes in the West Indies are active. Some are active, some are dormant, and others are extinct. One active volcano in the West Indies is called Montserrat.

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

Tourism is the West Indies' major industry. The first hotel built in the West Indies was built in 1778. This would start the tourism industry in this region.

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

The first permanent settlement by Europeans was in what is now Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. This was settled on August 5th, 1498.

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

The Bahamas, 700 really small islands, the Greater Antilles, the larger islands of the West Indies including Cuba, Jamaica and other islands, and the Lesser Antilles, the smaller islands, make up the West Indies.

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

Native American, European, African and Asian cultures have influenced the culture of the Caribbean Region. Some specific groups of the Europeans that influenced the Caribbean Region are the French, Spanish, English and Dutch.

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

Cuba is different from the Western Hemisphere because it has a communist government, whereas the other countries are democratic. Cuba's current dictator is Raul Castro. Until around last year, Americans weren't allowed to travel to Cuba, legally. However, now, Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba, legally.

One island in the Caribbean Region is called Trinidad and Tobago. I did a seperate report on this country.