The Lesser Antilles is an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea that forms part of the Antilles chain. This island arc, which is a continuation of the Andean Mountain Range, extends from the Virgin Islands in the north to Trinidad in the south.
Geography
- The Lesser Antilles can be subdivided into three main groups:
- Leeward Islands - Including islands like Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and Dominica.
- Windward Islands - Comprising Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Barbados.
- Leeward Antilles - Including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Trinidad.
- The islands are mostly of volcanic origin, with some being coral in nature, and they form the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea.
History
- Pre-Columbian Era: The islands were originally inhabited by Arawak and Carib peoples.
- European Colonization: Christopher Columbus made contact with the islands during his second voyage in 1493. The subsequent years saw the colonization by various European powers:
- The British, French, Dutch, and Spanish established colonies, with the British and French having the most extensive control.
- There were numerous conflicts over territory, notably during the Napoleonic Wars.
- Independence and Modern Era: Most islands gained independence in the 20th century, although some remain as overseas territories or departments of European nations:
Culture
- The cultural heritage of the Lesser Antilles reflects a mix of African, European, Indigenous, and Asian influences due to historical colonization and the slave trade.
- Carnival is a significant cultural event, with each island having its own unique traditions.
- The islands are known for their music like Calypso, Soca, and Reggae, as well as their cuisine which includes dishes like Roti, Pelau, and Callaloo.
Economy
- The economy of the Lesser Antilles is predominantly based on:
- Tourism, which is the largest industry, attracting visitors with their beaches, natural beauty, and cultural attractions.
- Agriculture, with bananas, sugarcane, and spices being significant crops.
- Fishing, especially in the more remote islands.
- Offshore banking and financial services in some territories.
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