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Blog#4

West Indies



Abstracts

    West Indies is a non-political union of Island countries and Territories, also denoted by the word “Caribbean Islands”, situated between North America in the North, Caribbean Sea in the South, Gulf of Mexico in the West and Atlantic Ocean in the East. The area holds the geopolitical, strategic and economic importance along with its significant role in making and development of today’s America. Although, the area of some Islands is very small, but their struggle and history are vast and rich.

 

Introduction

         Our country Bharatvarsh, also called India has remained a well-known and famous destination from ancient time in terms of Knowledge, Technology, Wealth and Business. In different frames of time, people from all over the world have been visited this place for different purposes like, to acquire knowledge, to do business etc. Though, the financial development of this country also attracted the invaders from Europe, Middle East, central Asia and other places which eventually, made her dependent for a long time.

            But as far as its name is concerned, the question arises, why Bharatvarsh is also called India? According to a theory; the civilization of this country is supposed to be an aftermath of the Sindhu Valley Civilization. In Greek Language the word “Sindhu” is pronounced as “Indus” hence they called this country; India. The closely attached regions (now of days, countries) with India, in whole, called the Indian subcontinent.

    In the year of 1492, a famous traveller Christopher Columbus stepped on the island of the Bahamas and called it India. He became the first European to record his first arrival to the island. After the first voyage of Christopher Columbus to the America, the European began to use the term West Indies, to distinguish the region from the Original Indies i.e. India and East Indies. East Indies or simply Indies, historic name of the countries and regions in and around the Indian ocean, termed by the Portuguese. Today’s Archipelagos of Malay, Philippines, Indonesia and New Guinea were the part of the then Indies.

         The archipelago of West Indies is a group of Independent and territorial Islands in between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. The region is known for its attractive beaches and vibrant culture. It has a rich history related to development of America and trans-Atlantic slave trade. People from Africa were brought as slaves to these islands. Gradually, a new ethnicity developed as a mixture of the Africans, Europeans and the local people. Each Island of West Indies has its own unique culture, tradition and landscapes which present a diverse tapestry of the Caribbean.

    Cricket was a famous sport in many British Territories during 1890s. In influence, a cricket board was set up for combined West Indies and named West Indies Cricket Board, after a short period of time, the West Indies Cricket Team started to play test matches. Gradually, these started playing ODI and then T20 matches too. They play all formats of cricket and are one of the most important team.          


 Some Facts about West Indies:

Area:                              2, 39,681 square kilometers

Population:                   44.2 million (in 2022) 

Religions:                     Majorly Christianity, minority as Hinduism (around 2-                                          3 %) and other folk religions

Identity:                        West Indies or Caribbean

Coastline:                     North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Countries:               13

Territories:              18


                            Map of West Indies


The Countries and the Territories within West Indies are:

Important Countries: 



                        Flags of the Countries


    1.   Dominica

    Dominica is a mountainous island nation in the Caribbean. This island has boiling lakes, hot springs and tropical rain forests along with a beautiful sea shore.

    It has secular democracy parliamentary system with Commonwealth of Nations. The country is good for low cost living. The economy is based on agriculture, services, tourism and manufacturing. Around 61.4 % of population is Roman Catholic; however, some Protestant population also live there.

    Dominica was in capture of the United Kingdom until 1978. On 3rd November 1978, Britain granted freedom and hence she attained independence. 

Some facts:

Capital:                             Roseau                     

Area:                                 0.7 thousand square kilometers         

Population:                       72,412 (2021)

Currency:                         E. Caribbean Dollar         

GDP:                                 554.2 million USD (2021)

Per Capita Income:         11,990 PPP USD (2021)

Language:                        English          

Nationality:                      Dominican(s)

Independence Day:          3rd November

 


    2.   Saint Lucia

    Saint Lucia is a small developing island state in the Caribbean. Saint Lucia was named after a woman Saint Lucy of Syracuse. The country follows a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy form of government.

    The economy of the country is mostly based on services, which alone contributes around 86.9 % of the total GDP of Saint Lucia. The other occupations practiced by the people are industrial and agricultural practices which contributes about 10.9 and 2.2 % respectively. Even tourism is also the largest contributor of Saint Lucia’s economy.

   The main tourist attracting places in the country are the scenery of beaches with numerous resorts such as Sulphur Springs, Botanical Gardens, Pigeon Islands and Pitons. The country mostly experiences tropical weather.

              Saint Lucia was in capture of the United Kingdom until 1979. On 22nd February 1979, she became independent from the British rule. 

           Some facts:

Capital:                             Castries

Area:                                 0.6 thousand square kilometers         

Population:                       180 thousand (2021)

Currency:                         E. Caribbean Dollar

GDP:                                 1.69 billion USD (2021)

Per Capita Income:         13,810 PPP USD (2021)

Language:                         English

Nationality:                       Saint Lucians(s)

Independence :                   22 February, 1979

                                                              

     

3.   Dominican Republic

    Dominican Republic is an island in the Caribbean with 66.7 % of its total population as Christians, and 29.6 % of population with no religion. The economy of this country is based on services (such as telecommunications and finance) and manufacturing. Tourism is a main factor of contribution towards its economy.    

    Dominican Republic was in capture of Spain until 1844. On 27th February 1844, Spain granted freedom to Dominican Republic and hence she attained independence. 

Some facts:

Capital:                             Santo Domingo      

Area:                                 48.7 thousand square kilometers         

Population:                       11.1 million (2021)

Currency:                         Dominican Peso

GDP:                                 94.24 billion USD (2021)

Per Capita Income:         19,440 PPP USD (2021)

Language:                        Spanish

          Nationality:                      Dominican(s)

          Independence Day:          27th February 1844

 


    4.   Barbados

            Barbados is an island on the west side of the Caribbean and is flat and receives high rainfall in comparison to the other islands. This country has 75.6% of the population as Christians, 1.1% of population as Hinduism and 0.7% population follows other minor religions. The economy is mainly based on agriculture notably Sugarcane. 

             Barbados was in capture of the United Kingdom until 1966. On 30th November 1966, they got freedom. 

          Some facts:

Capital:                             Bridgetown

Area:                                 0.4 thousand square kilometers         

Population:                       281 thousand (2021)

Currency:                         Barbadian Dollar

GDP:                                 4.84 billion USD (2021)

Per Capita Income:         14,810 PPP USD (2021)

Language:                        English

        Nationality:                        Barbadian(s) or Bajan

        Independence Day:           30th November 1966

 


    5.   Antigua and Barbuda

    Antigua and Barbuda is an island in the South-East Caribbean with high mountains. The population is 92.7% Christians, 3.6% Rastafarian and others contribute about 0.7%.

               There is a mountain in the South- West called Boggy Peak, which has height of 1,319 feet above sea level. Hurricanes are very fluent to this place, and hit the country at least once a year. The economy of this island is mostly handled by tourism alone due to its one spot vacation place and also has a huge and extensive collection of five-star resorts, but the poverty faced by the poor people is a huge challenge.

    Antigua and Barbuda was in capture of the United Kingdom until 1981. On 1st November 1981, United Kingdom granted freedom to Antigua and Barbuda.

Some facts:

Head of state:                King Charles III

Capital:                          Saint John’s

Area:                              0.4 thousand square kilometers         

Population:                    93,219 (2021)

Currency:                      E. Caribbean Dollar

GDP:                              1.47 billion USD (2021)

Per Capita Income:      20,770 PPP USD (2021)

Language:                     English

Nationality:                   Antiguan(s), Barbadian(s)

Independence Day:      1st November 1981

 

 

    6.   Bahamas

                Bahamas is one of the richest countries in the Caribbean (when its GDP is compared with the GDP of other islands). Bahamas has 93% of Christians, 4.5% of population with no religion and 0.6% population who follow other minor religions.

                    Economy of the country is very strong with a huge GDP. Tourism has a very big role in it; in fact, around 70% of the economy is alone handled by its income in tourism. The government issues various taxes on the public, but except income tax. Manufacturing and agricultural practices contribute about 5-7% in their economy.

            Agriculture is a major practice followed here, but small-scale production is done here too. Around 80% of food is imported for consumption. Some crops which are grown here are onions, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits, cucumbers, sugar cane, lemons, limes and sweet potatoes.

                   Bahamas was in capture of the United Kingdom until 1973. On 10th July 1973, is the Independence Day of Bahamas.

          Some facts:

Capital:                             Nassau

Area:                                 13.9 thousand square kilometers         

Population:                       408,000 (2021)

Currency:                         Bahamian Dollar

GDP:                                 11.21 billion USD (2021)

Per Capita Income:         31,010 PPP USD (2021)

Language:                        English

          Nationality:                      Bahamian(s)

          Independence Day:         10th July 1973

 

6. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:

    Saint Vincent and Grenadines is a country in the Caribbean with a Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarch form of government under the leadership of King Charles III. The population comprises of 88.6% Christians, 3.4% Hindus and 0.6% people who follow other religions.

    The economy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is basically based on agriculture, especially of banana, which is the most important sector over there. Other sectors in economy rest on its tourism, Transportation and Communications.

Some facts:

Capital:                             Kingstown

Area:                                 0.4 thousand square kilometers

Population:                      104,000 (2021)

Currency:                         E. Caribbean Dollar

GDP:                                 904.2 million USD (2021)

Language:                         English

Nationality:                      Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

Independence Day:          27th October 1979

 


    7.   Jamaica

    Jamaica is a country in the Caribbean which is famous for its mixed economy which has public as well as private sector enterprises in the economy. The population has almost 58.9% Christianity, 23.2% with no religion and 0.3% following other minor religion.   

    Jamaica was in capture of the United Kingdom and got freedom on 6th August 1962. 

Some facts:

Capital:                             Kingston       

Area:                                 11.0 thousand square kilometers         

Population:                       2.83 million (2021)

Currency:                         Jamaican Dollar

GDP:                                 14.66 billion USD (2021)

Per Capita Income:         10,240 PPP USD (2021)

Language:                        English

Nationality:                      Jamaican Dollar

Independence Day:          6th August 1962

 


    8.   Trinidad and Tobago

              Trinidad and Tobago is a country, rich in culture. The population holds around 63.2% of Christians, 20.4% Hindus and5.6 % Islam. The country is Republic with two party systems, bicameral parliamentary system based on Westminster System.  

   Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most developed and wealthiest country in the Caribbean. The country is full of diverse cultures. There is a ‘Divali Nagar’ in the country, which is an entrance in Changuanas and famous for its one of the biggest Diwali celebrations after Bharat; and for its annually celebrated festivals, which include almost every festival celebrated in Bharat.    

              Some facts:

    Capital:                             Port of Spain

    Area:                                 5.1 thousand square kilometers

    Population:                      1.53 million (2021)

    Currency:                        Trinidad and Tobago Dollar

    GDP:                                24.46 billion USD (2021)

    Per Capita Income:         25,210 PPP USD

    Language:                        English

    Nationality:                      Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

    Independence Day:         31st August 1962 

 


  10. Saint Kitts and Nevis

    Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island in the Caribbean with its population majorly of Christians (94.6%) and minority as Hinduism and other religions (2.5% and 1.3% respectively). The government has a Sovereign, Democratic and Federal form of state. The economy rests on tourism, agriculture and light manufacturing industries.   

Some facts:

    Capital:                             Basseterre

    Area:                                  0.3 thousand square kilometers

    Population:                       47,606 (2021)

    Currency:                         E. Caribbean Dollar

    GDP:                                 860.8 million USD (2021)

    Per Capita Income:         28,420 PPP USD

    Language:                        English

    Nationality:                      Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)

    Independence Day:         10th February 1976  

 


11. Grenada

Grenada is a country in the Caribbean which shares a common national bank and also the currency (East Caribbean Dollar) with seven countries of the Organization of East Caribbean States (OECS), Member countries of OECS are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The population comprises of 96.6% of Christians, 1.3% Hindus and0.4 % other religions. The economy of the country is mainly tourism, which is a major foreign exchange factor.

Some facts:

    Capital:                             Saint George’s

    Area:                                   0.3 thousand square kilometers

    Population:                        125,000 (2021)

    Currency:                           E. Caribbean Dollar

    GDP:                                   1,12 billion USD (2021)

    Per Capita Income:           14,150 PPP USD

    Language:                          English

    Nationality:                        Grenadian(s)

    Independence Day:           7th February 1974 

 

    12. Cuba

  Cuba is an island in the Caribbean, where North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea meet. which has a unitary one-party socialist republic form of government. The population includes 58.9% Christian   people and 23.2 % people with no religion. The economy is a mixed one with both public and private sectors in it. Recently, the employment had a growth in the private sector. Till 1960, Cuba was called the bawl of Sugar as it was the biggest exporter of Sugar of the world. 

Some facts:

Capital:                                Havana                     

Area:                                    110.86 thousand square kilometers

Population:                          11.3 million (2021)

Currency:                             Cuban Peso

GDP:                                    107.35 billion USD (2021)

Language:                            Spanish

Nationality:                          Cuban(s)

Independence Day:              20th May 1902

  

    13. Haiti

    Haiti is an island country in the Caribbean which has unitary semi-   presidential republic form of government. The population has 87% Christianity and 10.7 % no religion. The economy has some industries related to tourism and some related to cloth industries. 

Some facts:

Capital:                                Port-au-Prince       

Area:                                    27,750 square kilometers

Population:                          11.4 million (2021)

Currency:                            Gourde

GDP:                                    2,0.94 billion USD (2021)

Language:                            French

Nationality:                          Haitian

Independence Day:             1st January 1804

 

Important Territories:

     1.     Puerto Rico

                Territory:                    United States     

Area:                            13,791 square kilometers

Population:                  3.26 Million

Currency:                    United States Dollar

Language:                   Spanish

 

2. Anguilla

         Territory:                     United Kingdom     

Area:                            102 square kilometers

Population:                 15,753 (2021)

Currency:                    E. Caribbean Dollar

Language:                   English

 

    3.     Aruba       

           Territory:                    Netherlands     

Area:                            0.2 thousand square kilometers

Population:                  1.07 lakhs (2021)

Currency:                    Aruban Florin

Language:                   Dutch

 

4. British Virgin Islands

           Territory:                    United Kingdom     

 Area:                           153 square kilometers                       

Population:                  31,122 (2021)       

Currency:                    United States Dollar

Language:                   English                  

                                           

5. Cayman Islands  

           Territory:                     United Kingdom     

 Area:                             264 square kilometers           

Population:                   68,136 (2021)

Currency:                     Cayman Islands Dollar

Language:                     English

                                           

6. Guadeloupe           

          Territory:                    France     

Area:                           1,628 square kilometers

Population:                 3, 75,693 (2021)

Currency:                   Euro

Language:                  French

                                           

7. Montserrat:

          Territory:                    United Kingdom     

Area:                           102 square kilometers

Population:                 4,981 (2021)

Currency:                   E. Caribbean Dollar

Language:                  English

                                           

      8.    Turks and Caicos Islands:

                Territory:                    United States     

Area:                            948 square kilometers

Population:                  45,114 (2021)

Currency:                    United States Dollar

Language:                   English

 

      9. US Virgin Islands:

               Territory:                    United States     

Area:                            364.4 square kilometers

Population:                  1.06 lakhs (2021)       

Currency:                    United States Dollar

Language:                   English

 

10.     Bonaire Island:

                       Territory:                           Netherlands

   Area:                                  288 square kilometers

  Population:                         21,745 (2021)

  Currency:                           United States Dollar

            Language:                           Dutch

            

              11.   Curacao Island:

                     Territory:                             Netherlands

 Area:                                    444 square kilometers

 Population:                         1,90,338 (2021)

 Currency:                            Antillean Guilder

           Language:                            Papiamentu

               

               12. Haiti Navassa islands:

Territory:                             United States

Area:                                      5.4 square kilometers

Population:                          Uninhabited

Currency:                            ---

          Language:                           ---


              13. Martinique Island:

Territory:                            France

Area:                                   1,128 square kilometers

Population:                         3,61,225 (2021)

Currency:                            Euro

          Language:                           French


              14. Saba Island:

Territory:                             Netherlands

Area:                                    13 square kilometers

Population:                          1,911 (2021)

Currency:                             United States Dollar

          Language:                             Dutch


             15. Saint Barthelemy Island:

Territory:                             France

Area:                                    21 square kilometers

Population:                          10,861 (2021)

Currency:                            Euro

          Language:                            French

    

              16. Saint Martin Island:

Territory:                             France                     

Area:                                      88.06 square kilometers

Population:                          31,948

Currency:                              Euro

           Language:                            Dutch


              17. Sint Eustatius Island

Territory:                             Netherlands

Area:                                      21 square kilometers

Population:                          3,142 (2021)

Currency:                              United States Dollar

           Language:                            English


              18. Saint Maarten Island:

Territory:                             Netherlands

Area:                                    34 square kilometers

Population:                          42,446 (2021)

Currency:                            Euro

          Language:                            Dutch

  

 Conclusion

        West Indies is a combined Caribbean archipelago, spread in a vast area in the north Atlantic Ocean making a bow like shape of Islands between north America and South America, in the eastern side, called Caribbean Islands. These Islands have played a crucial role in development and strategies due to its important location, beautiful and rich seashores.   

 

 

 

 

Sources of Data:

Wikipedia

World Bank websites

Britannica Scholar

Other course materials

Static Times websites

Google and other websites

Orient Blackswan School Atlas

 



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