Location and definition of the Caribbean

Question 1

What is the geographical definition of the Caribbean?

Answer 1

The Caribbean is defined as the area that includes the islands and mainland territories bordering the Caribbean sea. Includes the Greater and lesser Antilles, and countries like Belize, Guyana, Suriname and parts of the parts of the Central America

Question 2

major limitation of the geographical definition of the Caribbean

Answer 2

it excludes countries that are culturally and historically Caribbean but not physically located near the Caribbean Sea such as the Bahamas and Bermuda Panama, Columbia, Venezuela etc

Question 3

what is the geological definition of the Caribbean

Answer 3

Geologically, the Caribbean is the area that lies on the Caribbean tectonic plate, which includes part of Central America, thee Antillean islands and some northern and South American coastline regions

Question 4

limitations of the geological definition

Answer 4

1. The geological boundary determines the Caribbean to extend only as far as the western of pacific coastline of Central America.
2. The northern edge of the plate id determined by the line of the Greater Antilles, which leaves Belize, Cuba, The Bahamas as outside of the region.
3. in the south, the line of the plate runs through Trinidad, northern Venezuela and Colombia, causing Guyana to be classified as extra regional.

Question 5

what is the historical definition of the Caribbean

Answer 5

Historically, the Caribbean includes territories that experienced European colonization, African slavery, indentureship and the plantation system

Question 6

who were the four leading powers?

Answer 6

Spain, Holland, France and Britain

Question 7

what is the political definition of the Caribbean

Answer 7

The Caribbean definition is defined by political groupings or affiliations such as membership in organizations like CARICOM, OECS or ACS.

Question 8

name the three type of political systems

Answer 8

1. independent states- previously under colonial control but are now self governed e.g Trinidad and Tobago
2. Associated states- former British colonies in the Eastern Caribbean Their defence and external affairs were handled y Britain, while they maintained control over their own constitution. e.g The Bahamas, Grenada etc
3. Colonial dependencies- countries that are not independent and enjoy the rights and privileges of the country that governs them. e,g Monsterrat, Anguilla, Cayman Islands etc.

Question 9

what is the diasporic definition of the Caribbean

Answer 9

This definition extends the Caribbean identity to Caribbean- descended communities living outside the region, particularly in North America, Europe and Latin America

Question 10

why is the diaspora important to Caribbean identity

Answer 10

• help to preserve and evolve Caribbean culture
  -influence Caribbean politics
  -Contribute remittances
• shape how the region is viewed globally