Famous for its palm fringed beaches, carefree living and warm sunny climate, the Caribbean Region is a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing, fun filled holiday. An area which covers over 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays, the Caribbean offers fabulous turquoise waters which are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving, wind-surfing and sailing, and romantic islands with glorious beaches and small towns which are ready to explore. The history of the region has created a rich and diverse cosmopolitan culture that is pretty much unique to each island, and which has been influenced by the nationalities that settled here and left behind old customs, language and architecture reminiscent of their homelands. Today these elements have developed into a Caribbean cultural identity, shaped by the European colonists, the African heritage of the slaves and the enduring legacies of the original native Indian tribes. Known for their blend of laid back charm, easy living and modern convenience, the islands offer a tropical landscape filled with dazzling beaches, old harbours and sheltered coves, which was once a haven for traders, smugglers and pirates. Found by Christopher Columbus during the 15th century, these sun-drenched, beautiful islands have grown from the days of slavery to become the popular and busy holiday destination we know today and one of the ‘New Worlds’ major tourist attractions.
The Caribbean Region lies to the east of Central America and is comprised of the Caribbean Sea and its islands. The eastern boundary is marked by an arc of islands formed by three main island chains, being the small islands of the Bahamas which are located in the Atlantic Ocean, the large islands of the Greater Antilles which include the islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and Puerto Rico, and the small islands of the Lesser Antilles which are located in the southern area of the Caribbean Sea and continue along the coast of South America. These cosmopolitan islands are comprised of over 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays and are organised into 28 territories including sovereign states, overseas departments and dependencies.
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