The Caribbean is home to a vast number of islands, many of which are independent nations and others that are dependent territories. They are generally grouped into three main categories: the Lucayan Archipelago, the Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles.
Here’s a list of some of the major islands and island nations/territories in the Caribbean:
Sovereign States (Independent Nations):
- Antigua and Barbuda: Consists of the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, and several smaller islets.
- The Bahamas: An archipelago of nearly 700 coral islands, with about 30 inhabited.
- Barbados: An island nation in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.
- Cuba: The largest island in the Caribbean.
- Dominica: A mountainous island known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean.”
- Dominican Republic: Shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
- Grenada: Known as the “Spice Isle,” comprising Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.
- Haiti: Shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.
- Jamaica: A large island in the Caribbean Sea.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: A two-island country.
- Saint Lucia: Known for its stunning mountain views and palm-lined beaches.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Includes the main island of Saint Vincent and a chain of smaller islands called the Grenadines.
- Trinidad and Tobago: A twin-island nation, with the major islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
Dependent Territories (and their administering countries):
- Anguilla (United Kingdom)
- Aruba (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- British Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
- Cayman Islands (United Kingdom)
- Curaçao (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Guadeloupe (France) – includes Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, La Désirade.
- Martinique (France)
- Montserrat (United Kingdom)
- Puerto Rico (United States) – includes the Spanish Virgin Islands.
- Saba (Caribbean Netherlands, Netherlands)
- Saint Barthélemy (France)
- Saint Martin (French part of the island) / Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island, Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Sint Eustatius (Caribbean Netherlands, Netherlands)
- Turks and Caicos Islands (United Kingdom)
- United States Virgin Islands (United States) – includes Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Water Island.
Other Islands often associated with the Caribbean due to strong ties:
Some mainland countries bordering the Caribbean Sea also have islands that are considered part of the Caribbean, or are culturally and politically strongly tied to the region:
- Belize (Central America) – includes islands like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker.
- Colombia (South America) – includes the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina.
- Honduras (Central America) – includes the Bay Islands (Islas de la Bahía).
- Mexico (North America) – includes islands like Cozumel, Isla Mujeres.
- Nicaragua (Central America) – includes the Corn Islands, Miskito Cays.
- Panama (Central America) – includes the San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro Archipelago.
- Venezuela (South America) – includes Margarita Island and the Federal Dependencies of Venezuela.
It’s important to note that the definition of “Caribbean islands” can sometimes vary, with some definitions including countries like Belize, Guyana, and Suriname due to their cultural and historical ties, even though they are located on the South and Central American mainlands.