How Many Countries & Territories Are There in Caribbean Today?

Sally Polly April 18, 2023 | 08:08

Do you know how many countries are there in Caribbean? And what are they? Keep reading the article below to find out.

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What are Caribbean countries?

A region of the Americas known as the Caribbean includes the Caribbean Sea, its surrounding coasts, and its islands, some of which are located within the Caribbean Sea and others of which are located on the edge of the Caribbean Sea where it meets the North Atlantic Ocean. The area is east of Central America, south of South America, and southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland.

More than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays can be found in the area, which is mostly on the Caribbean Plate (see the list of Caribbean islands). The Greater Antilles to the north, the Lesser Antilles to the south, and the Leeward Antilles to the east and north define the eastern and northern boundaries of the Caribbean Sea. These island arcs, along with the nearby Lucayan Archipelago, comprise the West Indies. Despite not being in the Caribbean Sea or on its border, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are sometimes regarded as belonging to the region.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are an associate member of the Caribbean Community, whereas the Bahamas is a full member state. Despite being on the mainland, Belize, Guyana, and Suriname are also included in the Caribbean and are full members of both the Caribbean Community and the Association of Caribbean States.

Due to their political and cultural ties to the Caribbean, several regions of mainland South and Central America are frequently regarded as belonging to the region. Belize, the Caribbean region of Colombia, the Caribbean of Venezuela, Quintana Roo in Mexico (which includes Cozumel and the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula), and The Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, the Guyana Region of Venezuela, and Amapá in Brazil) are a few of these.

Definition

Photo: Belliley Travel

The term "Caribbean" has several meanings. Political and geographic factors are the two main ones. The Caribbean can also be widened to include areas with a long history of colonization by European powers, slavery, and the plantation system in Africa.

The Caribbean is portrayed as a separate region within the Americas in the United Nations geoscheme.

Geographically, the Caribbean is primarily an island chain that encircles the Caribbean Sea. The Gulf of Mexico, the Straits of Florida, and the Northern Atlantic Ocean, which is to the east and northeast, all encircle the area to the north. The South American continent's coastline is to the south.

Consideration of both more specific and more general socioeconomic groupings may help to center the "Caribbean" politically:

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which is at the center of it, is composed of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in the Atlantic, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Suriname, and Belize in Central America. Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Atlantic Ocean are associate members.

The Association of Caribbean States (ACS), which includes nearly all of the countries in the area surrounding the Caribbean as well as El Salvador on the Pacific Ocean, is the largest. The ACS estimates that there are 227 million people living in its member states as a whole.

Where Is The Caribbean?

To have an answer to your question "Where is the Caribbean?", keep reading the article below.

What are the Caribbean Countries

Photo: Travel Weekly

Considering that they are all separate from any mainland, the Caribbean nations are all islands. There are thirteen Caribbean nations in total, if you count each and every member state individually. Only independent territories designated as separate countries are included in this total. The Caribbean is made up of more than 7,000 distinct islands, according to a calculation that includes all the regions that are not nations in and of themselves.

You can think of the Caribbean as having three distinct regions to make the vast number of islands sound far less intimidating. The insanely large number of islands can be reduced to a more manageable concept by using the terms Greater Antilles, Lucayan Archipelago, and Lesser Antilles.

1. Anguilla

Almost everything you'd want from a paradise island, a great place to start! This island, which is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, is relatively small and is surrounded by a number of even smaller islets.

Families and couples will enjoy it because it is hospitable and warm. It combines upscale luxury with more casual, budget-friendly lodging.

2. Antigua and Barbuda

Made up of two main islands, as its name would suggest, plus a handful of smaller islands too. These islands are green, known for their rainforests and reef-lined beaches – great for diving!

3. Aruba

This tiny Caribbean island, which was formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles but is now viewed independently as a country, is actually Dutch (it is an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands). Due to its idyllic location, it is a favorite among American tourists and honeymooners.

This island, which is off the coast of Venezuela, is renowned for having "blonde" sand rather than the white that many islands are known for.

4. The Bahamas

This "paradise island" is actually an archipelago of coral islands, and it may be one of the Caribbean islands that Brits are most familiar with. The islands haven't changed since Christopher Columbus first set foot on them in 1492 while he was voyaging through the area. Excellent for travelers who want to experience a tranquil paradise while also learning about it.

5. Barbados

Barbados, another of the more well-known Caribbean islands, offers beaches and resorts for every price range. diving, water sports, and the unique to the Caribbean nightlife, which is lively but laid-back and frequently fueled by rum!

6. British Virgin Islands

These islands, which include four main islands and numerous smaller ones, are technically British overseas territory, but we assure you that the beaches here are nothing like those in the UK!

Because there are so many tiny islands to visit and there are consistent trade winds, sailors especially adore these islands.

7. Cayman Islands

Three islands make up this additional British territory; Grand Cayman, the largest, is well-known for its beaches and outstanding diving. The second-largest island, Brac, is renowned for its excellent deep-sea fishing, while the smallest island, Little Cayman, is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The warm waters that lap white sand beaches and the frequent sightings of manta rays, whales, and dolphins make these islands appear anything but British.

8. Cuba

Some people may not be aware that Cuba is a Caribbean island because they may associate it with South America and its vibrant Hispanic/Latino capital city, Havana, with South American culture.

But it also has the idyllic beaches you would expect from the Caribbean, making it a fantastic island to visit for those who enjoy a bit of both.

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9. Dominica

This island, which should not be confused with the Dominican Republic, is mountainous (actually volcanic) and has a lot of geothermal spas. Visitors have a wide variety of options for hot spa relaxation, including visiting the bubbling lake. The island is bordered by sandy beaches and covered in rainforest; in a place like this, we wouldn't be surprised to see Robinson Crusoe living in a tropical tree house.

Photo: Getty Images

10. Dominican Republic

A Caribbean nation, the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It is known for its pristine beaches and top-class, all-inclusive resorts, which is why UK holiday makers love it so much.

The island is also known for its quality golf courses – drawing golfers from all over Europe.

11. Grenada

Grenada, also referred to as the "spice isle," is made up of one main island and six smaller ones. This island is wealthy and fertile, producing an abundance of fruits and spices; upon arrival, you can almost smell the nutmeg.

It is a charming island that has Georgian buildings that look out onto a picturesque harbor and is reminiscent of some parts of Italy.

12. Guadeloupe

The two main islands of this French colony, which is located in the southern Caribbean, resemble a butterfly from above. It is so popular that it is called "the butterfly" in French.

Locals describe this island as being "decidedly French yet undeniably Caribbean" of the five islands because it still retains a significant amount of its French identity.

These islands are another illustration of a varied landscape because they quickly transition from tropical rainforests to white sand beaches.

13. Haiti

Haiti has the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, while the Dominican Republic has the western half.

Since the 2010 earthquake, from which this Caribbean nation is still recovering in many ways, many people will have only heard of it in passing. For the benefit of tourists, many of the island's stunning 19th-century structures have survived.

Travel restrictions that were in place at the time have been lifted, and we wonder if this adorable Caribbean island will recover from its devastation. With its incredibly rich culture and breathtaking beaches, we are certain that it deserves to!

14. Jamaica

The reggae lifestyle may come to mind for many tourists because Bob Marley made his home in Kingston, the island's capital, but there is so much more to this island than just that.

There are amazing beaches and all-inclusive resorts on the island, but there is much more to it than that. Beautiful waterfalls and remote swimming lakes are tucked away in the island's rainforests. Jamaica is a stunning location that occasionally receives a bad rap.

15. Martinique

This rough island, another French territory, has an intriguing fusion of French and West Indian culture. Because of its abundant, lush, tropical vegetation and vibrant colors, this island is known as the island of flowers. However, they are not the only colorful items on the island; its coastlines are also dotted with vividly colored houses, which really adds to its beauty.

There is so much to do on this island that it's great for outdoor-loving, active tourists as well. It's a walking paradise.

16. Montserrat

This volcanic island, another one of the British Territories, stands out from the others because its northern region has black sand beaches. What a surprise for a Caribbean island, huh?

The north of the island is also lined with rocky caverns and coral reefs, making it both picturesque above the water and abundant in marine life below.

17. Netherlands Antilles

Formerly a member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch influences are very apparent, especially in the island of Curaçao's architecture.

Whether this group of islands consists of three islands or five, including Aruba and St. Martin, which we have covered separately in this article, is up for debate.

There is no doubt that every island in the Caribbean has the kind of beaches that have made the region famous, including Curaçao, which has 38 secluded coves and an incredible 38 miles of beaches!

18. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean, but it is also an unincorporated territory of the USA. The most famous pirate and smuggler was El Pirata Cofres, who was born into a wealthy Puerto Rican family in the 18th century but switched from being a fisherman to a pirate because it was more lucrative. If the endless beaches on this island could talk, they would undoubtedly tell you stories of pirates and smugglers.

Visitors to the island today will find a lovely fusion of Spanish and American influences as well as the kind of tropical beaches that are ideal for both sun worshipers and surfers.

19. Saint Barthelemy

This French-speaking island, also known as St. Barts, is upscale and full of opulent resorts and high-end stores, but it also has beautiful beaches like all islands do.

Despite being only eight square miles in size, you will find charming locals (descended from the original French settlers) as well as a sizable iguana population in addition to the designer yachts, opulent hotels, and celebrities!

20. Saint Kitts & Nevis

A dual island nation, these islands sit in between the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. Once the land of sugar plantations they are now geared towards tourism. Offering picture-perfect inns and boutique hotels, set to a backdrop of stunning beaches and mountains that reach the clouds!

21. Saint Lucia

Another of the more well-known Caribbean islands – its tourist board touts this as the place to come for romance, rejuvenation and adventure.

It is yet another example of an outstanding island with beaches galore, palm-lined with stunning views of mountains, are its specialty – along with world-class accommodation and spas!

22. St Martin

This island is unique because, like Hispaniola, it is made up of two distinct nations. The northern French side, also known as Saint Martin, and the southern Dutch side, also known as Sint Maarten, are divided in half.

The island is a popular stop off of many Caribbean cruises because of the gorgeous beaches, and both sides have a vibrant beach culture.

Additionally, it has a thriving nightlife and numerous designer stores that are well-known among Brits for selling duty-free liquor and expensive jewelry.

23. Saint Vincent

This collection of islands, officially known as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is located in the southern Caribbean Sea. The best thing about these islands is that they are comparatively unknown to tourists. Its main island, St. Vincent, is perhaps best known for its harbor filled with opulent yachts.

Traveling to St. Vincents, which is primarily frequented by residents of other Caribbean islands, will allow you to experience real island life. These idyllic, remote islands are ideal for honeymooners because they have... beautiful beaches, of course!

24. Trinidad & Tobago

Another island with two distinct nations, both of which have very strong Creole influences, particularly in the cuisine, thanks to the Spanish and Portuguese settlers. But this is the extent of their similarities.

While Tobago is perhaps most like how you'd imagine a Caribbean island to be—filled with white sandy beaches—Trinidad has abundant mangroves and waterfalls.

The most intriguing thing about these two countries is how little the tourism industry has impacted them, making them ideal for independent travelers who prefer to handle things on their own.

25. Turks & Caicos Islands

Another example of paradise is the roughly forty coral islands, which are a British territory that few people are aware of.

This island is perfect for those looking for a tranquil yet sophisticated retreat because of its reputation for luxury hotels, bars, and restaurants. Tourists must visit the islands because they provide first-rate hospitality and renowned diving.

26. US Virgin Islands

Territory of the US – as the name suggested, these islands are picturesque and perhaps the perfect example of how we all think of Caribbean islands.

Life is relaxed and lived on the beach – with rum and West-Indian food in abundance.

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