"As a world region, the Caribbean is more integrated into the global economy than most areas of the developing world, albeit as a dependent economic periphery... [V]iew it as the crossroads of the Americas." (Rowntree, et al., Chapter 5)
- This chapter provides the opportunity to compare and contrast two seemingly similar regions, Latin America and the Caribbean. By comparing and contrasting the two regions, it will become apparent why the textbook authors have chosen to separate them into different regions.
- The colonial history of the Caribbean involved near total elimination of native peoples, slavery of millions of Africans, extinction of indigenous plants and animals, and exploitation by Europeans (and later, by the United States). Yet it also witnessed slave revolts and independence movements as well as in-migration by South Asians and significant cultural, economic, and social development. While most inhabitants are poor and face serious environmental challenges, they work in more diversified economies than ever before, have greater access to education and are contributing in larger numbers to world culture.
- After studying this chapter, you should be able to identify the countries of the Caribbean, and locate specific physical features in the region. In addition, you should understand the following concepts and models:
- Environmental geography
- Haiti; Tropical forests and deforestation; The Caribbean Sea, islands, and rimland; Climate and vegetation; Hurricanes; Bioregions.
- Population and settlement
- Population densities and demographic trends; Emigration, including circular and chain migrations; Rural-urban continuum; Caribbean homes and cities.
- Cultural coherence and diversity
- Cultural imprint of colonialism; Plantation America; Asian immigration; Neo-Africa; Creolization and Caribbean identity; Music.
- Geopolitical framework
- Colonialism, neocolonialism, and independence; U.S. influence; Puerto Rico; Cuba; Regional integration.
- Economic and social development
- Agriculture; The "Banana Wars"; Assembly-plant industrialization; Offshore banking; Tourism; Education; Status of women; Labor-related migration.
