Geographical location played a major factor in establishing what was officially considered part of the Caribbean. Historic, political, and social cultures also played a part. There are a few countries, or areas within countries, that are culturally connected to the Caribbean.
The Caribbean was originally inhabited by indigenous people, who migrated through the islands from Central and South America. While not every island's or country's indigenous name is known, you can learn most of them here. After the arrival of the Europeans, the indigenous people were either enslaved, killed, or died from diseases they were exposed to by European settlers.
Each country has its own history but there is also a common history of the destruction or removal of the native people, the colonization by European countries, the introduction of enslaved West Africans to the region via the Transatlantic Slave Trade; the establishment of slavery-based economies, the revolts or anti-slavery movements that eventually emancipated the enslaved populations, the indentured servants from East India and Asia, the stirring and mixing of African, European, Indigenous, East Indian, and Asian cultures that formed new cultures.
The infusion of musical traditions, culinary arts, climate, and heritage produced unique customs that bring the Caribbean community together. Despite different languages, dialects, or creoles spoken throughout the countries, there is a unifying value shared: an appreciation of and pride in who they are.
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Belize's Barrier Reef Reserve System is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a title bestowed on a location of cultural or architectural significance. Belize is also part of CARICOM, an organization of fifteen Caribbean countries and five Associated States that promote common goals, policies, and union. The black orchid is the national flower.
Language(s): English, Spanish, Belizean creole
Capital: Belmopan
National Anthem: "Land of the Free", written Samuel Alfred Haynes in 1929. Composed by Selwyn Walford Young in 1930.
Agriculture/Economy: Tourism and agriculture
Currency: 1 Belize Dollar (BD) = $0.50 USD
National Dish: Rice and Beans, usually served with meat or fish, potato salad, and fried plaintains.
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Kourou, French Guiana (pronounced Ghe-ann-uh) houses Spaceport, the Guiana Space Center, an offshoot of NASA due to its equatorial location. It has been in use since 1968. French Guiana's capital is named after the pepper.
Language(s): French, Guianese creole, indigenous languages
Capital: Cayenne
National Anthem: As a French overseas territory, "La Marseillaise,” is the national anthem of France. French Guiana does not have a local anthem or song.
Agriculture/Economy: Fishing, forestry, Kourou Space Center employment
Currency: 1 Euro (EUR) = $1.08 USD
National Dish: Bouillon d'Awara (Awara broth), a creole stew made of meats and vegetables
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Guyana is the only South American country, where English is the official language. E.R. Braithwaite, author of semi-autobiographical book, "To Sir, with Love" was born in Georgetown. The subsequent film based on the book, starred Bahamian actor, Sidney Poitier. Guyana has a very dense forest, inaccessible to humans. Guyana is part of CARICOM, an organization of fifteen Caribbean countries and five Associated States that promote common goals, policies, and union.
Language(s): English, Guyanese creole, indigenous languages, Indian languages, Chinese
Capital: Georgetown
National Anthem: "Green Land of Guyana," composed by Robert Cyril Gladstone Potter, lyrics by Archibald Leonard Luker. Adopted in 1966.
Agriculture/Economy: Sugar cane, rice, milk, farming
Currency: 1 Guyanese Dollar (GYD) - $0.0048 USD
National Dish: Pepper Pot, a stew of braised meat, peppers, and spices.
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Suriname's capital, the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, Central Suriname Nature Reserve, and Jodensavanne Settlement and Cassipora Creek Cemetery are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. a title bestowed on a location of cultural or architectural significance. Suriname is also part of CARICOM, an organization of fifteen Caribbean countries and five Associated States that promote common goals, policies, and union.
Language(s): Dutch, Sranan Tongo (English creole), and various dialects of Dutch, Chinese, Javanese, Hindi
Capital: Paramaribo
National Anthem: "God zij met ons Suriname!" ("God Be with Our Suriname!") or "Opo kondreman" (Rise, Countrymen!" Lyrics by Cornelis Atses Hoekstra and Henry de Ziel. Composed by Johannes Corstianus de Puy. Adopted in 1959.
Agriculture/Economy: Gold mining, fishing, oil, lumber, farming
Currency: 1 Suriname Dollar (SRD) = $0.028 USD
National Dish: Pom (or Pomtajer), a chicken and root vegetable casserole.
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