West India Countries. West Indies West-Indies - Western India, Antilles, Caribbean Islands, Caribbean, Caribbean

23.09.2019

Significantly towering above sea level. The Bahamas are formed by coral reefs. Self high mountains are in the western part of Haiti (2184 meters), in the eastern part of Cuba (2375 meters) and in the northern part of Jamaica (2341 meters); eastern shores Small Antille Islands are covered with plains; Mountains cool down in the valleys. Numerous islands bays represent comfortable harbor. Cuba, Virgin and Bahamas are surrounded by huge coral reefs, protruding on the surface of the sea and covered with palm trees. Many islands (especially small antilles) are traces of volcanic origin. The climate of the West Indian Islands is quite level. Roast and raw season, spring, begins in May; In the middle of the month, the first periodic rain falls, daily around noon. After 14 days of rain, a dry tropical summer begins; The heat is mitigated by several marine coastal winds and the eastern trade winds that continue in the continuation of the whole year; Despite, however, on a strong heat, a climate - raw, which contributes to the development of yellow fever and other diseases inherent in tropical countries here. Clean and healthy air in the mountains. In July, rains are stronger, especially on B. Antille Islands, and in small all the rain falls in August and October; Then big river spills; From August to October, hurricanes are often producing large devastation. Since the end of November, winter begins (relatively dry time), which continues until May is the best and pleasant time of year. Islands are covered with lush American vegetation; in lowlands - tropical plants, in the mountains - European fruit trees; Huge meadow spaces (savanna) are drawn in the inside big Islands. The main wealth of the islands is the products of technical plants; Vanilla wild grows in the forests of Jamaica, Agava - in Cuba and Bahamas; Indigo, cocoa, coconut palms, tobacco, cotton grow on many islands. The bread tree is transplanted with Tahiti on Jamaica. From the grain plants, corn cultivated a lot, wheat is very small; Therefore, it is brought from Canada and the United States. The main items of export - sugar and coffee. Sugar cane growing on the West-Indian Islands, was transported here with Canary Islands Spaniards in the XVI century, and the coffee tree - the Dutch and the French from Arabia. Before the arrival of Europeans on the islands there were very few native types of four-legged animals: Aguti, Bakers (Mexican Pig), Oposatum and Small Monkeys; quite a lot of scorpions, snakes; Cayman live in quiet waters. In Jamaica, catch turtles; Birds are distinguished by a brilliant plumage: parrots, hummingbirds. All pets transported from Europe, and now horned cattle and horses are found in a wild state, just as in Savannah South America.

The number of residents of West Indian O-Greats reaches up to 5482,000 (21 d. Per 1 square meter. Km), of which 1 2/5 million are white, about 2 4/5 million - blacks and mulatto. Negro population, which appeared on the islands from the time of importation of the African slaves here (near the city), until recently increased. In the British colonies, slavery was destroyed with G., on Haiti slavery ceased since the enemy's uprising in the late XVIII century, in the Danish colonies - from the year, in the French - from the year, recently - in the Dutch and Spanish colonies. All blacks speak the damaged dialect (so called. Creole) of the people, under the authority of which are located. Of the Europeans are the most of the Spaniards here (more than 1 million), then the British (over 50,000), the French (about 50,000), a small number of Dutch, Danes, Swedes. Inhabitants of the islands - Christians. Of great importance in the distribution of Christianity were "communities of brothers" and methodists. The main activity of Europeans is the production of colonial goods and trade by them.

With the exception of the free Island Haiti with neighboring small islands (77254 square meters, with 1377,000 inhabitants), all other islands are colonies of five european states. Spanish colonies (Cuba, Portorico) and now the biggest - the area of \u200b\u200bthem - 128148 square meters. km, with 3280000 residents (352,000 color).

British colonies occupy 34499 square meters. km, with 1357000 live. (900,000 blacks, mulatts and newly imported kouli); Their composition includes: Jamaica with oh kiman ( Sauma) - 11443 square meters. km, with 636000 live.; Bahamas - 14535 square meters. km, with 54000 live.; Trinidad - 4544 square meters. km, from 196,000 live.; Covered islands ( Windward Island.), or Barbados with the islands of Tobago, Grenada, S. Wincent, S. Ruckio - 2150 square meters. km from 344000 live.; Leen o-beta ( Leeward-Islands.), or Governor of Antigua ( Antigua.), with Antigua Island and Islands Group: Dominica, Montservoi ( Montserrat.), S. Christopher, Nevis, Angville ( Anguilla.) and Tortoll ( Tortolla), total - 1827 square meters. km, from 122000 live. In the English Islands, the Governor of the Islands acts by the Queen's name; Everywhere there is a legislative assembly that shared on the upper chamber with members to appoint a government and to the lower chamber, with elected deputies from the province; Under the governor, there is always advice from the natives. The amount of income in 1.6 million pound. Art., expenses of 1.5 million; debt 2.5; Importation 6 million, export of 6.3 m.

French colonies occupy an area of \u200b\u200b2858 square meters. km, with 350000 lives., and consist of the large islands of Martinique (988 square meters. km, from 17600 0 live.) And Guadeloupe with neighbor Islands (sq. km, from 159000 live.). Netherlands colonies occupy the area in, 33 square meters. km, with 42000 live., and consist of the islands: Kurasou, St. Eustachia, Saba. Danish colonies occupy 359 square meters. km from 40000 lives. And consist of three islands: S. Cross, S. John and St. Thomas.

Columbus in the city opened Bahama, Cuba, Haiti and Portorico; On these islands, two different tribes that spent in different languages \u200b\u200blived on the Bahamas and on Jamaica: Karaiba is a militant tribe and arrowa (ARR OWAKS) - peaceful. There are now the most insignificant amount on the shores of South America, where the Spaniards moved them. The Spaniards founded the first colonies in Cuba; Since the earth was divided between Europeans, and the natives turned into slavery and at the beginning of the XVII century completely extinct. From the second half of the XVI Art. The islands came in full decline: no foreign European vessel could transport goods, the inhabitants themselves had to trade only with Seville, and with Cadix; The mass of the colonists was evicted, all small coastal cities were destroyed in order to stop smuggling; From the city of the colony, the robberies of flibusers formed a real robbery state were subjected to. With the formation of other European powers in West Indies (from the XVII century. And especially from half of the XVIII century), the West Indian colonies began to flourish again.

Montgomery Martin, "The History, Geography and Statistics of the West-Indies" (London, 1834-1835);
Southey, "History of the West-Indies" (London, 1827);
Meinicke, "Versuch Einer Geschichte der Europ. KOLONIEN IN W. » (Weimar, 1831);
Bates, "Central-America, West-Indies and South America" \u200b\u200b(London, 1882);
Moister, "The West-Indies, Enslaved and FREE" (London, 1883).
Rosny, "Les Antilles, étude etnographIQUE" (1886).

The article reproduced material from the large encyclopedic dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron.

West India., Big Island Archipelago in Central America. Located between the continents. and south. America, separating from the Atlantic Ocean Mexican Bay and the Karaiba Sea. It consists of B. Antille Islands and M. Antille (viewed and leeward), Bahamas and Virgin. The total area of \u200b\u200ball accounts is 240 thousand km 2. The largest is the largest antilles (Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Porto Rico), which account for 215 tons. Km 2. The surface of the islands is mostly a mountainous. Many acting volcanoes. Frequent earthquakes. Tropical marine climate and rich vegetation. The population of West Indies is more than 10 million people, mainly Europeans; Negros, Mulati. A plantative economy is developed - tobacco, sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, cotton and fruit trees (bananas). For their own needs, they are engaged in barking, cattle breeding, as well as fishing. Pretty poorly developed mining, despite the fact that there are gold, silver deposits, platinum, iron, copper, tin, coal, oil and asphalt on the islands. The biggest o-va -

west India.

West Indies (English West Indies, letters. - Zap. India) common name Islands of the Atlantic OK. between the continents. and south. America. Includes Islands: Bahamas, B. Antilles, M. Antilles and others. Most of the islands are open during Swimming of H. Columbus (1492-1502), mistaken them for part of India. Unlike India (Ost-India), these islands later began to call West India. The total area of \u200b\u200bOK islands. 240 thousand km2. Population of 35 million people (1993). There are states on the islands: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Grenada, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Possession of Great Britain, Netherlands, France and the United States.

West India.

(eng. West Indies, literally ≈ Western India), the general name of the islands Atlantic Ocean between the continents of North and South America; Extracted in the form of an arc about 3500 km long. In V.-I. The Bahamas, large Antilles and Small Antilles are included. Islands belong to North America. The total area of \u200b\u200babout 240 thousand km2. The population is over 24 million people. (1968). The relief islands is strongly dissected, mainly mountain; Height up to 3175 m (on the island of Haiti). Many acting I. extinct volcanoes; Frequent earthquakes. Deposits of manganese ore, chromites, iron ore, asphalt, oil, bauxite, phosphorites. Climate Tropical trade machine. On lowlands, vegetation is mainly cultural, in the mountains ≈ Laurel and coniferous forests.

On Islands V.-I. Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, as well as a number of owners of Great Britain, the Netherlands, France and the United States are located.

Ethnic composition. The bulk of the modern population is blacks ≈ descendants of slaves imported from Africa at 16 ≈ early 19th centuries. (Haiti ≈ Over 90%, Barbados ≈ about 89%, Jamaica ≈ about 80%), as well as Mulati (Dominican Republic ≈ about 70%, Puerto Rico ≈ at least 50%). The descendants of Europeans (mainly Spaniards) are in a significant number only in Cuba (about 50%), Puerto Rico, in the Dominican Republic. In other countries, the size of the white population (mainly the British) does not exceed a few percent. It is peculiar to the ethnic composition of Trinidad, where about 50% are descendants of immigrants from India. All countries have small groups of Chinese and Syrians. The few descendants of the indigenous Indian population, almost completely exterminated during the colonization, were preserved only on the islands of Dominica, Cuba, Trinidad. Languages: Spanish ≈ in the former colonies of Spain (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico), English ≈ In the former English colonies (Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados), French ≈ in the former and current French colonies (Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique) ; Local dialects are dominated everywhere. In the Netherlands colonies, in addition to the Dutch and English language, a papiamento dialect is distributed. According to religious affiliation, the residents of the former Spanish and French colonies ≈ Catholics, the rest ≈ Protestants of different senses. Indians are mostly ≈ Hindus. Some countries also retain the remnants of African beliefs.

A. D. Dridzo.

Historical essay. Most of the islands of V.-I., populated by the Indian tribes of Aravakov and Caribbean, was opened during the waters of Columbus (1492≈1502), mistakenly adopted them for part of India. Unlike India on V. (Ost-India), these islands later began to call V.-Y. Colonization of V.-I. The Spaniards was accompanied by the magnificent extermination of the Indians, and with the middle of the 16th century. The massive importation of slaves from Africa to work on sugar and tobacco plantations, in mines. With a decline of power of Spain V.-I. turned into a major object of rivalry of European powers in America. During 17-18 centuries. As a result of seizures, wars and international treaties, the United Kingdom acquired the Islands of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts), Barbados, Antigua, Montserrat, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad, etc.; France ≈ Islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti; Holland ≈ Aruba Islands, Curaçao, Bonaire; Denmark ≈ Saint John Islands, St. Thomas and Santa Cruz from the group Virgin Islands. By the beginning of the 19th century Spain retained only Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Cruel exploitation on plantations caused frequent rebellion of slaves against oppressors. The largest of them ≈ in Haiti at the end of the 18th century. ≈ rearranged in war for independence, as a result of which in 1804 the Republic of Haiti was proclaimed. In 1844, the Dominican Republic was created in the eastern part of Haiti Island. The rest of V.-I. Still remained in colonial dependence. Slavery was legally abolished in English colonies in 1833, French in 1848, Dutch in 1863, Spanish in 1880.

From the 2nd half of the 19th century. The strengthened penetration of the United States in V.-I. As a result of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became the colony of the United States, Cuba was announced by the Independent Republic (1902), although in fact another 1901 became the US protectory (see Platt's Amendment). The United States has repeatedly carried out the occupation of Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic. In 1917, USA bought part of the Virgin Islands belonging to Denmark.

The victory of the Great October Socialist Revolution in Russia provided big influence For deployment in V.-I. anti-imperialist national liberation movement. In 20 ≈ 40th. In many countries, V.-I. Communist parties have arisen. In the 30s. Passed large anti-imperialist and anticolonial performances in Cuba (revolution 1933), in British V.-I. In the English colonies, the first political parties arose, which put forward the slogan of independence.

In the period of the 2nd World War (1939-45), the United States strengthened its influence in V.-I. According to Anglo-American Agreement, 1940 US received the right to build military bases in British possessions in America for 99 years. With the creation of the Caribbean Commission (1942), the resources of the colonies of European powers were actually transferred to the US hands. Brutally straightening with the liberation movement in the colonies, especially intensified after the end of the war (arrests of traffic managers in Jamaica ≈ 1943, military strife with strikers of the Grenada Island ≈1951, the suppression of the 1950 uprising in Puerto Rico), the ruling circles of imperialist powers at the same time were forced maneuvering, proclaiming a number of political reforms that were to cover the colonial domination in the countries of V.-I. To this end, Martinique and Guadeloupe were declared "Overseas Departments" of France (1946), Puerto Rico ≈ "Freely joined (to the USA) by the state" (1952), Dutch colonies in V.-I. ≈ " part of Netherlands Kingdom "(1954). British colonies in 1958 were combined into the West Indian Federation.

The victory of the Cuban Revolution of 1959 led to the emergence of the first socialist state in America, contributed to the new lift of the liberation movement in V.-I. In 1962, the West India Federation broke up; An independent states were formed ≈ Jamaica (1962), Trinidad and Tobago (1962), Barbados (1966). English colonies of Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts ≈ Nevis ≈ Anguile (1967) and Saint Vincent (1969) received internal self-government and were declared "States associated with the United Kingdom."

Political division of West Indies

States and territories

Modern status

Roast, km2

Population, thousand people. (1968)

Capital or Administrative Center

Bahamas

British possession

Nasso (Nassau)

Independent state

Bridgetown.

Bermuda

British possession

Hamilton

Virgin Islands

British possession

Virgin Islands: Santa Cruz

Saint-Thomas

Saint John US Ownership

ý58 Charlotte-Amalia

Independent state

Port-O-Prince

Guadelife

Overseas Department of France

"Associated with Great Britain"

Saint George

Dominica

"Associated with Great Britain"

Independent state

Santo Domingo

Cayman islands

British possession

Georgetown.

Independent state

Martinique

Overseas Department of France

FOR-DE FRANS

Montserrat

British possession

Netherlands

Saint-Martin (South. Part)

Sint-Eustius

Autonomous overseas part

ývlemestad

═ (about. Curaçao)

Puerto Rico

"Freely joined (to the USA) state"

2723 San Juan

Saint Vincent

"Associated with Great Britain"

Kingstown

Saint Kitts ≈ Nevis ≈ Anguile

"Associated with Great Britain"

Saint Lucia

"Associated with Great Britain"

Curl and Caicos Islands

British possession

Grand Tørk

Independent state

Port-of-Spain

Independent state

Kingston

* In brackets, the date of the declaration of independence is indicated.

Lit.: Peoples of America, vol. 2, M., 1959; Countries Latin America in modern international relations, M., 1967, ch. nine.

E. L. Rovinskaya.

Wikipedia

West India.

West India. - Traditionally historical name of the islands Caribbean, including the Caribbean Islands (see List), the Bahamas and Islands in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to them. Opposed to Estra-India - South countries and South-East Asia. It should also be understood that West India and Western India is completely different regionsAlthough "West India" and translates as "Western India", but it is not.

Some believe that it is properly to speak in West Indies, as West Indies include the Spanish West India, Portuguese, Danish and other West Indies - the Earth of Each State of Europe in this region from the end of the XV century. Some of these West Indies are called antilas: for example, the British speak French West Indies, and the French speak French West Indies, and French Antilles are the same. However, the name of the West Indies region is wrong than the first European navigators mistakenly, as they thought they got into India, moving in the western direction from Europe. Hence the name of the indigenous people - Indians. When more European countries occupied the lands of the new continent, the term of West Indies appeared - then the Western part of India was stopped confused by the Western part of India. Thus, West Indies and West Indies to some extent different concepts. The first concept means the entire region, and the second - political economic education in this region.

Examples of consuming the word West Indies in the literature.

Barrington Island and Pirates About two centuries ago Barrington Island was a refuge of the famous branch of pirates - immigrants from West IndiaAfter the exile from the waters of Cuba, the Pacific coast of Spanish colonies robbed and regularly, with the accuracy of the modern postal service, tired the royal ships with the treasury, kiced between Manila and Acapulco.

West Africa, the rocks of Gibraltar, Malta, Jamaica, several small slave-owned colonies in West India, British Guiana in South America and, on the opposite side Globe, two decking points for prisoners in Australia and Tasmania.

Almost always, having listened to the conversations walking in the harbor of Providence, several people immediately deserted, and replace them with new members of the team, recruited in West IndiaIt became very difficult for Karveen.

On all islands West India There was an axized gold, and the Indians were used on the washing of sand.

The President assumed to use aircraft and naval forces for this purpose acting from the bases in Greenland, on Newfoundland, New Scotland, in the United States, in the Bermuda Islands and West India, and perhaps later in Brazil.

Don Miguel de Espinos - Admiral Spain in West India And his nephew his Don Esteban passionately dreamed of capturing this adventurerist and hang him on the Nok-Rhea of \u200b\u200bhis ship.

A little time passed, and Anata realized that this strange disease was a monstrous deformity, in essence, something like a new West India.

Did the most barbados disappeared in one of those terrible earthquakes that are in West India?

Secondly, he went to bother me to bother me to the vacant position of the company commander, which is located in the vacant position. West IndiaAnd since he intends to consume all his influence for this, neither he nor I do not doubt the success.

Punesh seemed extremely tasty to us and led to a long conversation between the Owen and our owner of the benefit of the kingdom compounds who discovered the charitable opportunity to tie trade with British colonies in America and West India And thanks to new markets to expand their export.

He reported that ordinary yams beans are a cultural plant in some parts West India And in South America, moreover, their breeding is facilitated by the fact that the plant has insecticidal properties.

Cuba, Cuba, Kuban Ligaliz Marijuana Cuba - Capital West India Until this is buried for everyone, near Jamaica, the reggae is dancing near the same climate - marijuana is the land of Rastaman.

If now the Martinique turn now is, you can only wonder what this happened earlier, because there is something to get used on this island, and France does not have in West India Armed forces that can withstand these conquisites.

The purpose of his arrival on Nevis is the largest in West India The slave market, "he said, was the acquisition of a guy who is suitable as a cabin jung.

Under the name "Islands in West Indies" combine the islands Caribbeanwho stretch out the Arc from Florida to Venezuela. This includes Bahamas, large and small antilles, Cayman O-Va, Trinidad, Tobago. Many scientists believe that these are vertices of the ridge plunged into the ocean - the western plot of the Alpine-Himalayan belt. Islands of West Indies are an arc of the transition zone. Plots of the mainland cortex are combined with oceanic volcanic formations. Here are neighboring the mountains of considerable height (Duarta on the O-ve Haiti - 3175 meters), and the deep-water chute Puerto Rico (8385 meters). It is assumed that if the protrusion of large antillean oagues rose to the surface, it would be one of the highest ridges on Earth. On the Islands of West Indies there is about one and a half dozens of states and territories belonging to the United States, France, Great Britain. The largest of the countries - Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico on the islands of the same name. On the O-ve Haiti there are two states - Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The geological structure of the Islands of West Indies is heterogeneous.

Their crystal shale of the domal time, volcanic rocks, sandstones and limestones of the Cretaceous period in Cuba and "Radiolar Lands" (weakly sequential silicon breeds) on Jamaica and Haiti. Large Antilles O-Va - Meso-Cenozoic Folded Structures, Small Antilles - Young Volcanic Zone (Martinique, Grenada and Dominica - volcanic chain on a common underwater basement), Bahamas and some small islands - coral.

In the relief of most islands in West Indies, mountains are dominated, only on the coasts there are narrow lowlands. The exception is very large Island Region - Cuba.

The mountains here occupy a small area in the south-east (the Sierra Maestra Range and block arrays - a height of 1000-1900 meters) and in the center (dissected Massif Guayama to 1156 meters). The rest of the territory is the plains with the remaining hills. Karst processes are widely developed on the island. In the West and Southeast, this is a tropical tower and dome carst (mogotone), on the elevations - caves and carring fields, on coastal lowlands - numerous failed forms.

Karst form relief is characteristic of many islands, as limestones are of great distribution.

Vulcanism is developed in the region. In the arc of small antillers, many, including those acting. The whole region is characterized by a high degree of seismicity.

Climatic conditions determines the position of West Indies between 10 ° and 28 ° C. sh.

21 ° C, - 26 ° C. Only in the north of Cuba, converted towards North America, in winter there are sharp decreases of temperatures up to 10 ° C (sometimes lower) associated with the invasion of cold air masses (NORTES). Atmospheric precipitates are unevenly distributed, their amount, as well as everywhere in the area of \u200b\u200bthe domination of trade winds, is largely depends on the orography and exposure of the slopes. On the eastern and northeastern slopes there are 1500-3000 mm per year, in the inner and southwestern regions less than 1000 mm. The seasons differ significantly in terms of moisture conditions: dry and warm in -, stuffy and humid in -. Although the average monthly temperatures There are no more than 5 ° C, the locals allocate 4 seasons of the year: - - dry and cool, April - dry and warm, July-November - wet and hot, -Gembam - wet and cool. A relatively dry season happens on leeward regions of the islands in the winter, when the Passat weakens and is high. However, strong droughts do not happen here.

The characteristic feature of the islands is strong winds associated with hurricanes and tornads. Wind speed can reach 200 km / h. Tropical cyclones annually capture the islands. 88% of the passage of these devastating vortices falls on-igniter.

The distribution of vegetation is associated with the characteristics of the climate.

In well-moistened areas facing, as well as on the variety, wet tropical forests prevailed, now almost everywhere replaced by plantations of tropical crops. With an annual amount of precipitation, leafy forests grow less than 1600 mm. IN central parts Big islands There are areas of Savannan with a royal palm tree. In arid areas, at the annual amount of precipitation 600-500 mm, xerophytic thickets (cacti, agabies, acacia, etc.) are common. In the delta rivers and on the shores of the ocean - mangrove thickets. In West Indies, the species composition of the flora is rich, which is generally atypically for the islands. The region lies on the paths of migration of plants, mixing different floors, besides the islands are separated by narrow straits, which makes it easier to migrate. Currently, vegetation is very modified by people, and each island has its own specific features.

On the mountain arrays of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the guadelupes expressed high-rise explanation.

Up to 600-900 meters rain forests are rained with high trees of 30-40 meters high, the trunks of which are covered with moss and lichen. Above the leaf fall forests, where you can meet the manzinill tree ("death tree") 45-60 meters high with thick ribbed leaves and poisonous fruits, similar appearance of apples. There are over 30 species of palm trees in Cuba, including the most common royal. In the past, significant areas on the island occupied pine forests, in geographical names Often there is a Spanish "Pinot" - Pine (about. Pios off the coast of Cuba, the area of \u200b\u200bPinar del Rio, Pinares de Mayari, etc.) on Jamaica a lot of flowering species, mostly orchid, and ferns. On the coasts of many islands there are coconut palm trees.

The fauna islands is close to South American, but poorer. Many species of animals are exterminated.

Caimans live in swamps, there are turtles, lizards-iguana, bats. There are souchery - opossums, South American raccoons, Aguti (humpback hares). Red flamingos have survived on the bagams. The world of small birds is rich: Hummingbird, Todi (relatives of the winter), Owl, Puertoric parrot.

Islands have good agroclimatic resources suitable for growing tropical crops, fertile soils on the plains. In the countries of the region, large areas occupies a sugar cane. The Cuba is especially allocated - the global manufacturer of sugar. Tobacco, tropical fruits, coffee, cocoa are also grown. The region is rich and minerals. There are a variety of ores, phosphorites, Jamaica takes a noticeable place in the world in stocks and bouxite mining. West India has beautiful recreational resources. The tourism industry is an important article of the income of many states. In some islands, for example, in Bahamas, Caymann, international tourism is the basis of the economy.

The nature of the islands is vulnerable. Processing, destruction of forests, mining of minerals cause enhanced development of negative processes: erosion, washing soils, land depletion. On Jamaica, the nature of bauxite is predicted in the open way. On the islands in West Indies, some measures are being taken to restore forests, environmental territories are organized, but they are clearly not enough.

In direct translation into Russian means West India, but it is not worth confused by this Latin American subregion with the western part of the Industan Peninsula. West-India got his name in memory of how the ships of Christopher Columbus, moving to the opening of India, moored to the shores western Islands. As you know, these islands belonged not to India at all, but the name "West India" remains unchanged.

It is the smallest, both in the area and population, the subregion of Latin America. Lots of island states They are located in the Caribbean, with some of these states gained independence quite recently. For many years, most of them remained the colonies of European marine powers such as Spain, Holland, France, United Kingdom. On the territory of West Indies, even Danish colonies existed, which subsequently crossed under the Protectorate of the United States of America. The influence of former metropolis in West Indies has been preserved to this day. This is expressed not only in architectural monuments, religious preferences, but also in official language And the percentage of tourists visiting this or that state of the Caribbean.

The greatest income of the states of this subregion is tourist business and banking. Moreover, the first source of income applies to almost all countries of West Indies. The greatest number of tourists arrives in countries and areas as Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, small antilles and large antilles.

Without a doubt, Cuba remains the most unusual country of West Indies. This is a state where the socialist mode is supported for half a century. The policy of the Castro brothers continues to remain for ordinary Cubans the only right. Perhaps this position of the people has developed due to the non-interference of the state in religious affairs. That is why, despite the communist development principles, Cabolicism is official religion in Cuba. Today, Cuba is one of the most developed states of the region in terms of education, but by level economic Development Seriously inferior to many Latin America. Thanks to the climate, magnificent beaches And low prices, several million tourists attend Cuba annually.

In the group of small Antille Islands of West Indies there are states that in their development rely on the banking sector. One of these states is Barbados. This is the main offshore zone of the entire subregion. Barbados is an independent state, however, as a number of other countries, considers its head to the British Queen. That is why in all information prospectuses Barbados is called a constitutional monarchy. In this state a very high standard of living compared to many other countries of West Indies. Due to the unique location in that part of Carib, where sea \u200b\u200bwaves Reach several meters, Barbados - favorite place active rest For surficists from around the world.

Former French colony, and now the parliamentary republic of Dominica is one of the poorest states of the subregion. According to the UN, it is located at 209th place in the world in terms of runway. However, agriculture and the principle of lack of taxation of foreign companies in recent years began to straighten the situation in the country's economy.

It remains the Sureregion of Latin America, which has the richest potentials remaining, unfortunately unrealized. From the region there is a large outflow of capital and human resources in the USA and the European Union.

Also see:

Central America

To continental Central America Come seven states: from Guatemala and Belize in the north to Panama in the south. This is a geographically binder link between South America and northern.

Mid America

The very northern subregion of Latin America is the so-called average America. This is a combination of both mainland and island states mainly with the Spanish state language.

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West India.

English West-Indies, Netherl. West-Indië




Characteristics


The largest island	Cuba

total area	244 890 km²

The highest point	3087 M.

Population	42 000 000 people. (2009)

Population density	171,51 people / km²

Location

19 ° C. sh. 74 ° C. d.


Aquatorium	Atlantic Ocean








West Indies on Wikisklad

West India. (English. West-Indies, Netherl. West-Indië - "Western India" or "Western India") - the traditional historical name of the islands of the Caribbean Sea, including the Caribbean Islands (see List), the Bahamas and Islands in the adjacent to It is the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean (including some continental islands - at the coast of the continent). It is opposed to Ost-India ("Eastern India") - countries and.

Name

The name of the West Indies region is given by the first European navigators, mistakenly believed that they got into India, moving in the western direction from Europe. From here, the name of the indigenous people of America - Indians. West India from Western India should be distinguished - these are completely different regions, although the "West India" is literally translated as "Western India".

There is an opinion that to speak "West Indies" (eng. West-Indies, Western India), as West Indies include Spanish West India, Portuguese, British, French and other West Indies - Earth Earth European countries in this region from the end of the 15th century. Some of these West Indies are called antilas: for example, the British use the term "English West Indies", and the French speak and "French West Indies", and "French Antiles". When the majority of European countries occupied the lands of the new continent, the term West Indies appeared. Thus, West Indies and West Indies to some extent different concepts. The first concept means the whole region, and the second - political and economic (trade) education in this region.

Geography

West India is located between both America, between 10 ° and 28 ° of the northern latitude and 59 ° and 85 ° of Western longitude, from the mouth of the Orinoco to the Florida Peninsula and Yucatan. The Big Soviet Encyclopedia refers West-India to, but all the islands, except for Cuba, Jamaica, Hoispen, and are closer to the shores than to the shores of Northern.

West India consists of several groups of the islands, it is: from large antillest islands, small Antille Islands and Bahamas. The area of \u200b\u200ball islands is 244,890 km² (large antilles - 216 260, small antilles - 14 095 and Bahamas - 14,535). All Antilles are significantly towers above sea level. The Bahamas are formed by coral reefs. The highest mountains are in the western part of Haiti (Peak Duarte, 3087 m), in the eastern part of Cuba (2375 m) and in the northern part of Jamaica (2341 m); Eastern shores of small Antille Islands are covered with plains; Mountains cool down in the valleys. Numerous islands bays represent comfortable harbor. Cuba, and the Bahamas are surrounded by huge coral reefs, protruding on the surface of the sea and covered with palm trees. Many islands (especially small antilles) are traces of volcanic origin.

On the territory of the archipelago there are the following states and territories:

Climate

West India.

The climate of the West Indian Islands is quite smooth. Roast and raw season, spring, begins in May; In the middle of the month, the first periodic rain falls, repeating then daily around noon. After two weeks of rain, a dry tropical summer begins. The heat is somewhat soften with sea coastal winds and the eastern trade winds that continue in the continuation of the whole year; However, despite the strong heat, the climate is raw, which contributes to the development of yellow fever and other diseases peculiar to the tropical countries here. Clean and healthy air - in the mountains. In July, rain is stronger, especially on the large Antilles, and in the small rainy falls in August and October; Then there are large spills of rivers. From August to October, hurricanes are raging, often producing strong devastation. Since the end of November, winter begins (relatively dry time), which continues until May is the best and pleasant time of year.

Flora and fauna

Beach Tobago

Islands are covered with lush American vegetation; In the lowlands grow tropical plants, in the mountains - European fruit trees. The internal areas of large islands are occupied by huge meadow spaces (savannas). The main obtained plant wealth of the islands is the processing products of industrial crops; Vanilla is growing in the forests of Jamaica, Agava - in Cuba and the Bahamas; Indigo, cocoa, coconut palms, tobacco, cotton grow on many islands. On Jamaica cultivated a breadwinner, brought with Tahiti. From the grain plants, corn is widely cultivated, wheat is very small. The main objects of export - sugar and coffee. A sugar cane growing on the West-Indian Islands was transported here with the Spaniards in the XVI century, and the coffee tree - the Dutch and the French from Arabia.

Before the arrival of Europeans on the islands there were very few natives of four-legged animals: Aguti, Bakers (Mexican Pig), Oposatum and Small Monkeys, but quite a lot of scorpions, snakes. To this day, Caimans live in quiet waters, the turtles are held on Jamaica. Island birds are distinguished by a brilliant plumage: parrots, hummingbirds. All pets transported from Europe for the needs of agriculture, but now horned cattle and horses are found in a wild state, just as it happens in Sabannas South America.

The water of the Caribbean is full of life. Coastal coral reefs are refuge to a huge number of living beings. Various types of invertebrates, cartilage and bone fish. From major predators are found here different kinds Shark, including the Bull Shark, Tiger Shark, Silk Shark and Caribbean Rhyphic Shark.

Historical information

Historical Map of West Indies

Columbus in 1492 opened Bahama, Cuba, Haiti and; On these islands, as well as on Bahamas and there were two different tribes that spoke in different languages: Karaiba - a militant tribe and Aravaki ( arrowaks, AraWaks.) - Peaceful. From the Karahibov by the end of the 19th century, the most insignificant amount on the shores left, where the Spaniards moved them.

Danish West India (Danish Colonies) (359 km²) consisted of the islands of St. Cross (Santa Cruz), St. John (Saint-John) and St. Thomas (Saint-Thomas). Later, moved to .s 1784 to 1878. There was a colony on O. Sen-Bartelmi (21 km²).

The black population appeared on the islands since the importance of the African slaves here (about 1511). In British colonies, slavery was destroyed from 1834, the slavery ceased from the time of the enemy's uprising at the end of the XVIII century, in the Danish colonies - from 1847, in the French - from 1848, then in the Dutch and Spanish colonies.

Currently, the most part of West Indies occupy independent states.

Helping the countries of the Caribbean is actively providing the United Kingdom within the Commonwealth. In 1999, the Caribbean Forum was established. He launched several programs, among whom - the creation of the Outdoor Internal Investment Department. Currently, London supports close ties with the countries of the region, which is represented by financial assistance, including to combat drug trafficking and epidemics.

Notes

West India // Big Soviet Encyclopedia: [in 30 tons] / ch. ed. A. M. Prokhorov. - 3rd ed. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1969-1978.
Al. Gromyko United Kingdom Epoch Reforms, M., 2007