The Caribbean
Like Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean is part of North America. However, it is culturally tied to South America. Several islands in this sub-region can also be considered part of Latin America. This is because Spanish and French are the predominant languages. This label does not apply to every island though, as English is the official language in many areas of the Caribbean. In this topic, you will travel to multiple islands. You will learn about the diverse influences and economic characteristics of the Caribbean.
Essential Questions
- What are the major regions and cities of the Caribbean?
- What cultural influences and landscapes define the Caribbean?
- What characteristics define the economic activities of the Caribbean?
Warm-Up
Tourism is a major part of the Caribbean economy. In fact, the Caribbean is one of the most tourism-dependent regions in the world. Take a moment to examine the positive and negative aspects of Caribbean tourism in the table below. Based on this information, do you think tourism is more beneficial or harmful to the Caribbean?
| Positive Aspects of Caribbean Tourism | Negative Aspects of Caribbean Tourism |
|---|---|
| Tourism, directly and indirectly, makes up about 14% of the Caribbean's GDP. | As much as 80% of the profits from tourism go to foreign interests and investors outside of the Caribbean. |
| The tourism industry, directly and indirectly, supports more than 2.7 million jobs in the region. | Many of the jobs generated by tourism are low-paying, seasonal positions. |
| Tax revenues from tourism help fund local projects like building hospitals and schools. | The influx of tourists can strain local resources like clean drinking water. |
| Tourism promotes the preservation of natural resources that often serve as tourist attractions, like rainforests and coral reefs. | Tourism can have a negative effect on natural resources through increased water and air pollution. |