Caribbean map
See all the countries and territories that make up the Caribbean region. The map highlights the independent nations and overseas territories spread across the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands and coastal areas are connected by geography, climate, and shared history, yet each country maintains its own government, legal system, and cultural traditions.
Countries in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is made up of over 25 countries and territories, ranging in size from large islands like Cuba and Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic) to smaller nations such as Saint Kitts and Nevis or Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Some are sovereign nations, while others remain linked to former colonial powers. For example, Martinique is a French overseas department, and the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory. The region's languages include English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and various creole dialects.
Caribbean subregions
The Caribbean is often divided into smaller groups based on geography and culture. Understanding these subregions helps make sense of how diverse and connected the islands truly are.
Greater Antilles
The Greater Antilles include the larger islands in the northwest part of the Caribbean.
- Cuba
- Jamaica
- Hispaniola (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic)
- Puerto Rico
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Havanna, Cuba
Lesser Antilles
The Lesser Antilles stretch in a long arc along the eastern Caribbean. They’re often split into two parts:
- Leeward Islands: includes Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and others
- Windward Islands: includes Saint Lucia, Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and others
Antigua and Barbuda
Lucayan Archipelago
The Lucayan Archipelago lies just north of the Caribbean Sea, and is often included in the Caribbean region, especially when it comes to travel and tourism.
- Bahamas
- Turks and Caicos Islands
ABC Islands
A trio of islands located just off the coast of Venezuela. They’re part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and have a distinctly Dutch-Caribbean culture, drier landscapes, and a reputation for beautiful powdery beaches and world-class diving. The ABC Islands consist of: