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Caribbean Islands : Facts and Figures

powdery sand to rocky cliffs. Some countries have developed tourist resorts on their beaches; others have left their coasts relatively untouched, making them a destination for visitors who prefer natural beauty. The reefs surrounding some islands are popular spots for snorkeling and diving. Fragile Wildlife The Caribbean’s wildlife is varied and colorful. Leatherback turtles cruise the warm waters off Cuba. Green monkeys cling to the treetops in Barbados. A tiny tree frog called the coquí is Puerto Rico’s national mascot. The Caribbean is a bird-lover’s paradise, and there are thousands of exotic species that can only be found on the islands. A bird-watcher might

Geography of the Caribbean Islands

Location: Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north and northeast of South America. Terrain: varies with region; Cuba, Barbados, Aruba, Turks and Caicos, and British Virgin Islands mostly flat; most of the Windward and Leeward Islands have mountainous, volcanic interiors. Climate: tropical or subtropical; most islands face rains and hurricanes

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Enriquillo, Dominican Republic—114 feet (35 meters) below sea level. highest point: Pico Duarte, Dominican Republic—10,100 feet (3,080 meters). Natural resources: nickel, bauxite, iron ore, fish, lobster, beaches and other attrib- utes that draw tourists. Natural hazards: Hurricanes, droughts, floods, occasional volcanoes, occa- sional earthquakes.

between June/July to October/November.

Source: CIA World Factbook 2015.