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CaribbeanThe Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. These islands curve southward from the bottom tip of Florida to the Northwest of Venezuela in South America. There are at least 7000 islands, islets, reefs and cayes in the region. They are organized into twenty-five territories including sovereign states, overseas departments and dependencies.
The name "West Indies" originates from Christopher Columbus' idea that he had landed in India when he had in fact reached the Americas. The Caribbean consists of the Antilles and the Bahamas and is part of North America.
At one time there was a short-lived country called the Federation of the West Indies composed of the English-speaking Caribbean islands of the region.

Present-day territories of the Caribbean
The nations of Belize and Guyana, although on the mainland of Central America and South America respectively, were former British colonies and maintain many cultural ties to the Caribbean and are members of CARICOM. The Turneffe islands (and many other islands and reefs) are part of Belize and lie in the Caribbean Sea.
Historical groupings
Most islands at some point were, or still are, colonies of European nations:
- British West Indies - Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands
- Danish West Indies - present-day United States Virgin Islands
- Dutch West Indies - present-day Netherlands Antilles and Aruba
- French West Indies - the French overseas departements of Guadeloupe and Martinique
- Spain - Cuba, Hispaniola (present-day Dominican Republic and Haiti), Puerto Rico
The British West Indies, formerly united in the West Indies Federation, still make up a composite cricket team that successfully competes in test matches and one-day internationals. The West Indies cricket team also includes the South American nation of Guyana, a former British colony.
See also: History of the Caribbean, Caribbean Community and Common Market, African diaspora, British Afro-Caribbean community, Music of the Caribbean
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Sanhall Trade Marks Ltd A leading trademark and patent agency for the Caribbean region. Also serving UK and USA. For prompt, accurate registration and renewal. http://www.sanhall.com/
Macmillan Caribbean A publishing division of Macmillan Heinemann ELT. Specialises in educational and general interest books for and about the Caribbean. Site includes company info, distribution and contacts and books published. http://www.macmillan-caribbean.com
Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular Providing cellular linkages within the Caribbean. Site provides services and coverage information for various Caribbean islands. http://www.caribcell.com/
SmallShop Comprehensive Caribbean information: real estate, newspapers, business, travel and classifieds. http://www.smallshop.com
Venture Caribbean Business classifieds, opportunities, investment and employment throughout the Caribbean. http://venturecaribbean.com
Force 10 Engineered Building System A pre-manufactured system engineered to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes now available throughout the Caribbean. http://www.force-10.com
Island Video Offering home entertainment videos throughout the Caribbean. http://www.islandvideo.net
OECS-EDU Official site of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States - Export Development Unit. Offers an outline of services offered, including project planning, funding, preparation, marketing and provides links and contact information. http://www.oecs-edu.org/
Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center - CARTAC A technical assistance center created to enhance institutional and human resource capacities of countries in the Caribbean region to help achieve their macro-economic, fiscal and monetary policy objectives. http://www.cartac.com.bb
Caribbean Agricultural Information Service Supports agricultural production and marketing activities in the region. Features products and services, news, structure, and clients. http://www.caisnet.org/
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