List of Countries in Caribbean Alphabetically
The Caribbean is a region consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts. Located southeast of North America, north of South America, and east of Central America, this area is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant cultures. The Caribbean is a popular tourist destination, celebrated for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and distinctive music and cuisine.
The Caribbean has thirteen countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
1. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean, is known for its sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and rich maritime history. From the historic Nelson’s Dockyard to the annual sailing regatta, Antigua Sailing Week, the country offers a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Key Facts:
- Capital: St. John’s
- Population: Approximately 100,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Devil’s Bridge
- Economy: Tourism, financial services, agriculture (sugar cane, cotton)
- Culture: Carnival celebrations, calypso and soca music, cricket, Creole cuisine (pepperpot, fungi)
2. The Bahamas
The Bahamas, a nation of over 700 islands and cays, is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. From the pink sands of Harbour Island to the bustling streets of Nassau, The Bahamas offer a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Nassau
- Population: Over 390,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Atlantis Paradise Island, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Pink Sands Beach
- Economy: Tourism, financial services, fisheries
- Culture: Junkanoo festival, rake and scrape music, Bahamian cuisine (conch salad, johnnycakes), straw weaving
3. Barbados
Barbados, often referred to as the “Gem of the Caribbean,” is known for its white-sand beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. From the historic Bridgetown to the surf breaks of Bathsheba, Barbados offers a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Bridgetown
- Population: Over 290,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Harrison’s Cave, St. Nicholas Abbey, Bathsheba Beach
- Economy: Tourism, financial services, sugar production
- Culture: Crop Over festival, calypso and soca music, Bajan cuisine (flying fish, cou-cou), cricket
4. Cuba
Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, is known for its colorful streets, vintage cars, and rich cultural heritage. From the colonial architecture of Havana to the pristine beaches of Varadero, Cuba offers a journey back in time and a taste of Caribbean flair.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Havana
- Population: Over 11 million
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP), Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC)
- Government: Unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist republic
- Famous Landmarks: Old Havana, Viñales Valley, Trinidad
- Economy: Tourism, sugar, tobacco, biotechnology
- Culture: Afro-Cuban music and dance (salsa, rumba), classic cars, Cuban cuisine (ropa vieja, mojitos), baseball
5. Dominica
Dominica, known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” is a lush, mountainous island with abundant rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs. From the hiking trails of Morne Trois Pitons National Park to the boiling lake, Dominica offers a haven for eco-tourism and adventure seekers.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Roseau
- Population: Approximately 72,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
- Famous Landmarks: Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Boiling Lake, Trafalgar Falls
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture (bananas, citrus), offshore banking
- Culture: Creole music and dance, Kalinago heritage, traditional cuisine (callaloo, bakes), Carnival celebrations
6. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, a nation occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, is known for its diverse landscapes, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. From the historic Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo to the sandy beaches of Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic offers a blend of history, adventure, and relaxation.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Santo Domingo
- Population: Over 10.8 million
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Famous Landmarks: Zona Colonial, Pico Duarte, Saona Island
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture (sugar, coffee, cocoa), manufacturing
- Culture: Merengue and bachata music and dance, Dominican cuisine (mangu, sancocho), baseball, Carnival celebrations
7. Grenada
Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle” for its production of nutmeg and other spices, is a small island nation with stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. From the historic town of St. George’s to the underwater sculptures of Moliniere Bay, Grenada offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Key Facts:
- Capital: St. George’s
- Population: Approximately 112,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Grand Anse Beach, Underwater Sculpture Park, Annandale Falls
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture (nutmeg, cocoa), education services
- Culture: Spice production, Carnival celebrations, calypso and reggae music, Grenadian cuisine (oil down, roti)
8. Haiti
Haiti, the western portion of the island of Hispaniola, is known for its vibrant art, music, and culture, as well as its tumultuous history. From the historic Citadelle Laferrière to the waterfalls of Bassin Bleu, Haiti offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and resilience.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Port-au-Prince
- Population: Over 11 million
- Official Languages: Haitian Creole, French
- Currency: Haitian Gourde (HTG)
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Citadelle Laferrière, Bassin Bleu, Jacmel
- Economy: Agriculture (coffee, mangoes), textiles, remittances from abroad
- Culture: Vodou religion, vibrant art scene, kompa music and dance, Haitian cuisine ( griot, diri ak djon djon)
9. Jamaica
Jamaica, known for its reggae music, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes, is the third-largest island in the Caribbean. From the waterfalls of Dunn’s River Falls to the vibrant streets of Kingston, Jamaica offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and music.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Kingston
- Population: Over 2.9 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Mountains, Bob Marley Museum
- Economy: Tourism, bauxite mining, agriculture (sugar, bananas)
- Culture: Reggae music, Rastafarian culture, jerk cuisine, Jamaican patties, Carnival celebrations
10. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis, a small twin-island nation in the Caribbean, is known for its colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. From the historic Brimstone Hill Fortress to the beaches of Pinney’s Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis offer a tranquil escape for travelers.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Basseterre
- Population: Approximately 55,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Brimstone Hill Fortress, Pinney’s Beach, Mount Liamuiga
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture (sugar cane, cotton), financial services
- Culture: Carnival celebrations, traditional music (calypso, soca), Creole cuisine, cricket
11. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia, known for its dramatic landscapes, luxury resorts, and warm hospitality, is a sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea. From the iconic Pitons to the pristine beaches of Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia offers a blend of natural beauty and relaxation.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Castries
- Population: Over 180,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Pitons, Sulphur Springs, Pigeon Island
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture (bananas, cocoa), offshore banking
- Culture: Creole heritage, jazz music festival, traditional cuisine (green figs and saltfish), Carnival celebrations
12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an archipelago of islands in the Caribbean, is known for its sailing, diving, and secluded beaches. From the volcanic landscapes of Saint Vincent to the exclusive resorts of Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offer a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Kingstown
- Population: Approximately 110,000
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Tobago Cays Marine Park, La Soufrière volcano, Bequia
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture (bananas, arrowroot), fishing
- Culture: Garifuna heritage, reggae music, traditional cuisine (roti, callaloo), cricket
13. Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation off the northern coast of South America, is known for its carnival celebrations, diverse culture, and vibrant energy sector. From the steelpan music of Port of Spain to the beaches of Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago offer a blend of culture, nature, and industry.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Port of Spain
- Population: Over 1.3 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
- Famous Landmarks: Maracas Beach, Pitch Lake, Asa Wright Nature Centre
- Economy: Oil and gas, petrochemicals, tourism
- Culture: Carnival celebrations, calypso and soca music, Trinidadian cuisine (doubles, roti), cricket