| The Caribbean Sea is the large body of water that lies north of the northern tip of South America. |
| Within the Caribbean sea are many islands that have played an important role in the history and culture of the Western hemisphere. |
| By far the largest island in the Caribbean is Cuba. |
| Cuba was formerly a colony of Spain, but became independent in 1902. |
| Cuba became a Communist country in 1959, |
| when a revolution overthrew an unpopular government. |
| After the revolution, many Cubans fled to the United States. |
| Today, the American city of Miami, in the state of Florida, |
| has been greatly influenced by Cuban culture. |
| Tobacco is widely grown in Cuba, |
| and the country is famous for the cigars that are produced in the capital city, Havana. |
| The island of Hispaniola is located just east of Cuba. |
| This island is divided into two countries. |
| In the west is Haiti, where the people speak a variety of the French language |
| that has been influenced by African languages. |
| In the east is the Dominican Republic, where the people speak Spanish. |
| Another important Caribbean island is Puerto Rico. |
| This was previously a Spanish colony, but it’s now governed by the United States. |
| Many people from Puerto Rico have moved to the mainland United States, |
| especially the New York area. |
| In many other islands in the Caribbean, English is the main language. |
| The largest of these islands is Jamaica, which is located just south of Cuba. |
| Most Jamaicans are the descendants of African people |
| who were brought to work as slaves on sugar plantations. |
| Jamaica is famous as the birthplace of the style of music called “reggae”, |
| which was popularized in other countries by Bob Marley, a famous Jamaican musician. |
| Another important English-speaking Caribbean island is Trinidad. |
| This island is located just north of South America. |
| The population of Trinidad is very diverse. |
| The largest groups of people are descended from people who came from Africa and India, |
| but there are many other nationalities also. |
| Trinidad is famous for a style of music known as “calypso”, |
| and for musicians who produce pleasant sounds by playing steel drums. |
| There are also many other, smaller islands in the Caribbean, |
| each with its own unique features. |
| Many of these islands possess fine beaches, and are popular tourist destinations. |
| The warm weather of the Caribbean makes it a popular place for North Americans |
| who must live through cold winters! |
