West Indies West-Indies - Western India, Antilles, Caribbean Islands, Caribbean, Caribbean. West India - Paradise in the Caribbean
west India.
West Indies (Eng. West Indies, letters. - Zap. India) General name of the islands of the Atlantic OK. between the continents. and south. America. Includes Islands: Bahamas, B. Antilles, M. Antilles and others. Most of the islands are open during Swimming of H. Columbus (1492-1502), mistaken them for part of India. Unlike India (Ost-India), these islands later began to call West India. The total area of \u200b\u200bOK islands. 240 thousand km2. Population of 35 million people (1993). There are states on the islands: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Grenada, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Possession of Great Britain, Netherlands, France and the United States.
West India.
(eng. West Indies, literally ≈ Western India), the general name of the islands Atlantic Ocean between the continents of North and South America; Extracted in the form of an arc about 3500 km long. In V.-I. Enter Bahamas, Big Antilles and Small Antilles. Islands belong to K. North America. The total area of \u200b\u200babout 240 thousand km2. The population is over 24 million people. (1968). The relief islands is strongly dissected, mainly mountain; Height up to 3175 m (on the island of Haiti). Many acting I. extinct volcanoes; Frequent earthquakes. Deposits of manganese ore, chromites, iron ore, asphalt, oil, bauxite, phosphorites. Climate Tropical trade machine. On lowlands, vegetation is mainly cultural, in the mountains ≈ Laurel and coniferous forests.
On Islands V.-I. Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, as well as a number of owners of Great Britain, the Netherlands, France and the United States are located.
Ethnic composition. The bulk of the modern population is blacks ≈ descendants of slaves imported from Africa at 16 ≈ early 19th centuries. (Haiti ≈ Over 90%, Barbados ≈ about 89%, Jamaica ≈ about 80%), as well as Mulati (Dominican Republic ≈ about 70%, Puerto Rico ≈ at least 50%). The descendants of Europeans (mainly Spaniards) are in a significant number only in Cuba (about 50%), Puerto Rico, in the Dominican Republic. In other countries, the size of the white population (mainly the British) does not exceed a few percent. Peculiar ethnic composition Trinidad, where about 50% are descendants of immigrants from India. All countries have small groups of Chinese and Syrians. The few descendants of the indigenous Indian population, almost completely exterminated during the colonization, were preserved only on the islands of Dominica, Cuba, Trinidad. Languages: Spanish ≈ in the former colonies of Spain (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico), English ≈ In the former English colonies (Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados), French ≈ in the former and current French colonies (Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique) ; Local dialects are dominated everywhere. In the Dutch colonies, in addition to the Dutch and of English languageThe papiamento dialect is distributed. According to religious affiliation, the residents of the former Spanish and French colonies ≈ Catholics, the rest ≈ Protestants of different senses. Indians are mostly ≈ Hindus. Some countries also retain the remnants of African beliefs.
A. D. Dridzo.
Historical essay. Most of the islands of V.-I., populated by the Indian tribes of Aravakov and Caribbean, was opened during the waters of Columbus (1492≈1502), mistakenly adopted them for part of India. Unlike India on V. (Ost-India), these islands later began to call V.-Y. Colonization of V.-I. The Spaniards was accompanied by the magnificent extermination of the Indians, and with the middle of the 16th century. The massive importation of slaves from Africa to work on sugar and tobacco plantations, in mines. With a decline of power of Spain V.-I. turned into a major object of rivalry of European powers in America. During 17-18 centuries. As a result of seizures, wars and international treaties, the United Kingdom acquired the Islands of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts), Barbados, Antigua, Montserrat, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad, etc.; France ≈ Islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti; Holland ≈ Aruba Islands, Curaçao, Bonaire; Denmark ≈ Saint John Islands, St. Thomas and Santa Cruz from the group Virgin Islands. By the beginning of the 19th century Spain retained only Puerto Rico and Cuba.
Cruel exploitation on plantations caused frequent rebellion of slaves against oppressors. The largest of them ≈ in Haiti at the end of the 18th century. ≈ rearranged in war for independence, as a result of which in 1804 the Republic of Haiti was proclaimed. In 1844, the Dominican Republic was created in the eastern part of Haiti Island. The rest of V.-I. Still remained in colonial dependence. Slavery was legally abolished in English colonies in 1833, French in 1848, Dutch in 1863, Spanish in 1880.
From the 2nd half of the 19th century. The strengthened penetration of the United States in V.-I. As a result of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became the colony of the United States, Cuba was announced by the Independent Republic (1902), although in fact another 1901 became the US protectory (see Platt's Amendment). The United States has repeatedly carried out the occupation of Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic. In 1917, USA bought part of the Virgin Islands belonging to Denmark.
The victory of the Great October Socialist Revolution in Russia had a great influence on the deployment in V.-I. anti-imperialist national liberation movement. In 20 ≈ 40th. In many countries, V.-I. Communist parties have arisen. In the 30s. Passed large anti-imperialist and anticolonial performances in Cuba (revolution 1933), in British V.-I. In the English colonies the first political partiesput forward independence slogan.
In the period of the 2nd World War (1939-45), the United States strengthened its influence in V.-I. According to Anglo-American Agreement, 1940 US received the right to build military bases in British possessions in America for 99 years. With the creation of the Caribbean Commission (1942), the resources of the colonies of European powers were actually transferred to the US hands. Brutally straightening with the liberation movement in the colonies, especially intensified after the end of the war (arrests of traffic managers in Jamaica ≈ 1943, military strife with strikers of the Grenada Island ≈1951, the suppression of the 1950 uprising in Puerto Rico), the ruling circles of imperialist powers at the same time were forced maneuvering, proclaiming a number of political reforms that were to cover the colonial domination in the countries of V.-I. To this end, Martinique and Guadeloupe were declared "Overseas Departments" of France (1946), Puerto Rico ≈ "Freely joined (to the USA) by the state" (1952), Dutch colonies in V.-I. ≈ "Composite part of the Netherlands Kingdom" (1954). British colonies in 1958 were combined into the West Indian Federation.
The victory of the Cuban Revolution of 1959 led to the emergence of the first socialist state in America, contributed to the new lift of the liberation movement in V.-I. In 1962, the West India Federation broke up; An independent states were formed ≈ Jamaica (1962), Trinidad and Tobago (1962), Barbados (1966). English colonies of Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts ≈ Nevis ≈ Anguile (1967) and Saint Vincent (1969) received internal self-government and were declared "States associated with the United Kingdom."
Political division of West Indies
States and territories
Modern status
Roast, km2
Population, thousand people. (1968)
Capital or Administrative Center
Bahamas
British possession
Nasso (Nassau)
Independent state
Bridgetown.
Bermuda
British possession
Hamilton
Virgin Islands
British possession
Virgin Islands: Santa Cruz
Saint-Thomas
Saint John US Ownership
ý58 Charlotte-Amalia
Independent state
Port-O-Prince
Guadelife
Overseas Department of France
"Associated with Great Britain"
Saint George
Dominica
"Associated with Great Britain"
Independent state
Santo Domingo
Cayman islands
British possession
Georgetown.
Independent state
Martinique
Overseas Department of France
FOR-DE FRANS
Montserrat
British possession
Netherlands
Saint-Martin (South. Part)
Sint-Eustius
Autonomous overseas part
ývlemestad
═ (about. Curaçao)
Puerto Rico
"Freely joined (to the USA) state"
2723 San Juan
Saint Vincent
"Associated with Great Britain"
Kingstown
Saint Kitts ≈ Nevis ≈ Anguile
"Associated with Great Britain"
Saint Lucia
"Associated with Great Britain"
Curl and Caicos Islands
British possession
Grand Tørk
Independent state
Port-of-Spain
Independent state
Kingston
* In brackets, the date of the declaration of independence is indicated.
Lit.: Peoples of America, vol. 2, M., 1959; Latin American countries in modern international relations, M., 1967, ch. nine.
E. L. Rovinskaya.
Wikipedia
West India.
West India. - Traditionally historical name of the islands Caribbean, including the Caribbean Islands (see List), the Bahamas and Islands in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to them. Opposed to Estra-India - South countries and South-East Asia. It should also be understood that West India and Western India are completely different regions, although "West Indies" and translates as "Western India", but it is not.
Some believe that it is properly to speak in West Indies, as West Indies include the Spanish West India, Portuguese, Danish and other West Indies - the Earth of Each State of Europe in this region from the end of the XV century. Some of these West Indies are called antilas: for example, the British speak French West Indies, and the French speak French West Indies, and French Antilles are the same. However, the name of the West Indies region is wrong than the first European navigators mistakenly, as they thought they got into India, moving in the western direction from Europe. Hence the name of the indigenous people - Indians. When more european countries Established the lands of the new continent, then the term of West Indies appeared - then the Western part of India has ceased to be confused with West Indies. Thus, West Indies and West Indies to some extent different concepts. The first concept means the entire region, and the second - political economic education in this region.
Examples of consuming the word West Indies in the literature.
Barrington Island and Pirates About two centuries ago Barrington Island was a refuge of the famous branch of pirates - immigrants from West Indiawho, after exile from the waters, Cuba went for Dariansky's experiencing, robbed Pacific coast Spanish colonies and regularly, with the accuracy of the modern postal service, tossed the royal ships with the treasury, kicked between Manila and Acapulco.
West Africa, rocks of Gibraltar, Malta, Jamaica, several small slave-owned colonies in West India, British Guiana in South America and, on the opposite side of the globe, two deranged points for prisoners in Australia and Tasmania.
Almost always, having listened to the conversations walking in the harbor of Providence, several people immediately deserted, and replace them with new members of the team, recruited in West IndiaIt became very difficult for Karveen.
On all islands West India There was an axized gold, and the Indians were used on the washing of sand.
The President assumed to use aircraft and naval forces for this purpose acting from the bases in Greenland, on Newfoundland, New Scotland, in the United States, in the Bermuda Islands and West India, and perhaps later in Brazil.
Don Miguel de Espinos - Admiral Spain in West India And his nephew his Don Esteban passionately dreamed of capturing this adventurerist and hang him on the Nok-Rhea of \u200b\u200bhis ship.
A little time passed, and Anata realized that this strange disease was a monstrous deformity, in essence, something like a new West India.
Did the most barbados disappeared in one of those terrible earthquakes that are in West India?
Secondly, he went to bother me to bother me to the vacant position of the company commander, which is located in the vacant position. West IndiaAnd since he intends to consume all his influence for this, neither he nor I do not doubt the success.
Punesh seemed extremely tasty to us and led to a long conversation between the Owen and our owner of the benefit of the kingdom compounds who discovered the charitable opportunity to tie trade with British colonies in America and West India And thanks to new markets to expand their export.
He reported that ordinary yams beans are a cultural plant in some parts West India And in South America, moreover, their breeding is facilitated by the fact that the plant has insecticidal properties.
Cuba, Cuba, Kuban Ligaliz Marijuana Cuba - Capital West India Until this is buried for everyone, near Jamaica, the reggae is dancing near the same climate - marijuana is the land of Rastaman.
If now the Martinique turn now is, you can only wonder what this happened earlier, because there is something to get used on this island, and France does not have in West India Armed forces that can withstand these conquisites.
The purpose of his arrival on Nevis is the largest in West India The slave market, "he said, was the acquisition of a guy who is suitable as a cabin jung.
In 1492, going back to the Western way to India, Christopher Columbus and his team landed at the Bahamas. Columbus mistakenly decided that he had reached his goal, so the region was called West India (Western India. West India is the traditional name of a group of islands, encircling the Caribbean Sea. They extended a huge arc of more than 3 thousand km between Florida in the United States and Northern Coast of South America.
Geographical location of West Indies
West India is an archipelago, consisting of several thousand islands located in the Caribbean. The islands are located arc with a length of about 3,500 km., From North to South America. Geographical coordinates from 10 ° to 27 ° degrees with. sh. and from 50 ° to 85 ° degrees h. d.
West Indies include many islands, the largest in the territory of them -, large and small Antilles, Barbados, Tobago, Trinidad, Haiti, Puerto Rico and many small.
On the territory of the islands there are 13 countries - it is Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Haiti.
According to the opening and conquest of the territory, the islands belong to various states - the United States, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands.
Opening History and Mastering West Indies
In 1492, Columbus, which made swimming in the search for new roads leading to India, discovered the island of San Salvador, then Cuba and Haiti. Initially, he accepted the islands for India. Subsequently, when traveling the Expedition of Vasco da Gama, the Ost-India was opened and the error in the opening of Columbus was proven. But the name of West India has already been fixed behind the islands. The population of the islands was settled by the tribes of the Indians. But in the struggle for the land, the indigenous people were exterminated, the islands were settled by Spanish invaders and brought slaves from Africa. On the islands there are no indigenous people.
Climate and nature of West Indies
Most of the lands of West Indies are located in the tropical trade in the climate, and only a small part of the islands are located on the territory of the monsoon climate. Spring begins with May and characterized by long tropical rains. Air is distinguished by high humidity. Spring is replaced by a long hot summer. It is customary by the rainy season, and in some islands - August. Despite the high temperature of the air, the air still remains wet. From the heat saves permanent marine winds and oriental trade winds.
West Indies The place of appearance and formation of tropical hurricanes.
Most of the islands have a flat surface, but there are not high mountains. The most stable and pleasant time of the year is considered to be winter, it lasts from November to May. The air temperature corresponds to 28-32 ° C, water temperature + 24 ° -25 ° C. A favorable climate, the warm sea allows you to develop travel business.
The largest islands of West India
Cuba
- The largest island of West India. Located in the waters of the Caribbean on the border of the Gulf of Mexico. The territory is predominantly flat, but there are low mountains. Tourists attract endless sandy beaches and crystal, transparent sea. Diverse vegetable world Allows you to open reserves, national parks. The most famous reserves of Sierra del Rosario and Guanacabibes Peninsula, National Parks - El Caguanes and Cienaga de Sapata. The population of the island is the descendants of the populated Spaniards and African slaves. Residents are very peaceful and sociable. Tourists like the night lifestyle inherent in residents. Cubans do not represent their lives without music and pleasure.
State language Cuba - Spanish, but in tourist areas You will be understood in English, German, French.
Haiti
Haiti second on the island area. The name of the island in the translation of the local population means "High Mountain". Pretty high mountains are replaced by beautiful plains. Tourists attracts perfect conditions for underwater swimming and water species Sports. For a long time, the deforestation of the forest continued, but, on the territory of the island, tropical forests were maintained, rare species of plants and birds characteristic only in the territory of Haiti. Well-known national Park "Fort-de-Ping" has retained more than a hundred rare plants. IN national Park La Visit can be admired by the beautiful caves and the preserved rainforest. In Haiti is famous salt Lake - Thal-Sumar. Island Square share two states - Haiti and Dominican Republic. The indigenous population was practically destroyed, and modern residents are descendants of African slaves and crelers.
State language - French, Creole. But most of the population speak Haitian Creole. This is a mixture of English, French and Spanish.
Guadelife
- Island, located in the middle of the arc and divides the water of the Caribbean and the Atlantic. In the form of the island resembles a butterfly. Sand beaches, transparent sea, rich vegetable world make the island very beautiful. Guadeloupe rich in Spring, pure lakes, waterfalls. It is called the "island of beautiful waters." Popular attractions include Ecreisc Waterfall and Traverse Traverse Traverse, which are located in the country's National Park. Indigenous residents - Caribbean.
Official language is French.
Traditions and Kitchen Peoples of West Indies
It so happened that today's population of West Indies is the result of intertwined crops, various traditions and languages. This is reflected in all, including in traditional cuisine. The usual food for indigenous people were tomatoes, potatoes, coconut milk, beans, chili pepper and variety of fruit, seafood.
After opening the islands by Columbus, national cuisine Having enriched in Spanish, Portuguese, French traditions. Usefully use seasonings, onions, marinades. More diverse cuisine, you probably will not meet anywhere else. West India-Wishing, friendly and multifaceted country.
In direct translation into Russian means West India, but it is not worth confused by this Latin American subregion with the western part of the Industan Peninsula. West-India got his name in memory of how the ships of Christopher Columbus, moving to the opening of India, moored to the shores western Islands. As you know, these islands belonged not to India at all, but the name "West India" remains unchanged.
It is the smallest, both in the area and population, the subregion of Latin America. Lots of island states They are located in the Caribbean, with some of these states gained independence quite recently. For many years, most of them remained the colonies of European marine powers such as Spain, Holland, France, United Kingdom. On the territory of West Indies, even Danish colonies existed, which subsequently crossed under the Protectorate of the United States of America. The influence of former metropolis in West Indies has been preserved to this day. This is expressed not only in architectural monuments, religious preferences, but also in official language And the percentage of tourists visiting this or that state of the Caribbean.
The greatest income of the states of this subregion is tourist business and banking. Moreover, the first source of income applies to almost all countries of West Indies. The greatest number of tourists arrives in countries and areas as Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, small antilles and large antilles.
Without a doubt, Cuba remains the most unusual country of West Indies. This is a state where the socialist mode is supported for half a century. The policy of the Castro brothers continues to remain for ordinary Cubans the only right. Perhaps this position of the people has developed due to the non-interference of the state in religious affairs. That is why, despite the communist development principles, Cabolicism is official religion in Cuba. Today, Cuba is one of the most developed states of the region in terms of education, but by level economic Development Seriously inferior to many Latin America. Thanks to climate, magnificent beaches and low prices, several million tourists attend Cuba annually.
In the group of small Antille Islands of West Indies there are states that in their development rely on the banking sector. One of these states is Barbados. This is the main offshore zone of the entire subregion. Barbados is an independent state, however, as a number of other countries, considers its head to the British Queen. That is why in all information prospectuses Barbados is called a constitutional monarchy. In this state a very high standard of living compared to many other countries of West Indies. Due to the unique location in that part of Carib, where sea waves reach several meters, Barbados - favorite place active rest For surficists from around the world.
Former French colony, and now the parliamentary republic of Dominica is one of the poorest states of the subregion. According to the UN, it is located at 209th place in the world in terms of runway. However, agriculture and the principle of lack of taxation of foreign companies in recent years began to straighten the situation in the country's economy.
It remains the Sureregion of Latin America, which has the richest potentials remaining, unfortunately unrealized. From the region there is a large outflow of capital and human resources in the USA and the European Union.
Also see:
Central America
Continental Central America includes seven states: from Guatemala and Belize in the north to Panama in the south. This is a geographically binder between South America and North.
Mid America
The very northern subregion of Latin America is the so-called average America. This is a combination of both mainland and island states mainly with the Spanish state language.
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West India. (English. West-Indies, Netherl. West-Indië - "Western India" or "Western India") - the traditional historical name of the islands of the Caribbean Sea, including the Caribbean Islands (see List), the Bahamas and Islands in the adjacent to It is the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean (including some continental islands - at the coast of the continent). The southern and Southeast Asia is opposed to East India ("East India").
Name
The name of the West Indies region is given by the first European navigators, mistakenly believed that they got into India, moving in the western direction from Europe. From here, the name of the indigenous people of America - Indians. West India from Western India should be distinguished - these are completely different regions, although the "West India" is literally translated as "Western India".
There is an opinion that to speak "West Indies" (eng. West-Indies, Western India), as West Indies include Spanish West India, Portuguese, British, French and other West Indies - Earth Earth European countries in this region from the end of the 15th century. Some of these West Indies are called antilas: for example, the British use the term "English West Indies", and the French speak and "French West Indies", and "French Antiles". When the majority of European countries occupied the lands of the new continent, the term West Indies appeared. Thus, West Indies and West Indies to some extent different concepts. The first concept means the whole region, and the second - political and economic (trade) education in this region.
Significantly towering above sea level. The Bahamas are formed coral reefs. The highest mountains are in the western part of Haiti (2184 meters), in the eastern part of Cuba (2375 meters) and in the northern part of Jamaica (2341 meters); eastern shores Small Antille Islands are covered with plains; Mountains cool down in the valleys. Numerous islands bays represent comfortable harbor. Cuba, Virgin and Bahamas are surrounded by huge coral reefs, protruding on the surface of the sea and covered with palm trees. Many islands (especially small antilles) are traces of volcanic origin. The climate of the West Indian Islands is quite level. Roast and raw season, spring, begins in May; In the middle of the month, the first periodic rain falls, daily around noon. After 14 days of rain, a dry tropical summer begins; The heat is mitigated by several marine coastal winds and the eastern trade winds that continue in the continuation of the whole year; Despite, however, severe heat, climate - raw, which contributes to the development of yellow fever and other diseases inherent in tropical countries here. Clean and healthy air in the mountains. In July, rains are stronger, especially on B. Antille Islands, and in small all the rain falls in August and October; Then big river spills; From August to October, hurricanes are often producing large devastation. Since the end of November, winter begins (relatively dry time), which continues until May is the best and pleasant time of year. Islands are covered with lush American vegetation; in lowlands - tropical plants, in the mountains - European fruit trees; Huge meadow spaces (savanna) are drawn in the inside big Islands. The main wealth of the islands is the products of technical plants; Vanilla wild grows in the forests of Jamaica, Agava - in Cuba and the Bahamas; Indigo, cocoa, coconut palms, tobacco, cotton grow on many islands. The bread tree is transplanted with Tahiti on Jamaica. From the grain plants, corn cultivated a lot, wheat is very small; Therefore, it is brought from Canada and the United States. The main items of export - sugar and coffee. Sugar cane growing on the West-Indian Islands, was transported here with Canary Islands Spaniards in the XVI century, and the coffee tree - the Dutch and the French from Arabia. Before the arrival of Europeans on the islands there were very few native types of four-legged animals: Aguti, Bakers (Mexican Pig), Oposatum and Small Monkeys; quite a lot of scorpions, snakes; Cayman live in quiet waters. In Jamaica, catch turtles; Birds are distinguished by a brilliant plumage: parrots, hummingbirds. All pets transported from Europe, and now horned cattle and horses are found in a wild state, just as in Savannah South America.
The number of residents of West Indian O-Greats reaches up to 5482,000 (21 d. Per 1 square meter. Km), of which 1 2/5 million are white, about 2 4/5 million - blacks and mulatto. Negro population, which appeared on the islands from the time of importation of the African slaves here (near the city), until recently increased. In the British colonies, slavery was destroyed with G., on Haiti slavery ceased since the enemy's uprising in the late XVIII century, in the Danish colonies - from the year, in the French - from the year, recently - in the Dutch and Spanish colonies. All blacks speak the damaged dialect (so called. Creole) of the people, under the authority of which are located. Of the Europeans are the most of the Spaniards here (more than 1 million), then the British (over 50,000), the French (about 50,000), a small number of Dutch, Danes, Swedes. Inhabitants of the islands - Christians. Great importance In the spread of Christianity, the "communities of the brothers" and methodists had "communities". The main activity of Europeans is the production of colonial goods and trade by them.
With the exception of the free Island Haiti with neighboring small islands (77254 square meters. Km, with 1377,000 inhabitants), all other islands make up a colony of five European states. Spanish colonies (Cuba, Portorico) and now the biggest - the area of \u200b\u200bthem - 128148 square meters. km, with 3280000 residents (352,000 color).
British colonies occupy 34499 square meters. km, with 1357000 live. (900,000 blacks, mulatts and newly imported kouli); Their composition includes: Jamaica with oh kiman ( Sauma) - 11443 square meters. km, with 636000 live.; Bahamas - 14535 square meters. km, with 54000 live.; Trinidad - 4544 square meters. km, from 196,000 live.; Covered islands ( Windward Island.), or Barbados with the islands of Tobago, Grenada, S. Wincent, S. Ruckio - 2150 square meters. km from 344000 live.; Leen o-beta ( Leeward-Islands.), or Governor of Antigua ( Antigua.), with Antigua Island and Islands Group: Dominica, Montservoi ( Montserrat.), S. Christopher, Nevis, Angville ( Anguilla.) and Tortoll ( Tortolla), total - 1827 square meters. km, from 122000 live. On the english islands Governor of the island acts by the name of Queen; Everywhere there is a legislative assembly that shared on the upper chamber with members to appoint a government and to the lower chamber, with elected deputies from the province; Under the governor, there is always advice from the natives. The amount of income in 1.6 million pound. Art., expenses of 1.5 million; debt 2.5; Importation 6 million, export of 6.3 m.
French colonies occupy an area of \u200b\u200b2858 square meters. km, with 350000 lives., and consist of the large islands of Martinique (988 square meters km, from 17600 0 live.) And Guadalupes with neighboring islands (sq. km, from 159,000 live.). Netherlands colonies occupy the area in, 33 square meters. km, with 42000 live., and consist of the islands: Kurasou, St. Eustachia, Saba. Danish colonies occupy 359 square meters. km from 40000 lives. And consist of three islands: S. Cross, S. John and St. Thomas.
Columbus in the city opened Bahama, Cuba, Haiti and Portorico; On these islands, two different tribes that spent in different languages \u200b\u200blived on the Bahamas and on Jamaica: Karaiba is a militant tribe and arrowa (ARR OWAKS) - peaceful. There are now the most insignificant amount on the shores of South America, where the Spaniards moved them. The Spaniards founded the first colonies in Cuba; Since the earth was divided between Europeans, and the natives turned into slavery and at the beginning of the XVII century completely extinct. From the second half of the XVI Art. The islands came in full decline: no foreign European vessel could transport goods, the inhabitants themselves had to trade only with Seville, and with Cadix; The mass of the colonists was evicted, all small coastal cities were destroyed in order to stop smuggling; From the city of the colony, the robberies of flibusers formed a real robbery state were subjected to. With the formation of other European powers in West Indies (from the XVII century. And especially from half of the XVIII century), the West Indian colonies began to flourish again.
- Montgomery Martin, "The History, Geography and Statistics of the West-Indies" (London, 1834-1835);
- Southey, "History of the West-Indies" (London, 1827);
- Meinicke, "Versuch Einer Geschichte der Europ. KOLONIEN IN W. » (Weimar, 1831);
- Bates, "Central-America, West-Indies and South America" \u200b\u200b(London, 1882);
- Moister, "The West-Indies, Enslaved and FREE" (London, 1883).
- Rosny, "Les Antilles, étude etnographIQUE" (1886).
West India., Big Island Archipelago in Central America. Located between the continents. and south. America, separating from the Atlantic Ocean Mexican Bay and the Karaiba Sea. It consists of B. Antille Islands and M. Antille (viewed and leeward), Bahamas and Virgin. The total area of \u200b\u200ball accounts is 240 thousand km 2. The largest is the largest antilles (Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Porto Rico), which account for 215 tons. Km 2. The surface of the islands is mostly a mountainous. Many acting volcanoes. Frequent earthquakes. Tropical marine climate and rich vegetation. The population of West Indies is more than 10 million people, mainly Europeans; Negros, Mulati. A plantative economy is developed - tobacco, sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, cotton and fruit trees (bananas). For their own needs, they are engaged in barking, cattle breeding, as well as fishing. Pretty poorly developed mining, despite the fact that there are gold, silver deposits, platinum, iron, copper, tin, coal, oil and asphalt on the islands. The biggest o-va -
