If you decide to purchase property on one of the two largest islands of the archipelago, the island of Bonairo or the island of Curacao, you will be required to additionally pay the municipality an amount equivalent to 15% of the cost of your house or apartment, since this is the mandatory fee established by the local authorities . In the event that you decide to enter into a rental agreement for any property you are interested in, which is located on the island of Bonairo or the island of Curacao, you will automatically become one of the payers of the accommodation tax, which is calculated at a rate of 5 percent of the total rental price agreement. 09.17.2010 Found an error in the article? Please let us know about it.

Buy real estate on the Caribbean islands

St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean €6,531,354 Area 4641 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean €334,941 Area 159 m2 Henley & Partners Cottage in Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean €1,088,559 Area 148 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean €2,512,059 Area 148 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean €2,344,589 Area 217 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean islands 1,339,765 euros Area 257 m2 Henley & Partners Villa in St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean Islands 339,128 euros Area 467 m2 Henley & Partners Land in St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean Islands 774,552 euros Area 1474 m2 Henley & Partners Not were you able to find a suitable object? Leave a request for selection - companies and private sellers will offer you real estate according to your requirements.

Real estate in the Caribbean islands

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Real estate on the Caribbean islands by the sea

Then, such an enterprise is required to engage in the actual business associated with the operation of the holding company, and is subject to the tax laws in force in the local territory. If the above conditions are met, the holding is not subject to income tax on capital gains received from equity participation. Foreign citizens, purchasing real estate in these areas, become the owners of a number of advantages that can be calculated based on the immutability of the factor of profitable investment of funds.

When buying property on one of the islands of the archipelago, you will have to pay a fairly reasonable tax, compared to many other countries, which is equal to 6 percent of the total cost of the house or apartment you are purchasing.

Purchasing real estate in the Netherlands Antilles

Attention

Since buying real estate can be clearly classified as a time-consuming and complex process, it is best, even before you start working with realtors and agents, to try to study in as much detail as possible the situation that has developed in the local real estate market and become familiar with the basics local legislation. If you, as an individual, decide to sell your own property, then the income you receive from the successful transaction of buying and selling a house or apartment is not subject to taxation. As for such a calculated indicator as the annual rate of profit, determined as a percentage of the total cost of real estate, for industrial facilities it is, on average, 10%, for commercial buildings such as shopping centers or shops - 8-9%, for offices - approximately 9%, and for residential apartments and houses it is 12%.

Real estate on the Caribbean islands

The purchase of yacht berths is also considered as an investment. Investments in marinas are considered one of the most effective types of investments. Investors who want to buy a home in the Caribbean for a minimum amount to obtain citizenship are considering the option of shared ownership of real estate.
This option makes it possible to obtain a country passport and eliminates the additional costs of maintaining the house during the five mandatory years of ownership. Many of those who obtain a Caribbean passport in another way (for example, a charitable contribution to the state budget) subsequently buy residential property, for example, a villa with a pier on the islands Caribbean Sea like a good investment. Buyers are attracted by the high standards of housing construction, the constant development of the region and the pleasant climate.

Real estate in the Caribbean[#110]Caribbean islands

In accordance with its requirements, the Legislative Assembly operates as a representative body on the island territory, and administrative branches such as the Council of Ministers, the Advisory Council and the Governor deal with issues of an executive nature. The territory of the Netherlands Antilles has received active development due to the fact that a large offshore financial center was created here. It should be emphasized that those holding companies that were created in this territory have good tax benefits at their disposal, since dividends received as a result of the profitable activities of foreign subsidiaries are not subject to taxation, subject to a number of certain conditions.

To do this, the holding you are interested in, first of all, must be the owner of at least a quarter of the shares of its subsidiary.

Private villas for sale on the Caribbean islands

Denex.Ru / Articles / Real estate abroad / Purchasing real estate in the Netherlands Antilles The Netherlands Antilles, also referred to as the Dutch or Netherlands Antilles, is an archipelago, which can be divided into two separate groups islands located near Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. This territory, which is formed by six islands of different sizes, covers an area of ​​960 square kilometers and is considered an autonomy, or self-governing colony, of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Such a document as a separate legislative “Code of State” regulates the general mechanism of the structure of the Dutch Antilles.

Information

IN last years The real estate market in the Caribbean has intensified significantly. Wealthy foreigners buy houses and plots on the Caribbean islands not only for a profitable investment, but also for recreation and life in one of the most beautiful places peace. The governments of the Caribbean countries are making accommodations for real estate buyers, creating attractive conditions for foreigners.

Important

Thanks to this, the influx of foreign investment has increased significantly, which has had a positive impact on the development of the economy of the Caribbean region. Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Dominica are ready to provide foreign investors with their citizenship for the purchase of local real estate. To do this, you need to invest in real estate in the Caribbean from USD 200,000 - USD 400,000 (the minimum amount depends on the country).

Caribbean Islands

There is a limited list of completed or under construction real estate projects that are recognized by national governments as grounds for obtaining citizenship. Property can be rented out or sold five years after receiving the passport. Citizens of these countries can visit many countries of the world, including Europe, without a visa.

At the same time, they recognize dual citizenship. For foreigners participating in the investment program, effective tax planning opportunities are provided. Most program participants prefer to buy housing for USD 500,000 - USD 1.5 million in 4-5 star resorts. Owners of such real estate get access to fitness centers, spas, swimming pools, tennis courts, libraries, and restaurants located on their territory.

Some investors purchase plots of land to build houses according to individual projects.
In order to speed up the process of searching, selecting and purchasing real estate, you can use the services of realtors. True, in this case you will need to provide for the occurrence of such additional cost items as, on average, 0.5-1% of the amount of the loan you took and 1.5-2.2% of the total contract price of the house or apartment you are purchasing. In addition to the tax on the acquisition of real estate and payment for real estate services, the buyer also makes such mandatory payments as a bank fee for opening a loan in the amount of 1.5% of the mortgage loan amount, as well as a notary fee, which, including the costs of processing various documents, on average , is 1.1%.

Dutch islands in the Caribbean real estate for sale

Rent villas and apartments in the Caribbean! The Caribbean Sea and the hundreds of islands located here are a true paradise! As befits a paradise on earth, there is much to enjoy, see and do. The beauty of the world's number one entertainment destination includes mountains covered with coconut trees, verdant valleys of sugarcane and bananas, white sandy beaches and dazzling sunshine. The Caribbean islands, which have attracted foreign powers for so long, have a rich history and cultural roots, with influences from Great Britain, Holland, Spain, America, France and even Denmark. These influences, wedded to a touch of Africa, have found expression in the emergence of a unique type of people, particularly characterized by a variety of skin colors and languages, as well as warmth.

Details Category: North American Dependent Territories Published 07/16/2014 18:44 Views: 2355

There is another name for this possession of the Netherlands: Caribbean Netherlands. The domain includes the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba and small coastal islands.

The island of Bonaire is located in the group of Leeward Islands, the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius are in the northern part of the Windward Islands.

State symbols

Flag and coat of arms- Flag and coat of arms of the Netherlands. About the country of the Netherlands and its state symbols can be read on our website: The Netherlands is the most populous country in Europe.

State structure

Form of government
Head of State
Capital– Kralendijk.
Largest cities– Kralendijk, Oranjestad, Bottom.
Official language and – Dutch, English, Pagliamento.
Territory– 322 km².
Administrative division- three communities.
Population– 18,012 people
Currency- U.S. dollar.

Special Municipality of Bonaire

Hotel on the coast

State symbols

Flag– is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 2:3. The blue part of the cloth means the Caribbean Sea, the yellow triangle means the sun, vitality, development and prosperity of the island, the white stripe means freedom and peace. The wind rose, reminiscent of a compass, indicates that its inhabitants have long had a reputation as the most skillful navigators of the southern Caribbean and are excellent at navigating the sea. It also symbolizes the unity of purpose of the islanders.
The star denotes combativeness and tenacity local residents, and its red color is a symbol of the blood shed in the struggle for survival, and the determination of the islanders to survive the harsh struggle with nature. The six ends of the star are reminiscent of the six villages - the first settlements on the island. The flag was approved on December 15, 1981.

Coat of arms– created on the basis of the flag of Bonaire in 1986. The symbolism of its colors and elements coincides with the flag. The helm emphasizes the important role of the sea and navigation in the life of the island, and the royal crown recalls the sovereignty of the Netherlands. The coat of arms was approved in 1986.

State structure

Form of government- federal overseas community of the Netherlands.
Head of State- Monarch of the Kingdom of the Netherlands represented by the Chairman.

Territory– 288 km².
Population 15,666 people
official languages– Dutch and Papiamento.
Administrative center and The largest city – Kralendijk.

Nature

This small island cares about conservation. In 1969, Washington-Slagbay Park was opened. The park area is covered with bushes, there are many hills and lakes, and numerous hiking trails. The park protects natural complexes of arid lands, thickets of tall cacti, nesting sites of pink flamingos, as well as numerous species of parrots, bats, iguanas and lizards.

Pink flamingo
The long coral reef that surrounds the island of Bonaire has had the status of a National Marine Park since 1979. The entire underwater world is protected from the surface of the sea to a depth of 60 m.

Underwater world of Bonaire
Pekelmere Nature Reserve on Bonaire is the largest flamingo breeding ground in the Western Hemisphere.
The fauna of the island includes lizards, bats, about 200 species of birds, and wild goats. More than 450 species of fish, four species of sea turtle and about 70 species of algae have been recorded in the waters around the island.

Story

The first inhabitants of the island were the Caquetios Indians, who settled Bonaire around the 10th century. BC e. Within 20 years of their first contact with Europeans, who arrived off the coast of Bonaire in 1499, most of the Indians died of disease or were taken to Haiti. For almost 100 years, only exiled settlers from countries lived here South America, numerous herds of cattle from the ranch of the Spanish governor roamed. Over time, settlers from Europe founded small settlements on the site of modern Rincon and in the Antriol region, north of the modern capital of the island. In response to the Spanish capture of St. Martin, the Dutch occupied Bonaire in 1633, but it was not until 1791 that it officially became part of the crown.

Community of St. Eustatius

Saint Eustatius Island
St. Eustatius is an island in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Windward Islands. Its dimensions are 8 km long and 3 km wide. In the southeast it borders by sea with Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Named in honor of the Great Martyr Eustathius. Great Martyr Eustathius(?-118) – Christian saint. Eustathius refused to make sacrifices to the pagan gods and openly professed himself a Christian. Condemned with his family to be torn to pieces by wild animals, he was not touched by them. After this, the emperor ordered them to be thrown alive into a red-hot copper bull, where the saints accepted their martyrdom. Their bodies remained unharmed and were buried by Christians.

"Execution of Eustathius in a red-hot copper bull." Unknown German artist of the 16th century.

State symbols

Flag- is a rectangular blue panel divided into four five-sided blue squares bordered in red. In the center is a white area in the shape of a diamond, in which the silhouette of an island is depicted in green. At the top of the diamond is a five-pointed gold star.

Coat of arms– consists of a shield and a motto. The shield consists of three parts, representing the present and future of the island. The golden rock indicates historical prosperity, and an orange fort and angelfish are also depicted. The motto translated from English is: “Proud and confident.” The shield is surrounded by blue beads, which were a sign of wealth. The coat of arms was approved on November 9, 2004.

State structure

Form of government- a constitutional monarchy.
Head of State- Monarch of the Kingdom of the Netherlands represented by the Governor.
Capital- Oranjestad.
Official language– Dutch, English.
Territory– 21 km².
Population– 3583 people
Religion– Christians (Catholics, Methodists, etc.)
Currency- U.S. dollar.
Economy– The main source of income is tourism.

Nature

At the base of the island lies an ancient extinct volcano, whose cones are easily visible in the form of the main landmarks of the island - the double-headed Mount Masinga (600 m) in the very southeast and the Signal Hill massif in the north. The coast of the island is rocky, the cliffs fall straight to the coastline, so good beaches there is very little here.

The only city on the island is Oranjestad. Most of the island is arid, with vegetation limited to a dozen species. On the slopes and in the crater of Mount Masinga, which collect enough moisture, grows real a tropical forest, there are 18 species of orchids growing.
The island is inhabited by 25 species of birds, snakes, lizards and tree frogs. Domestic animals include goats, cows and donkeys.

Attractions St. Eustatius

Oranjestad

Fort
The only city and administrative center the islands of St. Eustatius, as well as the port. Population – about 1,021 people.
The city is divided into two parts: the Lower Town, located near the coastline (historical part), and the Upper Town, the main commercial and residential center of Oranjestad. The main attraction of Oranjestad is Fort Oranje, preserved from the 17th century. right in the city center with a view of coastline. There is also an old Dutch Reform church in the city (partially destroyed).
There is a medical university in the city, and the Miriam Schmidt Botanical Garden is located not far from the city.

Story

After the discovery of numerous islands in the Caribbean, not a single European power was able to establish a permanent settlement on the island of St. Eustatius. And only in 1636, after the victory over the French, the Dutch founded the first fortified village on the site of the foundation of the French fort. Later, the island changed hands 22 times from one country to another. In the XVII-XVIII centuries. the island was a thriving port, popularly known as the "Golden Rock".

Saba Community

Saba is an island in the Caribbean Sea. Part of the Caribbean Netherlands.

State symbols

Flag– is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 2:3. The combination of red, white and blue colors on the flag recalls the historical and political ties with the Netherlands and the federation of the Netherlands Antilles. The red color symbolizes the unity, courage and determination of the local people, and the blue symbolizes the Caribbean Sea.
The five-pointed star represents the island of Saba, and its yellow color represents the natural beauty and wealth of the island, as well as how dear and dear it is to the heart of every islander. The flag was approved on December 6, 1985.

Coat of arms– the coat of arms depicts a mountainous silhouette of the island, against which a cloud floats in the background, as well as sailing ship and fish are symbols of the Caribbean Sea. At the bottom of the shield there is a potato tuber, the leaves of another important food crop - sabka cabbage - frame the coat of arms. The coat of arms is surmounted by the head of Audubon's petrel. This local bird is considered the personification of mystery, loneliness and an unpredictable future, characteristic, according to the authors of the coat of arms, of the fate of the island of Saba itself, and also symbolizes the role of the sea in the life of the islanders, bringing them prosperity (fishing) and misfortune (devastating typhoons). On the ribbon under the shield is the Latin motto: “By oars and sails,” recalling that the island was discovered in calm weather, and sailing ships I had to approach it with oars. Allegorically, it expresses the will of the islanders to achieve progress by any means necessary.

State structure

Form of government- a constitutional monarchy.
Head of State- Monarch of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, represented by the Governor.

Government House in Bottom
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Capital- Bottom.
The largest city- Windwardside.
Official language– Dutch, English is widely used.
Territory– 13 km².
Population– 1991 people
Currency- U.S. dollar.
Economy– the basis of the economy is tourism.

Nature

Typical view on the island
The island is the top of the underwater volcano Mount Cinery, which rises 890 m above the water (the highest island of the Dutch possessions in the region). There are no rivers or permanent watercourses here; the leeward (western) side is dry and overgrown only with thickets of cacti and dry bushes. But the windward (eastern) side of Saba provides a sharp contrast to the dry west: the mountain slopes here are covered with lush forests with large quantities of tree ferns, palms, mahogany, oleander, hibiscus and orchids.

tree fern
More than 60 species of birds, several species of lizards and tree frogs nest in the forests.

Sights of Saba

Battom city

It is the administrative center of Saba Island. There are government offices, a hospital, a nursing home, 3 churches, a sports ground, several shops and a university school of medicine.

Windwardside

The largest city on the island of Saba. The city houses the Saba Historical Museum, Memorial Museum Harry L. Johnson.

Airport

Juancho Irausquin Airport on Saba Island is considered international airport with the shortest runway in the world: its length is less than 400 m, and only three types of aircraft are allowed to land here. The airport is among the top ten dangerous airports peace. The airport's unusual runway is located at the very edge of Saba Island.

Story

Saba was inhabited by Arawakan tribes more than 1,300 years ago.
On his second trip to New World in 1493, Christopher Columbus passed near the coast of Saba, but did not land here because of the rocky shores.

The Dutch claimed their rights to the island in 1632, the first colonists arrived here from St. Eustatius in 1640. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British captured the island of Saba and held it until 1816, and then returned it to Holland. Since then, it has been considered one of the most remote areas of this country.

The island of Curacao, part of the group of so-called "ABC-Ilands", is often called "hot Holland". And the peak season in Curacao is in the fall.

The Dutch Antilles, including Curacao, are rightfully considered one of the most picturesque islands in the Caribbean. Almost everyone who has visited these places talks about some special charm of the islands of the ABC archipelago. Or maybe the magic liquor is to blame for everything?

They say that Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands often comes to admire the famous sunset in Curacao. By the way, according to eyewitnesses, her personal apartments in a local hotel are certainly not small, but very modest. The hotel owners, like all island residents, are very proud of their queen and consider her an extremely “uncomplicated” guest.

In fairness, it should be noted that local residents are friendly and hospitable towards everyone who comes to visit them. “We love to live and love equally,” says local “celebrity”, taxi driver-guide Tico. A few years ago, Tico, not being a professional actor, played one of the roles in a popular Dutch film and... woke up famous. If you travel with Tico for at least half a day, you will inevitably get the impression that his circle of friends and acquaintances includes all 160 thousand inhabitants of the island!

Tourists arriving on the island are usually recommended to enjoy the beauty of the archipelago by taking a boat or air trip. There is no point in refusing. A completely paradisiacal landscape will appear before your eyes: a bright blue sea, dazzling white beaches, slightly swaying palm trees, all kinds of exotic plants, including wild pineapples.

The modern Dutch Antilles were discovered by Spanish navigators in 1499, but they passed to the Dutch in 1643. The Amsterdam-based West India Company very quickly recognized the considerable importance of Curacao in the trade exchange between Europe and South America. In the mid-17th century, the island became the main center of the slave trade in the Antilles and remained so until 1863, when human trafficking was banned in the Netherlands. By the way, entire neighborhoods where slaves lived were specially reconstructed on the island. From a historical point of view, this is a completely unique spectacle.

Back in the 17th century, the colonists who settled here discovered a way to make a special drink, the basis of which was alcohol obtained from the oil of the peel of bitter oranges. Later, cocoa, caramel, etc. were added to this drink. Thus, one of the most popular liqueurs today, “Curacao,” was born. It must be said that the recipe for the world famous liqueur is still kept in the deepest secret.

Holidays in Curacao provide an opportunity not only to enjoy the sea and exotic nature, but also to get a lot of pleasure from excursions to the historical areas of the island, which, by the way, are recognized by UNESCO as part of the world cultural heritage. Just wander around the main city of the island - Willemstadt. Oddly enough, Curacao, among other things, has the reputation of a very sophisticated shopping center. So connoisseurs come to “Amsterdam in the Caribbean” not only to relax, but also to shop properly. And of course, don’t forget about one of the main pleasures - eating delicious food. In this sense, Curacao is an ideal place for gourmets, especially for lovers of seafood and exotic cuisine.

Part of the territory Western Europe occupies the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its area is approximately 41,525 square meters. km. This state has borders with Belgium and Germany. In the north and west of the country there are outlets to the North Sea. The Netherlands has islands in the Caribbean Sea. These include the island of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles.

Geographical characteristics

The Lesser Antilles archipelago includes such land areas as Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire. This island group is located near Venezuela. The smaller islands of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius also form a group in the northern part of the archipelago. St. Eustatius borders St. Kitts and Nevis. Sint Maarten has a land border with the French overseas territory of Saint Martin, as well as maritime borders with Saint Barthélemy and Anguilla. Bonaire is included in the Leeward Islands. It is 30 km from the island of Curacao. Bonaire is washed on all sides by the Caribbean Sea. Not far from it is a deserted area of ​​land called Klein Bonaire, which is also called Little Bonaire. Picturesque Bonaire, together with the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius, forms a Dutch possession - the Caribbean Netherlands. Today Bonaire is actually a municipality in the Kingdom.

Natural features

The islands of the Netherlands, such as Curacao and Bonaire, have a relief typical of the Caribbean area. They are the tops of seamounts located on the continental shelf. These are low islands surrounded by bays and lagoons. They are almost completely covered with tropical plants. These islands also have developed beaches and agricultural land. The islands of Sint Eustatius, Saba and Sint Maarten are the peaks of underwater volcanoes. They are characterized by elevated relief and rounded shape. Saba Island was formed on the site of a volcano that erupted more than 5,000 years ago.

The islands of the Netherlands include Holland Island in the Chesapeake Bay. This is a swampy landmass located in the state of Maryland. Previously, it was inhabited by farmers and boatmen, but gradually the island became deserted. Its western part began to collapse under the influence of tides and winds. That's why local population was forced to move to a safer mainland.

Weather

The islands of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea have a tropical trade wind climate. Comfortable and warm weather prevails there with slight temperature differences between seasons. In summer the average air temperature is +27 degrees, and in winter it is +25 degrees. The trade winds that blow from the Atlantic bring rain to the islands. Bonaire and Curacao are located outside the hurricane zone. Sint Eustatius, Saba and Sint Maarten sometimes experience the effects of destructive hurricanes.

Caribbean islands are located in the Caribbean Sea region. The Caribbean Sea region is located southeast of Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, north of South America and west of the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, considered the Lucayan Archipelago and not bordering the Caribbean Sea, are technically part of the West Indies, but not the Caribbean. The mainland countries of Belize, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are often included as Caribbean islands due to their political and cultural ties to the region.

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Caribbean countries

The Caribbean islands are made up of 25 independent countries and other territories

1. Anguilla(Anguilla has been a British overseas territory since 1980)
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Aruba(Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
4. Bahamas
5. Barbados
6. British Virgin Islands (BVI is a British Overseas Territory)
   • Tortola
   • Virgin Gorda
   • Anegada
   • Jost Van Dyke
7. Caribbean Netherlands also known as the BES Islands are three special municipalities of the Netherlands that are located in the Caribbean Sea. Made up of islands
   • Bonaire
   • Saint Eustatius
   • Saba
8. Cayman islands(The Cayman Islands has been a British overseas territory since 1962)
9. Cuba
10. Curacao(Curacao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
11. Dominica
12. Dominican Republic
13. Grenada
14. Guadeloupe
15. Haiti
16. Jamaica
17. Martinique(French overseas territory since 1946)
18. Montserrat(Montserrat has been a British overseas territory since 1632)
19. Puerto Rico(Puerto Rico has been a United States territory since 1898)
20. Saint Barthelemy(Saint Barthélemy has been an overseas community of France since 2007, was previously a French colony after 1648, exchanged with Sweden in 1784 and sold back to France in 1878)
21. Saint Kitts and Nevis
22. Saint Lucia
23. Saint Martin(French overseas territory)
24. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
25. Sint Maarten(Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
26. Trinidad and Tobago
27. Turks and Caicos Islands(TCI are a British Overseas Territory)
28. United States Virgin Islands The USVI is a territory of the United States of America. Consists of main islands
    • Sainte-Croix
    • Saint John
    • Saint Thomas

Why Caribbean?

History of the Caribbean

Life in the region changed forever when, in October 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the coast Bahamas. He also island hopped and developed the first European settlement on the island, which today is divided between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Columbus and his fellow conquistadors recognized the wealth in the region and saw money when they looked at the bountiful seas and fertile lands. They exploited the natural resources and indigenous populations, claiming the lands as their own and enslaving the people of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other islands.

The English followed in the 17th century, claiming St. Kitts, Barbados, Antigua and other lands, and the French soon followed, claiming Guadeloupe and Martinique. The Dutch also wanted part of the Caribbean, the settlements of St. Martin, Saba and St. Eustatius. For the next two centuries, Europeans fought for control of the islands, and ownership changed frequently.

Colonial infighting between European powers created the opportunity for local people to fight for their own independence. Haiti led the way by declaring independence from its colonizers in 1804, and Cuba and the Dominican Republic followed, as well as other smaller islands in the region. Some islands, such as Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe, still maintain strong neo-colonial relationships with their parent nations.

Caribbean culture

Modern Caribbean culture has been heavily influenced by the culture and traditions of Europe, as well as cues from African culture and others who came to the islands through immigrants. These different waves of migration have created a truly unique combination of cuisine, music, art, customs and traditions in the region.

One of the most recognizable aspects of Caribbean culture is the region's music. Although they have roots in European and African cultures, the sounds of reggae, meringue, calypso, rumba and zouk music are distinctly Caribbean. Although the Caribbean islands share aspects of a common culture, each nation offers something unique to the individual visitor. For stunning scenery and luxury resorts, they head to the Cayman Islands. St. Kitts and Nevis attract with its seclusion and live music festivals, Barbados' unique flair combines horse racing by day and Calypso dancing by night, and the US Virgin Islands attract visitors with their plantation tours and pristine beaches.

Caribbean lifestyle

Nature lovers can explore the botanical gardens of the underwater limestone caves and offshore reefs of the Bahamas, then play for a moment at the casino and delve into pirate lore without leaving the island. In St. Lucia they can relax on an isolated beach and then indulge their adrenaline rush by zip lining through the rainforest or climbing the peaks. These are just a few of the many unique experiences visitors have while exploring the island.

Caribbean climate

The sun always shines on the region, and many travelers are drawn to the mild tropical climate when winter hits their countries. Temperatures do not vary much throughout the year, with average temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the season. Trade winds make days and nights relatively comfortable, but humidity can be high year-round. The rainy season comes in the fall and the hurricane season spans from June to November, but Satellite forecasts now give plenty of warning so that precautions can be taken during a storm. Truly a year-round destination, there really is never a bad time to visit the Caribbean.

Pleasant weather is one of the reasons that tourism has become a key industry for the Caribbean economy. Every year millions of people come to the islands, but other major industries include textiles, clothing and electronics manufacturing and oil refining and manufacturing.

Caribbean, one of the world's premier travel destinations

However, most Caribbean countries rely heavily on tourist dollars. Fortunately there are no signs of the industry slowing down. People all over the world dream of spending their days in the shade of palm trees... sandy beach sipping on tropical concoctions and feasting on the freshest seafood, dancing to the sweet rhythms of steel drum bands at night and getting it all in paradise island. The Caribbean offers all this and more, making it one of the world's premier travel destinations for those seeking a true tropical escape.