Greater Antilles facts for kids
The Greater Antilles are a group of large islands in the Caribbean Sea. They are part of the West Indies, which is the name for all the islands in this region. These islands are much bigger than the nearby Lesser Antilles.
The main islands that make up the Greater Antilles are Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. Hispaniola is a special island because it is home to two countries: Haiti on the western side and the Dominican Republic on the eastern side.
Sometimes, smaller islands close to these four main ones are also considered part of the Greater Antilles. For example, the Cayman Islands are often included because they are very close. Also, tiny islands that belong to one of the main island countries (like the small islands around Cuba) are part of this group.
The Greater Antilles are different from the Lesser Antilles because they are made of older, continental rock. Most of the Lesser Antilles, however, are newer islands formed by volcanoes or coral.
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Islands of the Greater Antilles
The Greater Antilles include some of the most well-known islands in the Caribbean. Each island has its own unique history and culture.
Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Greater Antilles. It is known for its rich history, vibrant music, and beautiful old cities. The capital city is Havana, which has many historic buildings.
Hispaniola
Hispaniola is the second-largest island. It is shared by two countries:
- Haiti is on the western part of the island. It was the first independent nation in Latin America.
- Dominican Republic is on the eastern part. It is known for its beautiful beaches and lively culture.
Jamaica
Jamaica is famous for its reggae music, stunning beaches, and lush mountains. It is a popular destination for tourists. The capital city is Kingston.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an island territory of the United States. It has a mix of Spanish and American influences. Its capital, San Juan, is one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Americas.
Geography and Formation
The islands of the Greater Antilles are unique because of how they were formed. Unlike many other Caribbean islands, they are not mainly volcanic islands. Instead, they are made of older, continental rock. This means they are like pieces of a larger landmass that broke away.
This geological difference is important. It explains why these islands are generally larger and have more varied landscapes compared to the smaller, often volcanic or coral islands found in the Lesser Antilles.
Images for kids
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Havana Cathedral, built by the Spanish in Cuba between 1748 and 1777
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Citadelle Laferrière, a 19th-century fortress in Haiti. It was built by freed slaves as a defence against France.
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Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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Ocho Rios, Jamaica
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See also
In Spanish: Antillas Mayores para niños
