Lesser Antilles Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Lesser Antilles Kleine Antillen (Dutch) Petites Antilles (French) Antiyas Minores (Papiamento) Antillas Menores (Spanish)
Region of the Caribbean
Location within the Caribbean.
Region	Caribbean
Island States	21 Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Caribbean Netherlands Curaçao Dominica Grenada Guadeloupe Martinique Montserrat Saint Barthélemy Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago United States Virgin Islands
Area
• Total	13,012 km² (5,024 sq mi)
Population (2009)
• Total	3,735,636
• Density	287.092/km² (743.564/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Lesser Antillean
Time zone	UTC−4 (AST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−3 (ADT)

Location of the Lesser Antilles (green) in comparison to the rest of the Caribbean.

The Lesser Antilles (also known as the Caribbees) are a beautiful group of islands. They stretch like a long chain between the eastern edge of the warm Caribbean Sea and the vast Atlantic Ocean. These islands are located to the east and south of the Greater Antilles. Some of them are also found just off the northern coast of South America. They are a popular destination for tourists and home to many different cultures.

Geography and Formation
- How the Islands Formed
- Island Groups
Climate and Weather
- Rainy Season
- Hurricane Season
Culture and People
- Languages Spoken
- Music and Festivals
Wildlife and Nature
- Land Animals
- Marine Life
Economy and Tourism
- Other Industries
Images for kids
See also

Geography and Formation

The Lesser Antilles are made up of two main island groups. These are the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands. There is also a third group called the Leeward Antilles.

How the Islands Formed

Most of the islands in the Lesser Antilles were formed by volcanoes. This happened over millions of years. As tectonic plates moved, magma pushed up from deep within the Earth. This created underwater volcanoes that eventually grew tall enough to break the ocean surface.

Many of these islands still have active or dormant volcanoes. This means they could erupt again. The volcanic soil on these islands is very rich. It is great for growing crops like sugar cane and bananas.

Island Groups

The Leeward Islands are the northern part of the chain. They include islands like Anguilla, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda. These islands are generally drier.

The Windward Islands are to the south. They include islands such as Dominica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. These islands often get more rain. They are known for their lush, green landscapes.

The Leeward Antilles are a separate group. They are located off the coast of Venezuela. These include islands like Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. They are known for their drier climate and unique desert-like plants.

Climate and Weather

The Lesser Antilles have a tropical climate. This means it is warm and sunny all year round. The average temperature is usually around 27°C (80°F). There are two main seasons: a dry season and a wet season.

Rainy Season

The wet season typically runs from June to November. During this time, the islands experience more rainfall. This rain helps keep the islands green and vibrant.

Hurricane Season

The Lesser Antilles are located in the hurricane belt. This means they can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. Islands have systems in place to warn people and prepare for these storms.

Culture and People

The people of the Lesser Antilles are called Lesser Antilleans. They come from a mix of different backgrounds. This includes indigenous people, Africans, and Europeans. This mix has created a rich and diverse culture.

Languages Spoken

Many different languages are spoken across the islands. English, French, Spanish, and Dutch are common. You will also hear various Creole languages. These languages developed from a mix of European and African languages. For example, Papiamento is spoken in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

Music and Festivals

Music is a big part of life in the Lesser Antilles. Popular music styles include calypso, soca, and reggae. These lively rhythms are often heard during festivals. Carnival is a major festival celebrated on many islands. It features colorful parades, music, and dancing.

Wildlife and Nature

The Lesser Antilles are home to amazing wildlife. Both on land and in the sea. The islands have unique plants and animals. Many of these cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Land Animals

You might spot colorful birds like the parrot or the hummingbird. Some islands have small mammals like the mongoose or the agouti. There are also many different types of lizards and frogs.

Marine Life

The waters around the islands are full of life. There are beautiful coral reefs. These reefs are home to many kinds of fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. Snorkeling and diving are popular ways to explore this underwater world.

Economy and Tourism

Tourism is very important to the Lesser Antilles. Many people visit the islands for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and warm climate. Visitors enjoy activities like swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Other Industries

Besides tourism, other industries support the islands. Agriculture is still important on some islands. They grow crops like bananas, sugar cane, and spices. Some islands also have oil refineries or offshore banking services.