If you think about it, the Caribbean islands are famous for a wide range of things – from the fact that they’re the home to acknowledged and successful cricket players and runners to it being a tax safe haven for many individuals, all the way to the fact that we all want to head there in order to enjoy our vacations.
But, besides these well-known facts, there are other ones that you might not know about, all of which will make this location even more interesting and fun for you to explore either in person or over the Internet. To make things easier for you, here are the top 10 fascinating facts you probably didn’t know about the Caribbean isles:
1. There Are More Than 700 Islands
One of the first things that you might want to know about this amazing location is that it’s actually made up of more than 700 islands, reefs, caves, and islets. Of course, they’re all divided into specific island groups which are referred to as the Lucayan Archipelago (famous for the Bahamas), the Great Antilles (famous for Cuba, the Cayman, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic), and the Lesser Antilles (which is comprised from sub-island groups).
2. The Islands Mostly Aren’t Inhabited
As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are over 700 islands that make up the Caribbean, which is one of the main reasons a lot of individuals think that they’re entirely inhabited by locals. However, this particular fact isn’t entirely true. According to various reports and studies, approximately 2 percent (2%!) of them are inhabited by local people, meaning that most of them are actually pristine and mesmerizing islets that you could visit.
3. Most Locals Are Descendants of African Slaves
Did you know that most of the locals living on these islands are descendants of African slaves that were shipped to this particular location by European powers to work on their sugar plantations? Yup, they were brought there for the sole purpose of working on the plantations, and once the slavery period ended, they have opted for staying and living on the island. Another interesting fact is that there are books written on the topic, including one named Rogues in Paradise.
The book celebrates the Afro-British Caribbean culture of Barbados, but more importantly, it celebrates the fun, welcoming, and extraordinary people that call this place their home. The collection of stories is quite captivating, provocative, and funny, and if you opt for reading it, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring the history, culture, and locals of the Caribbean while at the same time, you might be amazed by humanity, heritage, and cultural responsibility of the stories told in the book.
4. There Are Over 70 Languages Spoken Across The Region
Firstly, you should know that there are over 70 languages that you might hear while staying on one of the islands, and secondly, there are six official languages that you could use, including French, Spanish, Dutch, English, as well as two native languages that are referred to as Papiamento and Haitian Creole. Although it’s quite possible for you to speak all these official languages while there, all people will know English.
Therefore, you won’t have any trouble communicating with locals or other travelers. It’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in the local language as a sign of respect, but you can rest assured that English will suffice for most interactions or reading Sandals in Bahamas reviews.
This is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located in Nassau, Bahamas, and it boasts a wide range of amenities and services. From its impressive private island to its top-notch restaurants and bars, this hotel offers everything you need for a memorable vacation. The staff is attentive and friendly, and the rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with beautiful views of the ocean or the resort’s lush gardens.
5. The Islands Were The Filming Locations of Famous Movies
The pristine beauty and locations found on these groups of islands served as the filming locations for a wide range of movies. Of course, one of the most popular movie franchises filmed there is “The Pirates of The Caribbean” starring the well-known actors and actresses Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, as well as Orlando Bloom. Additionally, for the first James Bond movie “Dr. No”, Jamaica was used for the scenes.
6. The Smallest Runway is Built There
Yet another interesting and fun thing that you might want to know about this location is that it’s also the home to the shortest runway on our planter. The runway is approximately 1.300 feet long and it’s located on an island called Saba. Just imagine how it would make a good story if you landed on this island where the smallest runway is located and that you would be able to easily walk its distance without actually getting tired.
7. There Are More Churches in Jamaica Than Anywhere Else in The World
Now, this is something that a lot of people don’t know about this location, which is why it’s completely worth mentioning it in this article – there are more churches per square mile in Jamaica – more than 1.500 – than anywhere else around the globe. Yup, this is completely true and if you simply cannot believe this fact, you could check the official records on the Guinness Book of Records website.
8. George Washington Visited Barbados
You might be wondering – what is so special about George Washington visiting Barbados? Well, if you think about the fact that it’s the only foreign country that he has ever visited during his lifetime, it’s quite logical why it would be on our list. The story around these events is actually quite interesting and it shows that people even back then understood how being around the sea can help people with their help.
When George’s brother, Lawrence, contracted tuberculosis, they headed to Barbados with the hope that the environment, nature, and the sea would help him with his illnesses. The house that the President resided in for quite some time is still there and recently, it has been completely renovated and restored. This means that, if you choose to visit Barbados, you could actually go to the house of one of the founding fathers of America.
Conclusion
The place of mesmerizing nature, incredible locals, great food, and pristine beaches are all things we know about the Caribbean. However, there is so much more to this place than these things, including that it’s made up of more than 700 islands, that they are only 2% populated, and that most of the locals living there are descendants of African slaves that were working on the sugar plantations there.
Whether you were simply curious about the hidden facts revolving around these incredible islets or if you’re planning on heading there for your next location, one thing is for sure – there is so much more to learn about the Caribbean. Because of this, you really shouldn’t lose any more of your time, instead, you should open up a new search tab and start looking for more amazing facts about this wonderful place.
