Anguilla - Caribbean
Curaçao (NL) - Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda - Caribbean
Argentina - southern America
Aruba - Caribbean
Bahamas - Caribbean
Barbados - Caribbean
Belize - central America
Bermuda - Caribbean
Bolivia - southern America
Brazil - southern America
Canada - northern America
Cayman Islands - Caribbean
Chile - southern America
Colombia - southern America
Costa Rica - central America
Cuba - Caribbean
Dominica - Caribbean
Ecuador - central America
El Salvador - central America
Falkland - southern America
Jamaica - Caribbean
Grenada - Caribbean
Greenland - northern America
Guadeloupe (FR) - Caribbean
Guatemala - central America
Guyana - southern America
French Guyana - southern America
Haiti - Caribbean
Honduras - central America
Martinique (FR) - Caribbean
Mexico - northern America
Montserrat (UK)- Caribbean
Nicaragua - central America
Panama - central America
Paraguay - southern America
Peru - southern America
Puerto Rico (USA) - Caribbean
Dominican Republic - Caribbean
Saint Kitts and Nevis - Caribbean
Saint Lucia - Caribbean
Saint Pierre Miquelon
United States of America - northern America
Suriname - southern America
Saint Vincent e Grenadine - Caribbean
Trinidad and Tobago - Caribbean
Turks and Caicos - Caribbean
Uruguay - southern America
Venezuela - southern America
US Virgin Islands - Caribbean
British Virgin Islands - Caribbean
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Anguilla


Anguilla Capital City The Valley
Government type Internally self-governing British overseas territory
Head of State Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor
Geography
Location Eastern Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
Area 91 km² (35 sq. miles)
Terrain Flat limestone and coral island with only a few rolling hills
Climate Tropical; moderated by trade winds
People
Nationality Anguillan(s)
Population 16,700 (2016 est.)
Ethnic Groups black 90.1%, mulatto 4.6%
Religions Christianity
Languages English (official)
Literacy 92%
Natural resources Salt, fish, lobster
Agriculture products Tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising
Industries Tourism, boat building, offshore financial services
Anguilla

Anguilla' s beach

Curaçao (NL)


Antille Ol. Capital City Willemstad (on Curaçao)
Other Cities Kralendijk (Bonaire), Oranjestad (Sint Eustatius)
Government type Parliamentary, Autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal and partly in foreign affairs
- note: each island has its own government
Geography
Location Caribbean, two island groups in the Caribbean Sea
Area 800 km² (308 sq. mi.)
Terrain Generally hilly, volcanic interiors
Climate Tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds
People
Nationality Dutch Antillean(s)
Population 220,000 GNI per capita PPP (year): $ 23 770
Ethnic Groups Mixed black 85%, Carib Amerindian, white, East Asian
Religions Christianity, Jewish
Languages Dutch (official) 7% , Papiamento 65%, English widely spoken 16%, Spanish 6%
Literacy 96%
Natural resources phosphates (on Curacao), Salt (on Bonaire)
Agriculture products aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit
Industries tourism (Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing (Curacao)
Antigua and Barbuda


Algeria Capital City St. John's (Antigua, pop. 30 000)
Other Cities Codrington (on Barbuda)
Government type Constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style Parliament
Head of State Queen ELIZABETH II
Independence 1 November 1981 (from the UK)
Constitution 1981
Geography
Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico
Area Antigua: 281 km² (108 sq. mi.) Barbuda: 161 km² (62 sq. mi.)
Total area 442 km² (170 sq. mi.)
Terrain partly volcanic and partly coral, generally low-lying, with highest elevation 405 m. (1,330 ft.)
Climate Year-round tropical maritime, cooled by steady trade winds
People
Nationality Noun and adjective--Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)
Population 89,000 (2016 est)
Annual population growth rate (1999) 1.1%
Ethnic groups Almost entirely of African origin; some of British, Portuguese, and Levantine Arab origin
Religions Principally Anglican, with evangelical Protestant and Roman Catholic minorities
Languages English
Literacy 90%
Natural resources tourism
Agriculture products Cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock
Industries Tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)
Algeria

S. John' s, il porto

Argentina


Argentina Capital City Buenos Aires (pop. 3 million)
Other Cities Córdoba (pop. 1 350 000), Rosario (pop. 1 158 000), Mendoza (pop. 800 000 ), Santa Fe (pop. 360 000), Mar del Plata, La Plata, Tucuman
Government type Republic
Independence 9 July 1816 (from Spain). Constitution: 1 May 1853; revised August 1994
Geography
Location Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay
Area 2.8 million km² (1.1 million sq. mi.); second-largest country in South America
Terrain fertile South American lowlands of the Pampas in the northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in the south, the Andes mountain range along the western border
Climate Argentina's climate is varied; predominantly temperate with extremes ranging from subtropical in the north to arid/sub- Antarctic in the far south
People
Nationality Argentine(s)
Population 45,377,000 (2020) GNI per capita PPP: $ $20,055 (year)
Ethnic groups European 97%, mostly Spanish and Italian descent; Mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups, 3%
Religions Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%
Languages Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French
Literacy 99%
Natural resources Fertile plains (pampas); minerals--lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron, manganese, oil, and uranium
Agriculture products Grains, oilseeds and by-products, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock
Industries Food processing, motor vehicles, oil refining, machinery and equipment, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals
Argentina

Ande in color

Aruba


Aruba Capital City Oranjestad
Other Cities San Nicolaas (St. Nicolaas)
Government type Parliamentary Democracy
Dependency status Constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986; responsible for defense and foreign affairs is the Dutch Government
Geography
Location Caribbean, island in the South Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela
Area 180 km² (69 sq miles)
Terrain Flat with a few hills
Climate Tropical marine
People
Nationality Aruban(s), Dutch
Population 110,000 (Dec. 2015)
Ethnic Groups mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%
Religions Christian 90%, Hindu, Muslim
Languages Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish
Literacy 97%
Natural resources sun, sand, sea, surf
Agriculture products aloes; livestock; fish
Industries Tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining
Aruba

Oranjestad, Aruba capital city

Bahamas


Bahamas Capital City Nassau on the island of New Providence
Second-largest Cities Freeport (on Grand Bahama)
Government type Constitutional parliamentary democracy
Independence 10 July 1973 (from the UK). Constitution: 10 July, 1973
Geography
Location the Caribbean, a chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, and northeast of Cuba
Area 13,943 km². (5,383 sq. mi.)
Terrain long, low flat coral formations with some low rounded hills
Climate Semitropical to tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of the Gulf Stream
People
Nationality Bahamian(s)
Population 397,000 (2021 est.) GNI per capita PPP: $ 19 139 (year)
Ethnic groups African 85%, European 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%
Religions Baptist predominant (32%), Roman Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical Protestants, Methodist, Church of God
Language English (official); some Creole among Haitian groups. Literacy: 93%
Natural resources Salt, aragonite, timber, arable land
Agriculture - products Citrus, vegetables; poultry
Bahamas

The capital city

Barbados


Barbados Capital City Bridgetown
Government type Parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth
Head of State Queen Elizabeth II represented by a Governor General
Independence 30 November 1966 (from the UK)
Geography
Location Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela
Area 431 sq. km. (166 sq. mi.)
Terrain Generally flat, hilly in the interior
Climate Tropical; rainy season (July to November)
People
Nationality Barbadian(s); informally "Bajan(s)"
Population 290,000 (2016 estimated) GNI per capita PPP: $ 17 170 (year)
Ethnic groups Black 90%, White 4%, Asian or mixed 6%
Religions Protestant 67%, Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12%
Language English
Literacy 99,7%
Natural resources petroleum, fish, natural gas
Agriculture products sugarcane, vegetables, cotton
Industries tourism, sugar, financial services, information services, light manufacturing, component assembly for export
Barbados

The most Caribbean island in the Caribbean

Belize


Belize Capital City Belmopan (pop. 2010 census 16,500)
Other Cities Belize City (57,000), Corozal (10,000), Orange Walk (14,000), San Ignacio & Santa Elena (18,000), Dangriga (9,500), Punta Gorda (5,000), San Pedro (11,000)
Government type Parliamentary democracy
Independence 21 September 1981 from the UK
Constitution 21 September 1981
Geography
Location Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Area (mainland and cayes): 23,000 km² (8,867 sq. mi.)
Terrain plain coastline covered with mangrove swamps, low mountains in interior, highest point Doyle's Delight (1124 m)
Climate Tropical, hot and humid. Rainy season May to November; dry season February to May
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Belizean(s)
Population 361,000 (2015) GNI per capita PPP: $ 7 635 (year)
Ethnic groups Mestizo, Creole, Ketchi, Yucatec and Mopan Mayas, Garifuna and East Indian
Religions Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, other Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist
Languages English (official), Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, Mayan
Literacy 76%
Natural resources arable land, timber, seafood, minerals
Agriculture Products sugar, citrus fruits and juices, bananas, mangoes, papayas, honey, corn, beans, rice, cattle (12.7% of GDP)
Industries garment production, food processing, tourism, construction
Belize

El Castillo, the famous Mayan matryoshka pyramid

Bermuda


Bermuda Capital City Hamilton (pop. 3461)
Other Cities St. George (pop. 3306)
Government type British Overseas Territory with significant autonomy
Constitution 8 June 8 1968; amended 1989 and 2003
Geography
Location North America, a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean
Area 53 km² (20.6 sq. mi.)
Terrain Hilly islands surrounded by a wide platform of underwater coral reefs
Climate Semi-tropical, mild, humid
People
Nationality Bermudian(s)
Population 64,000 (2020) GNI per capita PPP: $ 86 000 (year)
Ethnic Groups Black 55%, white 34%, mixed 7%, other
Religions Christian
Languages English (official), Portuguese
Literacy 99%
Natural resources Limestone, tourism
Agriculture products Bananas, citrus, vegetables, flowers, dairy products, honey
Industries Tourism, international business (insurance and other financial services), light manufacturing
Bermuda

Bird' s eye view of the island

Bolivia


Bolivia Capital Cities La Paz (administrative, seat of the government; pop. 800,000) Sucre (legislative/judiciary; pop. 300 000)
Other Cities Santa Cruz (1,500 000), Cochabamba (587,000), El Alto (860,000)
Government type Republic
Independence 6 August, 1825
Constitution 1967; revised 1994
Geography
Location West-central South America
Area 1 million km² (424.164 sq. mi.)
Terrain High plateau (altiplano), temperate and semitropical valleys, and the tropical lowlands
Climate Varies with altitude--from humid and tropical to semiarid and cold
People
Nationality Bolivian(s)
Population 11.8 million (2021) GNI per capita PPP: $ 3,049 (year)
Ethnic Groups Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%, Aymara 25%, white 15%
Religions Predominantly Roman Catholic; minority Protestant
Languages Spanish (official); Quechua, Aymara, Guarani
Literacy 85.5%
Natural resources tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower
Agriculture products soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber
Industries mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing
Bolivia Bolivia

Bolivia, important archaeological sites and suggestive natural landscapes

Brazil


Brasile Capital City Brasilia (pop. 2.1 million) GDF - Governo do Distrito Federal The Federal District Government. (in Portuguese)
Other Cities Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Fortaleza, Recife, Porto Alegre, Curitiba
Government type Federative Republic
Independence 7 September 1822 (from Portugal)
Geography
Location Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Area 8.5 million km² (3 290 000 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than the USA
Terrain Dense rain forests in northern regions including the Amazon Basin; semiarid along the northeast coast; mountains, hills, and rolling plains in the southwest, including Mato Grosso; and coastal lowland
Climate Mostly tropical or semitropical with temperate zone in the south
People
Nationality Brazilian
Population (in 2021) 212.7 million GNI per capita PPP: $ 16,461 (2019)
Ethnic groups Brazil's population is derived from three main ethnic sources. To the original inhabitants (Indians) were added successive waves of Europeans (mainly Portuguese) and Africans (mostly from the sub-Saharan west coast, belonging to the Bantu and to the Sudanic (Yoruba) ethnic groups)
Religion Roman Catholic (64%), Protestant (22%)
Language Brazilian Portuguese
Literacy 92% of adult population
Natural resourcesb> iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, gemstones, oil, wood, and aluminum. Brazil has 12% of the world's fresh water
Agriculture products Brazil is the biggest exporter of coffee, soybeans, beef, sugar cane, ethanol and frozen chickens
Other products wheat, rice, corn, cocoa, and citrus
Industries textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment
Brasile Brasile Brasile

Brazil, aerial view of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Iguazu waterfalls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina

Canada


Canada Capital City Ottawa (pop. 1 million)
Other Cities Toronto (4.5 million), Montreal (3.4 million), Vancouver (2.0 million), Calgary (1 million), Quebec (500.000)
Government Type: Confederation with parliamentary democracy
Independence 1 July 1867 (from the UK)
Constitution The amended British North America Act of 1867 patriated to Canada on 17 April 1982, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and unwritten custom. (Constitution Act of 1982)
Geography
Location Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north
Area 9.9 million km² (3.8 million sq. mi.); second-largest country in the world
Terrain as large as the country is, it offers many different landscapes, towering mountains, vast prairies, desert-like areas, frozen arctic tundra, 17,000 glaciers, steep valleys, hilly promontories, huge rivers and lakes
Climate Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north
People
Nationality Noun and adjective--Canadian(s)
Population 38 million (2020) GNI per capita PPP: $ 42,080 (2020)
Ethnic groups people of British descent (28%), French descent (23%), Italian descent (3%), aboriginal peoples (2%), plus significant minorities of German, Ukrainian, Dutch, Greek, Polish and Chinese
Religions Religion: Catholic (45%), Protestant (36%), and minorities from most of the world's major religions
Languages English 59.3% (official), French 23.2% (official), and 53 native languages
Literacy 97-99% of the population aged 15 and over
Natural resources Iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower
Agriculture products Wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; fish
Industries transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products; wood and paper products; fish products, petroleum and natural gas
Canada Canada Canada

Canadian Museum of the Civilization, Alberta' s Dinosaur Provincial Park, Banff National Park

Cayman Islands


Cayman - The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the Western Caribbean
- It is comprised of three Islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
Location
- The Islands are situated 480 miles southwest of Miami, about 277 miles south of Cuba, and 310 miles northwest of Jamaica
- Cayman Brac is 89 miles northeast of Grand Cayman and Little Cayman is 5 miles west of Cayman Brac
Capital the capital of the Cayman Islands is George Town, in Grand Cayman
History reputed to be discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, the first settlers came here in 1638
- the Islands were handed over by Spain to Great Britain in 1670 with a larger influx of settlers arriving from early 18th Century
- he Cayman Islands were administered as a dependency of Jamaica from 1863
- upon Jamaica's independence, the Cayman Islands opted to become a direct dependency of the British Crown, and received its first constitution in 1959
British Overseas Territory the British Nationality Act 1981 came into force on 1 January 1983, which separated Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKCs) into three categories: British Citizens, British Dependent Territories Citizens, and British Overseas Citizens
- British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) was called ‘British dependent territories citizenship’ before 26 February 2002
- Persons automatically became a British citizen on 21 May 2002 if they were connected to the following qualifying British overseas territories: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands
Population
- While there are over 130 nationalities living and working in the Cayman Islands, the majority of work permit holders (about 75%) come from Jamaica, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, and the United States
- As of Fall 2019, we are home to 69,914 persons (50.6% female and 49.4% male) with approximately 37,363 Caymanians
- Surnames such as McTaggart, Chisholm and Bodden abound, tracing our cultural links back to early settlers from across Great Britain, from Scotland through to Cornwall
- Children younger than 15 years old account for 15.2 percent of the population, while the elderly (65 years or older) represent 7.9 percent
- Non-Caymanians comprise 46.7% of the workforce
- They are admitted under the government’s work permit system which controls the inflow of foreign skills and labour
- We expect these statistics to change as the impacts of COVID-19 are felt through our economy and workforce
Religion
- Christianity has played a large role in the lives of Caymanians, and there are a variety of churches
- The largest according to the 2010 Census are: Church of God, Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Presbyterian/United Church, Baptist Residents also follow the Baha’i, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim faiths
- Although these communities are not large enough to support houses of worship, services are held in family homes and visitors are welcome
Cayman

Grand Cayman

Chile


Cile Capital City Santiago (pop. metropolitan area est. 6 million), the legislative body operates in Valparaíso
Other Cities Concepcion-Talcahuano (840,000), Vina del Mar-Valparaíso (800,000), Antofagasta (245,000), Temuco (230,000)
Government type Republic
Independence 18 Sept 1810 (from Spain)
Constitution Promulgated 11 September 1980; effective 11 March 1981; amended in 1989, 1993, and 1997
Geography
Location Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru
Area 756,100 km² (291,931 sq. mi.)
Terrain Desert in north; fertile central valley; volcanoes and lakes toward the south, giving way to rugged and complex coastline; Andes Mountains on the eastern border
Climate Arid in north, Mediterranean in the central part, temperate oceanic and cool in south
People
Nationality Noun and adjective--Chilean(s)
Population 19.7 million (2021) GNI per capita PPP: $ 11 537 (year)
Ethnic groups Spanish-Native-American (mestizo), European, Native-American
Religions Roman Catholic 69.9%; Protestant 15%
Languages Spanish
Literacy 95.8%
Natural resources copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower
Agriculture products grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, wine, garlic, asparagus, beans, beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber
Industries copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles
Cile Cile Cile Cile

Mysterious ceremonials in the Atacama Desert, Mohai of Easter Island

Colombia


Colombia Capital City Bogotá formerly Santa Fe de Bogotá, (pop. about 6 million)
Other Cities Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena
Government type Republic
Independence 20 July 1810
Geography
Location Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama
Area 1.134 million km² (440,000 sq. mi.), fourth-largest country in South America
Terrain Flat coastal areas, with extensive coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, three rugged parallel mountain chains, central highlands, and flat eastern grasslands
Climate Tropical on coast and eastern plains, cooler in highlands
People
Nationality Colombian(s)
Population 49 million (2016) GNI per capita PPP: $ 7 303 (year)
Ethnic groups Mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%
Religion Roman Catholic 90%
Language Spanish
Literacy 93% in urban areas, 67% in rural areas
Natural resources coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nickel, gold, silver, copper, platinum, emeralds
Agriculture products coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp
Industries textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds
Colombia Colombia

Colombia Unesco heritage cultural landscape of coffee, the Ciudad Perdida

Costa Rica


Costa Rica Capital City San José (pop. 354 600, greater metropolitan area 2.1 million)
Other Cities Puntarenas (pop. 103 000), Limon (pop. 90 000)
Government type Democratic Republic
Independence 15 September (1821 from Spain)
Constitution 7 November 1949
Geography
Location Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea in the north-east and the North Pacific Ocean in the south-west, between Nicaragua and Panama
Area 51,100 km² (19,729 sq. mi.)
Terrain Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes
Climate Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
People
Nationality Costa Rican(s)
Population 4.8 million (2015)
Ethnic Groups European and some mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, indigenous 1%, other 1%
Religions Roman Catholic 69%, Protestant approx. 18%, none 12%, others 1%
Languages Spanish, with a southwestern Caribbean Creole dialect of English spoken around the Limon area
Literacy 96%
Natural resources hydroelectric power, forest products, fisheries products
Agriculture products coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber
Industries microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products
Costa Rica

The volcanoes of Costa Rica

Cuba


Cuba Capital City Habana (Havana, pop. 2 million)
Other major Cities Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey, Santa Clara, Holguin, Guantanamo, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Pinar del Rio
Government type Communist state; current government assumed power by force January 1, 1959
Independence 20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902)
Geography
Location Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Florida
Area 109,886 km². (42,427 sq. mi.)
Terrain Flat or gently rolling plains, hills; mountains up to 2,000 meters (6,000 ft.) in the southeast
Climate Tropical, moderated by trade winds; dry season (November-April); rainy season (May-October)
People
Nationality Cuban(s)
Population 11.4 million (2014); 70% urban, 30% rural
Ethnic groups 51% mulatto, 37% white, 11% black, 1% Chinese (according to Cuban census data)
Language Spanish
Literacy 95%
Natural resources nickel, cobalt, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber
Agriculture products sugar, tobacco, citrus and tropical fruits, coffee, rice, beans, meat, vegetables
Industries sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals
Cuba

National School of Art, Habana

Dominica


Dominica Capital City Roseau (pronounced rose-oh) (population 13,500)
Main towns Canefield (3,400), Portsmouth (3,300), Marigot (2,700), Salisbury (2,500), Atkinson (2,300), Berekua (2,100), St Joseph (1,900), Castle Bruce (1,900), Wesley (1,600) and Mahaut (1,200)
Government type Parliamentary democracy; republic within commonwealth
Independence 3 November 1978 (from UK)
Constitution November 1978
Geography
Location Eastern Caribbean; North of Martinique and South of Guadeloupe
Area 751 km² (290 sq. mi)
Terrain Mountainous volcanic island with rainforest cover
Climate Tropical; climate and temperatures can vary drastically dependent upon the season and region
People
Nationality Dominican (Dom-i-nee-can)
Population 72,000 (2014)
Ethnic groups Mainly African descent, some Carib Indians
Religions Roman Catholic (80%), Anglican, other Protestant denominations
Languages English. A french based Creole (Patois) is widely spoken by residents
Literacy 94%
Natural resources timber, hydropower, arable land
Agriculture products bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, coconuts, cocoa; forest and fishery potential not exploited
Industries soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra
Dominica

Dominica Roseau Caribbean

Ecuador


Ecuador Capital City Quito (pop. 1.4 million)
Other Cities Cuenca, Guayaquil (largest city in Ecuador)
Government Republic
Independence 24 May 1822 (from Spain)
Constitution 10 August 1998
Geography
Location Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru
Area 283,561 km² (109.483 sq. mi.)
Terrain Jungle east of the Andes, a rich agricultural coastal plain west of the Andes, high-elevation valleys through the mountainous center of the country and an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean
Climate Varied, mild year-round in the mountain valleys; tropical, hot and humid in coastal and Amazonian jungle lowlands
People
Nationality Ecuadorian(s)
Population 16.7 million (2017)
Ethnic groups Mestizo (mixed Indian and Spanish) 65%, Indigenous 25%, Caucasian and others 7%, African 3%
Religion Predominantly Roman Catholic (95%), but religious freedom recognized
Languages Spanish (official), indigenous languages, especially Quichua, the Ecuadorian dialect of Quechua
Literacy 90%
Natural resources petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower
Agriculture products bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca), plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy products; balsa wood; fish, shrimp
Industries petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals
Ecuador

Ingapirca, the most important archaeological site in Ecuador

El Salvador


El Salvador Capital City San Salvador (pop. 600 000)
Other Cities Santa Ana (pop. 237 000), San Miguel (pop. 222,000), Ahuachapán (pop. 100 000), Soyapango (pop. 222,096), La Union
Government type Republic
Independence on 15 September 1821 (from Spain). Constitution: 20 December 1983
Geography
Location Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean in the south, between Guatemala and Honduras
Area 21,041 km² (8,123 sq. mi.)
Terrain Mountains separate country into three distinct regions--southern coastal belt, central valleys and plateaus, and northern mountains
Climate Semitropical, tropical on coast; temperate in uplands, distinct wet and dry seasons
People
Nationality Salvadoran(s)
Population 6.4 million (2015)
Ethnic Groups mixed Indian and Spanish 90%, indigenous 1%, Caucasian 9%
Religions Roman Catholic, Protestants
Languages Spanish
Literacy 75-80%
Natural resources hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land
Agriculture products coffee, sugar, livestock, corn, poultry, and sorghum
Industries food and beverage processing, textiles, footwear and clothing, chemical products, petroleum products, electronics
El Salvador
Mayan archaeological site of Tazumal

Isole Falkland


Falkland - l'arcipelago delle Falkland si trova nell'Atlantico meridionale a circa 450 Km dalle coste sud dell'Argentina, che le rivendica e per le quali c'è stato anche un conflitto nel 1982 con il Regno Unito
- due le isole più importanti, a Stanley vive oltre 2/3 della popolazione
- le attività principali sono la pesca e l'allevamento di ovini
Forma di governo Dipendenza Britannica con autonomia interna (rivendicata dall'Argentina)
Superficie 12.173 Km² (16.239 Km² con Georgia del Sud e Sandwich Australi)
Popolazione 3.040 ab. (censimento 2016)
Densità 0,25 ab/Km²
Capitale Stanley (2.460 ab.)
Moneta Sterlina delle Falkland
Lingua Inglese (ufficiale), Spagnolo
Speranza di vita M 76 anni, F 80 anni
Posizione Sudamerica
Confini Circondate dall'Oceano Atlantico
GEOGRAFIA FISICA DELLE FALKLAND
- l'arcipelago delle Falkland/Malvinas è formato da due isole principali, East Falkland/Soledad (6.605 Km²) e West Falkland/Gran Malvina (4.532 Km²) e da altre 776 fra isole più piccole ed isolotti minori, per uno sviluppo costiero di ben 7.400 chilometri, grazie alla presenza di numerose baie, insenature e fiordi
- il territorio è in prevalenza collinare e montuoso, anche se le principali cime si attestano solo sui 700 metri d'altezza, Mount Usborne (705 m.) su East Falkland e Mount Adam (700 m.) su West Falkland le due maggiori
- vista la conformazione dell'arcipelago non sono presenti fiumi di grande rilevanza, quattro quelli principali, San Carlos e Malo su East Falkland, Warrah e Chartres su West Falkland
- anche i laghi non hanno grande estensione, Lake Sulivan su West Falkland quello più ampio
- il clima è di tipo oceanico freddo, con differenze nelle temperature medie non troppo marcate fra i mesi più caldi (12-13° C) e quelli invernali (4-5° C), le precipitazioni non sono molto abbondanti e piuttosto costanti in tutto l'arco dell'anno, caratteristici i venti che sovente soffiano con particolare vigore
GEOGRAFIA UMANA DELLE FALKLAND
- le Falkland (Malvinas in spagnolo) sono un territorio d'oltremare britannico auto-governato, l'unico vero centro urbano è il capoluogo Stanley (2.460 ab.), situato sull'estremità orientale dell'isola di East Falkland, il resto degli abitanti vive nella base militare di Mount Pleasant, in piccoli agglomerati di case o in fattorie più isolate
- il tasso di urbanizzazione è dell'86%
- la popolazione è in maggior parte di cittadinanza britannica (92%), con minoranze provenienti da Sudamerica (4%), Oceania (2%) ed Europa (1%)
- la religione cristiana, soprattutto protestante è professata dal 66% degli abitanti, mentre il 32% non è religioso
Falkland

Pinguini delle isole Falkland

Giamaica


Giamaica - la Giamaica è un'isola delle Grandi Antille e si trova circa 150 Km a sud-est di Cuba
- è indipendente dal 1962
- il territorio è caratterizzato da brevi catene montuose che sfiorano i 1.000 metri d'altezza, ad esclusione delle Blue Mountains, molto più elevate
- la bauxite è alla base dell'economia, col turismo che s'è ritagliato uno spazio sempre più importante nel corso degli anni
Forma di governo Monarchia parlamentare
Superficie 10.991 Km²
Popolazione 2.698.000 ab. (censimento 2011) 2.726.000 ab. (stime 2019)
Densità 248 ab/Km²
Capitale Kingston (590.000 ab.)
Moneta Dollaro giamaicano
Indice di sviluppo umano 0,726 (96° posto)
Lingua Inglese (ufficiale), Creolo-giamaicano
Speranza di vita M 73 anni, F 76 anni
Posizione Nord-Centro America
Confini Circondata dall'Oceano Atlantico (Mar dei Caribbean)
GEOGRAFIA FISICA DELLA GIAMAICA
- il territorio della Giamaica è in prevalenza montuoso, anche se solamente la parte orientale arriva ad altezze considerevoli con la catena delle Blue Mountains, che raggiungono la loro massima elevazione e di conseguenza dell'intero Paese nel Blue Mountain Peak (2.256 m.)
- la parte centro-settentrionale è occupata da un altopiano che si eleva sui 500 metri, mentre lungo le coste, specialmente quelle meridionali che sono basse al contrario di quelle settentrionali più aspre ed elevate, si aprono pianure comunque in genere non molto estese
- la superficie del Paese è costituita oltre che dall'isola omonima (10.911 Km²) da alcune altre piccole isole situate nella parte meridionale della Giamaica, tutte di dimensioni abbastanza modeste; lo sviluppo costiero è di 1.020 chilometri
- sparsi nel territorio giamaicano scorrono oltre un centinaio di fiumi, ma vista la disposizione delle catene montuose nessuno di essi supera i cento chilometri di lunghezza, il Rio Minho (93 Km) ed il Black River (53 Km) sono quelli principali
- i bacini lacustri naturali sono piuttosto rari e tutti di dimensioni alquanto limitate
- il clima è di tipo tropicale ed in genere caldo ed umido, ad esclusione delle zone più elevate e temperate
- le temperature subiscono variazioni stagionali decisamente limitate visto che le massime medie nella capitale sono comprese fra 30° e 33°C, con minime fra 21°-24°C
- le precipitazioni nel complesso sono piuttosto consistenti, ma alcune zone, come la fascia costiera meridionale raggiungono un totale più scarso attorno agli 800 mm annui, mentre al contrario le aree montuose possono arrivare anche a ben 5.000-6.000 mm ogni anno
- il Paese si trova inoltre in una zona colpita frequentemente da uragani
GEOGRAFIA UMANA DELLA GIAMAICA
- la Giamaica è suddivisa a livello amministrativo in 14 parrocchie ed il tasso di urbanizzazione è del 55%, con la zona della capitale Kingston (590.000 ab.) che accoglie da sola oltre 1/3 di tutta la popolazione e comprende seconda e terza città più popolate del Paese, Portmore (182.000 ab.) e Spanish Town (147.000 ab.)
- anche Montego Bay (110.000 ab.) sulla costa nord-occidentale supera le centomila persone
- quasi tutta la popolazione è di etnia nera (92%) e discende dagli schiavi africani deportati durante il periodo coloniale, i mulatti sono il 6% e gli asiatici l'1%
- la religione protestante (65%) è praticata dai 2/3 degli abitanti (avventista del settimo giorno e pentecostale le due chiese con più fedeli), mentre i non religiosi ammontano al 21%
Giamaica

Paesaggi mozzafiato a ritmo di reggae

Grenada


Grenada Capital City Saint George's (est. pop. 33 000)
Government type Constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style Parliament
Independence 7 February 1974 (from UK)
Constitution 19 December 1973, Coming into operation 7 February 1974
Geography
Location Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago, and south of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Area 344 km² (133 sq mi)
Terrain Three volcanic islands (Grenada and the smaller islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique) with mountainous rainforest
Climate Tropical; tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds
People
Nationality Grenadian(s)
Population 107,000 (2015)
Ethnic groups African descent (75%), some South Asians (East Indians) and Europeans, trace Arawak/Carib Indian
Religions Roman Catholic, various Protestant denominations, Islam, Rastafarianism
Languages English (official)
Literacy 95%
Natural resources Timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors
Agriculture products Bananas, cocoa, spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables
Industries Food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction
Grenada

Grenada, the capital citiy St. George' s

Greenland


Groenlandia Capital City Nuuk (Godthab, Godthåb)
Other Cities Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), Qaqortoq (Julianehåb), Aasiaat (Egedesminde), Maniitsoq (Sukkertoppen)
Government type Parliamentary Democracy within a constitutional monarchy
Dependency status Part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979
Geography
Location Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada
Area 2,166,086 km² (836,297 sq. mi.)
Terrain flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast
Highest point Gunnbjorn 3 700 m
Climate Arctic to subarctic, cool summers, cold winters
People
Nationality noun: Greenlander(s) adjective: Greenlandic
Population 56,100 (2016)
Ethnic Groups Greenlander 88% (Inuit and Greenland-born whites), Danish and others 12% (2000)
Religions Christianity
Languages Greenlandic (East Inuit), Danish, English
Literacy 100%
Natural resources fish, seals, whales, gold, niobium, tantalite, uranium, iron, diamonds, ice, water, hydropower
Agriculture products forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish
Industries fish processing (mainly prawns and Greenland halibut), handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards, mining
Groenlandia

the land of the Inuit

Guadeloupe


Guadalupa Capital City Basse-Terre
Other Cities Gosier, Gustavia, Petit Bourg, Pointe-à-Pitre, Sainte Anne, Saint-François
Government Overseas department of France
Geography
Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico
Area 1,630 km² (629 sq mi)
Terrain Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin
Climate Subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity
People
Nationality noun: Guadeloupian(s) adjective: Guadeloupe
Population 403,000 (2014)
Ethnic Groups black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%
Religions Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 4%, Protestant 1%
Languages French (official) 99%, Creole patois
Literacy 90%
Natural resources arable land, beaches and a climate that foster tourism
Agriculture products Bananas, sugarcane, tropical fruits and vegetables; cattle, pigs, goats
Industries Construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism
Guadalupa

High cliffs of the island of Guadalupa

Guatemala


Guatemala Capital City Guatemala (City) (metro area pop. 2.5 million)
Other Cities Quetzaltenango, Escuintla
Government type Constitutional democratic republic
Constitution May 1985; amended November 1993
Independence 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
Geography
Location Central America, bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) and the North Pacific Ocean
Area 109,000 km² (42,085 sq. mi.)
Terrain fertile coastal plains, mountainous
Climate Tropical on coasts, temperate in highlands
People
Nationality Guatemalan(s)
Population 15,8 million (2014)
Ethnic groups Mestizo (mixed Spanish-Indian), indigenous
Religions Christian, traditional Mayan
Languages Spanish, 24 indigenous languages (principally K'iche', Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi', and Mam)
Literacy 70%
Natural resources Petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower
Agriculture products Sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens
Industries Sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism
Guatemala

the archaeological ruins of Tikal

Guyana


Guyana Capital City Georgetown (pop. 250 000)
Other Cities Linden (29,000) and New Amsterdam (18,000)
Government type Republic within the Commonwealth
Independence 26 May 1966 Republic, 23 February 1970
Constitution 1980
Geography
Location Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela
Area 215,000 sq. km. (83 000 sq. mi.)
Terrain Coastal plain, inland highlands, rain forest, savanna
Climate Equatorial tropical
People
Nationality Guyanese (sing. and pl.)
Population 748.000 (2012)
Ethnic groups East Indian origin 49%, African origin 32%, mixed 12%, Amerindian 6%, White and Chinese 1%
Religions Christian 57%, Hindu 33%, Muslim 9%, other 1%
Languages English, Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages (primarily Carib and Arawak)
Literacy 96.5% of adults who have attended school
Natural resources bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish
Agriculture products sugar, rice, wheat, vegetable oils; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish, shrimp
Industries bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining
Guyana

Mount Roraima, on the border with Venezuela

French Guyana


Guyana Francese Capital City Cayenne
Other Cities Saint-Laurent-of-Maroni, Kourou
Government Former French overseas département, became a French region and was made part of France proper
Geography
Location Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname
Area 83,534 km²
Terrain Low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains
Climate Equatorial tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation
People
Population 250,000 (2014)
Ethnic Groups black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%, other 10%
Religions Roman Catholic
Languages French
Literacy 83%
Natural resources bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), petroleum, kaolin, fish, niobium, tantalum, clay
Agriculture products corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sugar, cocoa, vegetables, bananas; cattle, pigs, poultry
Industries construction, shrimp processing, forestry products, rum, gold mining
Guyana Francese

The wonderful beaches of French Guiana

Haiti


Haiti Capital City Port-au-Prince (pop. 2 million)
Other Cities Cap Haitien (pop. 600 000), Cayes, Gonaïves, Jacmel, Saint-Marc, Jérémie
Government type Republic with an elected government
Independence 1 January 1804 (from France)
Constitution of the Republic of Haiti March 1987
Geography
Location Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean
Area 27,750 km² (10,714 sq. mi.) Ile de la Gonave and Ile de la Tortue comprise Haiti's principal offshore territories
Terrain Rugged mountains with small coastal plains and river valleys, and a large east-central elevated plateau
Climate Tropical, semiarid, high humidity in many coastal areas, mountains in east cut off trade winds
People
Nationality Noun and adjective--Haitian(s)
Population 10 million (2010)
Ethnic groups African descent 95%, African and European descent 5%
Religions Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16%, voudou (voodoo) practices pervasive, recognized by the government since 2003
Languages Creole and French (official)
Literacy 50% (est.)
Natural resources bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble
Agricultural Products coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, cacao, sorghum, pulses, other fruits and vegetables
Agriculture products coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum, wood
Industries sugar refining, flour milling, textiles, cement, light assembly industries based on imported parts.
Haiti

Cittadelle Laferriere, Cap-Haïtien

Honduras


Honduras Capital City Tegucigalpa (pop. 850 000); metropolitan area 1.2 million
Other Cities San Pedro Sula the industrial capital of Honduras, (pop. 500 000); metropolitan area over 1 million
Government type Democratic constitutional republic
Independence 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
Constitution 1982
Geography
Location Central America/Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Nicaragua
Area 112,492 km² (43,433 sq. mi.)
Terrain Mountainous
Climate Tropical to subtropical, depending on elevation
People
Nationality Honduran(s)
Population 8.5 million (2015)
Ethnic groups 90% mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European); others of European, Arab, African, or Asian ancestry; and indigenous Indians 7%
Religions Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant minority
Languages Spanish, Amerindian dialects
Literacy 72%
Natural resources timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish, hydropower
Agriculture-products bananas, coffee, citrus; beef; timber; shrimp
Honduras

Roatan, the treasure island off the coast of Honduras

Martinica


Martinica Capital City Fort-de-France
Other Cities La Trinite, Le Marin, Le Robert, Le Vauclin, Marigot, Schoelcher, St. Pierre
Government Overseas Department of France
Geography
Location Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean
Area 1,100 km² (424 sq. mi.)
Terrain Mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
Climate Maritime tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October)
People
Nationality Martiniquais
Population 381,000 (2014)
Ethnic Groups African and African-white-Indian
Religions Christianity 90%
Languages French (official), Creole patois
Literacy 98%
Natural resources touristy coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land
Agriculture products pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane
Industries construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism
Martinica

Martinica, the little France of the Caribbean

Mexico


Messico Capital City México (Distrito Federal; pop. 13 million, 2000 census metro area)
Other Cities Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Acapulco, Merida, Leon, Veracruz
Government type Federal Republic
Independence First proclaimed 16 September 1810; republic established 1824
Constitution 5 February 1917
Geography
Location Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the USA and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the USA
Area 1,964,000 km² (761 600 sq. mi.)
Terrain Coastal lowlands, central high plateaus, and mountains up to 5 400 m. (18 000 ft.)
Climate Tropical to desert
People
Nationality Mexican(s)
Population (2017) 123.5 million
Ethnic groups Indian-Spanish (mestizo) 60%, Amerindian 30%, European 9%, other 1%
Religions Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 5%, other 5%
Language Spanish (official); 66 regional indigenous languages
Literacy 90%
Natural resources petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber
Agriculture products corn, beans, oilseeds, feed grains, fruit, cotton, coffee, sugarcane, winter vegetables
Industries food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism
Messico Messico

the archaeological site of Tulum, bird's eye view of Mexico City

Montserrat (UK)


Montserrat Capital City Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, in Carr's Bay/Little Bay area
Government UK overseas territory
Geography
Location Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico
Area 102 km² (39 sq. mi.)
Terrain Volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland
Climate Tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation
People
Nationality Noun and adjective--Montserratian(s)
Population 4,922 (2011 census)
Ethnic Groups Black, white, mixed
Religions Christianity
Languages English
Literacy 97%
Natural resources sun, volcano, sea, surf
Agriculture products cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, livestock products
Industries tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances
Montserrat

Montserrat, unknown paradise of the Antilles

Nicaragua


Nicaragua Capital City Managua (pop. 1 million)
Other Cities Granada, León, Jinotega, Matagalpa, Chinandega, Masaya
Government type Republic
Independence 1821 (from Spain)
Constitution The 1987 Sandinista-era Constitution was changed in 1995 to provide for a more even distribution of power among the four branches of government and again in 2000 to increase the Supreme Court and the Controller General's Office and to make changes to the electoral laws
Geography
Location Central America
Area 130,370 km² (50,336 sq. mi.)
Terrain Extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes
Climate Tropical in lowlands; cooler in highlands
People
Nationality Nicaraguan(s)
Population 6.2 million (2017)
Ethnic groups Mestizo (mixed European and indigenous) 69%, white 17%, black (Jamaican origin) 9%, indigenous 5%
Religion Predominantly Roman Catholic, with rapidly growing percentage of Evangelical Protestants
Languages Spanish (official), English and indigenous languages on Caribbean coast
Literacy 75%
Natural resources Arable land, livestock, fisheries, gold, timber
Agriculture products Coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco, sesame, soya, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products
Industries Food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear, wood
Nicaragua

Isleta de Granada, volcan Mombacho, lago de Nicaragua N3

Panama


Panama Capital City Panama City (830 000)
Other Cities Colon (140 000), David (100 000)
Government type Constitutional democracy
Independence 3 November 1903 (from Colombia)
Constitution 11 October 1972; amended 1983 and 1994 and reformed in 2004
Geography
Location Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica. Panama occupies the southeastern end of the isthmus forming the land bridge between North and South America
Area 74,177 km² (28,640 sq. mi.)
Terrain Mountainous (highest elevation Cerro Volcan, 3,475 m.--11,468 ft.), upland plains; coastal areas
Climate tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season, short dry season (January to May)
People
Nationality Panamanian(s)
Population 3.97 million (2015)
Annual growth rate 1.31%
Ethnic groups Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European ancestry) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, Caucasian 10%, Amerindian 6%
Religions Roman Catholic 84%, Protestant 15%, other
Languages Spanish (official); 14% speak English as their native tongue; various indigenous languages. Many Panamanians are bilingual
Literacy 93%
Natural resources copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower
Agriculture products bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; shrimp
Industries construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling
Panama

Panama City

Paraguay


Paraguay Capital City Asunción (pop. 612 000)
Other Cities Ciudad del Este, San Lorenzo, Capiatá, Fernando de la Mora, Encarnación
Government type Constitutional Republic
Independence May 1811 (from Spain)
Constitution June 1992
Geography
Location Central South America, northeast of Argentina
Area 406,752 km² (157,047 sq. mi.)
Terrain East of the Paraguay River--grassy plains, wooded hills, tropical forests; west of the Paraguay River (Chaco region)--low, flat, marshy plain
Climate Temperate east of the Paraguay River, semiarid to the west
People
Nationality Noun and adjective--Paraguayan(s)
Population 6.8 million (2014)
Ethnic groups Mixed Spanish and Amerindian (mestizo) 95%
Religions Roman Catholic 90%; Mennonite and other Protestant denominations
Languages Spanish, Guaraní
Literacy 91.6%
Natural resources hydroelectric sites, forests
Agriculture products cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber
Industries sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, metallurgic, electric power
Paraguay

Asuncion

Peru


Peru Capital City Lima; The Lima/Callao metropolitan area has a population of 8.27 million. (2000)
Other Cities Arequipa, Trujillo
Government type Constitutional republic
Independence 28 July 1821
Constitution 31 December 1993
Geography
Location Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador
Area 1.28 million km² (496,225 sq. mi.) third-largest country in South America
Terrain Varies widely between western coastal plains, central Andean highlands, and eastern tropical lowlands in Amazon Basin
Climate Arid and mild in coastal area, temperate to frigid in the Andes, and warm and humid in jungle lowlands
People
Nationality Peruvian(s)
Population 31 million (2015)
Ethnic groups Indigenous (45%), mestizo (37%), European (15%), African, Japanese, Chinese, and other (3%)
Religion Roman Catholic (90%)
Languages Spanish is the principal language. Quechua, Aymara and other indigenous languages also have official status
Literacy 95% in urban areas, 77% in rural areas
Natural resources copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas
Agriculture products coffee, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, coca; poultry, beef, dairy products; fish
Industries mining and refining of minerals and metals, petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas, fishing and fish processing, textiles, clothing, food processing, steel, metal fabrication
Peru

Costa Verde de Lima

Puerto Rico (US)


Porto Rico Capital City San Juan (pop. 435 000)
Other Cities Bayamón (224 000), Carolina (186 000), Ponce (186 000), Caguas (140 502)
Government type Commonwealth, Chief of state: President of the US
Independence none (commonwealth associated with the US)
Constitution ratified 3 March 1952; effective 25 July 1952
Geography
Location Caribbean island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic
Terrain Mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas
Climate Tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation, south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north
People
Nationality noun: Puerto Rican(s), adjective: Puerto Rican
Population 3,41 million (2016)
Ethnic Groups white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%
Religions Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%
Languages Spanish, English (both official)
Literacy 94.1%
Natural resources Some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil
Agriculture products Milk (dairy), Poultry, Plantains, Ornamental Plants, Coffee, Beef and Veal, Bananas, Pork, Fighting Cocks, Seeds and Seedlings
Industries Pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism
Porto Rico

San Juan

Dominican Republic


Repubblica Dominicana Capital City Santo Domingo (pop. 3 million)
Other Cities Santiago de los Caballeros (pop. 690 548)
Government type Representative democracy
Independence 27 February 1844 (from Haiti). Restoration of independence, 16 August 1863
Constitution 28 November 1966; amended 25 July 2002
Geography
Location Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, east of Haiti, between Cuba and Puerto Rico. the north of Caribbean Sea to south of the North Atlantic Ocean
Area 48,310 km² (18,652 sq. mi.)
Terrain Highlands and mountains with fertile valleys
Climate Maritime semitropical, with an average yearly temperature of 26°C (78°F)
People
Nationality Noun and adjective--Dominican(s)
Population 9.9 million (2015)
Ethnic groups European 16%, African origin 11%, mixed 73%
Religion Roman Catholic 95%
Language Spanish
Literacy 83%
Natural resources nickel, bauxite, gold, silver
Agriculture products sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef, eggs
Industries tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco
Repubblica Dominicana

Santo Domingo

Saint Kitts and Nevis


Saint Kitts e Nevis Capital City Basseterre (Saint Kitts), Charlestown (Nevis)
Government Constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament
Head of State Queen Elizabeth II
Independence 19 September 1983 (from UK)
Geography
Location Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago
Area total: 261 km² (Saint Kitts 168 km²; Nevis 93 km²)
Terrain Mountainious of volcanic origin, sheltered beaches
Climate Tropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
People
Nationality noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s) adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian
Population 52,000 (2011)
Ethnic groups predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese
Religions Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic
Languages English
Literacy 96%
Natural resources arable land, sugar, cotton, salt, copra
Agriculture products sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish
Industries sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages
Saint Kitts e Nevis

Basseterre port

Saint Lucia


Santa Lucia Capital City Castries (pop. 65 000)
Other Cities Micoud, Gros-Islet; Vieux Fort; Soufriere
Government Westminster-style parliamentary democracy
Independence 22 February 1979 (from UK)
Constitution 1979
Geography
Location Caribbean, an island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and south of Martinique
Area 539 km² (208 sq mi)
Terrain Mountainous; highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m.
Climate Tropical; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to August
People
Nationality St. Lucian(s); (Lushuns)
Population 172,000 (2013 est.)
Ethnic groups African descent 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, European 0.8%
Religions Christianity
Languages English (official); a French patois is common throughout the country
Literacy 85%
Natural resources Forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs
Agriculture products Bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa
Industries Clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing
Santa Lucia

Breathtaking landscapes in Santa Lucia, Caribbean

Saint Pierre Miquelon


Saint Pierre Miquelon - dipendenza francese formata dall'isola di Miquelon a nord e da quella più piccola di Saint Pierre a sud, dove si concentra la maggior parte della popolazione
- questo arcipelago si trova nell'Oceano Atlantico all'altezza del 47° parallelo nord, poche decine di chilometri a sud-ovest dell'isola canadese di Terranova
- l'attività principale è la pesca del merluzzo
Forma di governo Collettività Francese d'Oltremare
Superficie 242 Km²
Popolazione 6.010 ab. (2016) 5.800 ab. (stime 2020)
Densità 24 ab/Km²
Capitale Saint-Pierre (5.400 ab.)
Moneta Euro
Lingua Francese
Speranza di vita M 78 anni, F 83 anni
Posizione Nord-Centro America
Confini Circondato dall'Oceano Atlantico
GEOGRAFIA FISICA DI SAINT PIERRE E MIQUELON
- questo arcipelago è formato dalle due isole maggiori di Miquelon (216 Km²) e di Saint-Pierre (25 Km²) ed altri isolotti minori ampi al massimo qualche decina di ettari, Île aux Marins e Grand Colombier, entrambi distanti meno di un chilometro dalle coste di Saint-Pierre, quelli principali
- l'isola di Miquelon si è originata da 3 isole, Miquelon (110 Km²) al centro, Langlade (91 Km²) a sud e Le Cap (15 Km²) a nord, collegate ora da istmi di sabbia formatisi in maniera naturale e rafforzati in seguito dall'intervento umano
- il territorio delle isole è roccioso ed è parte delle propaggini montuose nord-orientali dei Monti Appalachi, anche se l'altezza massima raggiunta è piuttosto bassa, Morne de la Grande montagne (240 m.) su Miquelon
- lo sviluppo costiero complessivo è di 120 chilometri
- le due isole maggiori sono separate da uno stretto ampio 5-7 Km con correnti molto pericolose e turbolente
- diversi i corsi d' acqua presenti, ma hanno tutti carattere torrentizio e lunghezza modesta, vista l'estensione limitata delle isole
- notevole il numero di laghi quasi tutti di origine glaciale, se si escludono quelli costieri separati dal mare da sottili striscie di sabbia, si tratta comunque di piccoli bacini lacustri
- il clima è abbastanza particolare visto che ha carattere sia continentale umido che oceanico sub-polare, soltanto fra Luglio e Settembre le temperature massime medie superano i 15°C, con minime che si attestano attorno ai -5°C nei mesi invernali e quindi in realtà non particolarmente rigide
- le precipitazioni sono pressoche costanti durante l'arco dell'anno, con poco più di 100 mm di pioggia ogni mese; forti venti si alternano a giornate più calme, ma caratterizzate da fitte nebbie
GEOGRAFIA UMANA DI SAINT PIERRE E MIQUELON
- la dipendenza è suddivisa a livello amministrativo in 2 comuni, il capoluogo Saint-Pierre (5.400 ab.) e Miquelon-Langlade (600 ab.), con i restanti abitanti che vivono in zone più isolate, facenti sempre parte di uno di questi due comuni
- il tasso di urbanizzazione è del 90%
- la popolazione è quasi completamente di origine francese, discendente di pescatori baschi, bretoni e normanni, una piccola parte è invece canadese
- la religione cattolica (99%) è l'unica fede praticata sull'arcipelago
Saint Pierre Miquelon

territorio francese d' oltremare, Saint Pierre Miquelon

United States


Stati Uniti Capital City Washington D.C.
Major US Cities Chicago (pop. 2 896 016), Denver (pop. 554 636), Detroit (pop. 951 270), New York City (pop. 8 008 278), Los Angeles (pop. 3 694 820), Phoenix (pop. 1 321 045), Philadlephia (pop. 1 517 550), San Diego (pop. 1 223 400), San Francisco (pop. 776 733)
Government type Constitution-based federal republic
Independence 4 July 1776 (from Great Britain) Declaration of Independence
Constitution 17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789
Geography
Location North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean in the east and the North Pacific Ocean in the west, between Canada and Mexico
Area 9,630 million km²
Terrain vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii
Climate Mostly temperate, tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska
People
Nationality American(s)
Population 330 million people (in 2021)
Ethnic groups white 77.1%, black 13.3%, Asian 5.6%, Amerindian and Alaska native 1.2%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.2%, two or more races 2.6%; Hispanic 17.6%, White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 61.6% (2015 est.)
Religions Protestant 56%, Roman Catholic 28%, Jewish 2%, other 4%, none 10% (1989)
Languages English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European 3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7%
Literacy total population: 97%
Real GDP per capita $62,530 (2019 est.)
Natural resources coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber
Agriculture products wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; forest products; fish
Industries leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified and technologically advanced; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining
Stati Uniti Stati Uniti Stati Uniti

the statue of liberty in New York harbor, evocative natural landscapes

Suriname


Suriname Capital City Paramaribo (pop. 250 000)
Other Cities Nieuw Nickerie, Moengo
Government type Constitutional democracy
Constitution 30 September 1987
Independence 25 November 1975
Geography
Location Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana
Area 163,820 km² (63,251 sq. mi.)
Terrain Varies from coastal swamps to savanna to hills
Climate Tropical; moderated by trade winds
People
Nationality Noun--Surinamer(s). Adjective--Surinamese
Population 580,000 (in 2015)
Ethnic groups Hindustani (East Indian) 37%, Creole 31%, Javanese 15%, Bush Negro 10%, Amerindians 3%, Chinese 1.7% (percentages date from 1972 census, the last in which ethnicity data was collected)
Religions Hindu, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Dutch Reformed, Moravian, several other Christian denominations, Jewish, Baha'i
Languages Dutch (official), English, Sranan Tongo (Creole language), Hindustani, Javanese
Literacy 90%
Natural resources timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore
Agriculture products paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts; beef, chickens; forest products; shrimp
Industries bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing
Suriname

Paramaribo

Saint Vincent and Grenadine


Saint Vincent e Grenadine Capital City Kingstown (pop 20 000)
Other Cities Georgetown, Chateaubelair, Port Elizabeth
Government type Parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth
Independency 27 October 1979 (from UK)
Constitution 26 July 1979
Geography
Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, between St. Lucia and Grenada
Area 389 km² (150 sq mi)
Terrain Volcanic and mountainous, with the highest peak, Soufriere, rising to 1,234 m (4,000 ft.)
Climate Tropical; rainy season (May to November)
People
Nationality Vincentian
Population 110,000 (2015)
Ethnic groups African descent (66%), mixed (19%), West Indian (6%), Carib Indian (2%)
Religions Christian, Hindu
Languages English (official); some French Patois spoken
Literacy 98%
Natural resources hydropower, cropland
Agriculture products bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices, small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, fish
Industries food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch
Saint Vincent e Grenadine

Wonderful beaches in Sant Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago


Trinidad e Tobago Capital City Port of Spain (metropolitan pop. 300 000)
Other Cities San Fernando, Arima, Chaguanas (Trinidad); Scarborough (Tobago)
Government type Parliamentary Democracy
Independence 31 August 1962 (from UK)
Present constitution 31 August 1976
Geography
Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela
Area 5,130 km² (1,980 sq. mi.)
Terrain Plains and low mountains
Climate Tropical; rainy season (June through December)
People
Nationality Trinidadian(s) and Tobagonian(s)
Population 1.3 million (2015)
Ethnic groups African 40%, East Indian 40%, mixed 14%, European 1%, Chinese 1%
Religions Christians 60%, Hindu 24%, Muslim 6%, other 10%
Languages English
Literacy 98%
Natural resources petroleum, natural gas
Agriculture products cocoa, sugarcane, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry
Industries petroleum, chemicals, tourism, food processing, cement, beverage, cotton textiles
Trinidad e Tobago

Port of Spain

Turks e Caicos


Turks e Caicos - dipendenza inglese nell'Oceano Atlantico, formata da due arcipelaghi situati ad est delle Bahamas ed a nord di Hispaniola, per un totale di circa 40 fra isole ed atolli, di cui solo 12 abitate
- sia le Turks che le Caicos sono di origine corallina e quindi non raggiungono una gran elevazione
- turismo, pesca e finanza off-shore le fonti di reddito
Forma di governo Dipendenza Britannica con autonomia interna
Superficie 616 Km²
Popolazione 31.600 ab. (censimento 2012) 43.000 ab. (stime 2019)
Densità 70 ab/Km²
Capitale Cockburn Town (4.800 ab.)
Moneta Dollaro USA, Dollaro delle Bahamas
Lingua Inglese (ufficiale), Creolo-inglese, Spagnolo
Speranza di vita M 76 anni, F 78 anni
Posizione Nord-Centro America
Confini Circondate dall'Oceano Atlantico
GEOGRAFIA FISICA DI TURKS E CAICOS
- le isole Turks e Caicos sono di origine corallina e quindi pianeggianti, i punti più elevati, Blue Hills (49 m.) su Providenciales e Flamingo Hill (48 m.) su East Caicos, arrivano appena a sfiorare i 50 metri d'altezza
- le isole maggiori di questa dipendenza del Regno Unito si trovano nell'arcipelago delle Caicos e sono nell'ordine Middle Caicos (144 Km²), North Caicos (116 Km²), Providenciales (98 Km²) ed East Caicos (91 Km²), mentre Grand Turk (18 Km²) è quella più estesa nel gruppo delle Turks
- lo sviluppo costiero complessivo è di 389 chilometri
- vista la tipologia di queste isole non vi sono fiumi
- mentre sono presenti diversi stagni, che ospitano una ricca fauna aviaria
- il clima è tropicale, con temperature medie massime che variano dai 27°C dei mesi invernali ai 31°C di quelli estivi e minime di soli 4-5 gradi inferiori
- le precipitazioni sono modeste e maggiori fra Settembre e Dicembre, quando cadono fra 60 e 90 millimetri di pioggia al mese
GEOGRAFIA UMANA DI TURKS E CAICOS
- le isole Turks e Caicos sono suddivise amministrativamente in 6 distretti (4 nelle Caicos, 2 nelle Turks), il tasso di urbanizzazione è del 92%, piuttosto alto
- a partire dagli ultimi anni dello scorso secolo le Turks e Caicos hanno registrato un forte boom demografico dovuto all'immigrazione, che continua tuttora e riguarda quasi esclusivamente l'isola di Providenciales, dove vive il 75% della popolazione e che può essere considerata come un unico agglomerato urbano
- mentre la capitale Cockburn Town (4.800 ab.) si trova sull'isola di Grand Turk, la seconda per numero di abitanti
- i Neri (88%) sono la componente etnica più rappresentata, circa 11.000 fra questi sono arrivati negli ultimissimi decenni dalla vicina Haiti, seguono Bianchi (8%) ed Indiani (1,5%), presenti con poche centinaia di individui
- quasi 3/4 degli abitanti professa la religione protestante (73%), battista nella metà dei casi, seguono per numero di fedeli i cattolici (11%)
Turks e Caicos

Isole Turks e Caicos, tra coralli e tartarughe

Uruguay


Uruguay Capital City Montevideo (pop.: 1.3 million)
Other Cities Maldonado
Government type Constitutional Republic
Independence 25 August 1825 (from Brazil)
Constitution First 1830, current 1967, most recently amended December 1996
Geography
Location Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil
Area 176,000 km² (68,000 sq. mi.)
Terrain Plains and low hills; 84% agricultural
Climate Temperate
People
Nationality Uruguayan(s)
Population 3.25 million (2011 census)
Ethnic groups (est.) European descent 93%, African descent 5%, mestizo 1%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent)
Religions Roman Catholic 52%, Protestant and other Christian 16%, Jewish 2%, non-professing or other 30%
Languages Spanish
Literacy 97%
Natural resources Arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fisheries
Agriculture products Rice, wheat, corn, barley; livestock; fish
Industries Food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages
Uruguay

Montevideo

Venezuela


Venezuela Capital City Caracas (pop. 6 million)
Other major Cities Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto
Government type Federal Republic
Independence 5 July 1811
Constitution 30 December 1999
Geography
Location Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean
Area 912,050 km² (352,143 sq. mi.)
Terrain Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains; Guiana Highlands in southeast
Climate Varies from tropical to temperate, depending on elevation
People
Nationality Venezuelan(s)
Population 31.1 million (2015)
Ethnic groups Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, Amerindian
Religion Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%
Languages Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
Literacy: 93% Natural resources petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds
Agriculture products corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish
Industries petroleum, iron ore mining, construction materials, food processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly
Venezuela

the largest plain in Venezuela, Canaima National Park

American Virgin Islands


Isole Vergini Am. Capital City Charlotte Amalie (on St. Thomas)
Other Towns Frederiksted and Christiansted on St. Croix
Government Organized, unincorporated territory of the USA with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Geography
Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Area 347 km² (133 sq mi)
Terrain Mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land
Climate subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November
People
Nationality Virgin Islander(s)
Population 107,000 (2010 census)
Ethnic Groups black 75%, white 13%, Asian 2%, other 6%, mixed 4%
Religions Baptist, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian
Languages English 76%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 17%, French or French Creole 7%
Literacy NA
Natural resources sun, sand, sea, surf
Agriculture products fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle
Industries tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics
Isole Vergini Am.

San Croix island

British Virgin Islands


Isole Vergini Br. Capital City Road Town (on Tortola)
Other Towns Spanish Town (on Virgin Gorda)
Government Overseas territory of the UK with internal self-governing
Geography
Location Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico
Area 153 sq km (59 sq miles)
Terrain Coral islands are relatively flat; the volcanic islands steep and hilly
Climate subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds
People
Nationality British Virgin Islander(s)
Population 28,000 (2012)
Ethnic Groups Black 83%, White, Indian, Asian and mixed
Religions Christianity
Languages English, Spanish
Literacy 98%
Natural resources sun, sand, sea, surf
Agriculture products fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish
Industries tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial sevice
Isole Vergini Br.

Virgin Gorda and Anegada island