The Caribbean is a vibrant region of dazzling islands, each with its unique charm, culture, and, in many cases, national sovereignty. Despite their geographical proximity, the Caribbean nations and territories vary widely in terms of governance, history, and international alliances.

For anyone planning a visit or just curious about this stunning part of the world, it’s useful to understand which islands are independent, and which still have ties to the United States and other nations.

The Caribbean region is made up of 13 independent countries and a number of territories and dependencies governed by other nations. This lush stretch of islands spans the Caribbean Sea and includes the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas.

The variety of statuses within these territories is vast, from fully sovereign countries like Jamaica to territories under the administration of countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

In total, there are over 30 political entities within the Caribbean, including both independent nations and dependent territories.

The independent nations of the Caribbean each have a unique culture, language, and government.

These 13 countries include:

• Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda

• The Bahamas: The Bahamas

• Barbados: Visit Barbados

• Cuba: Cuba Travel

• Dominica: Discover Dominica

• Dominican Republic: Go Dominican Republic

• Grenada: Pure Grenada

• Haiti: Explore Haiti

• Jamaica: Visit Jamaica

• Saint Kitts and Nevis Island

• Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority https://www.stlucia.org/

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Discover SVG

• Trinidad: Visit Trinidad and Tobago: Visit Tobago

The United States has several territories within the Caribbean, each of which has unique relationships with the U.S. federal government:

Puerto Rico – The largest U.S. territory in the the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory. Residents are U.S. citizens and participate in U.S. federal programs, although they cannot vote in presidential elections. Puerto Rico has a distinct cultural identity and is known for its mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences.

U.S. Virgin Islands – Comprising St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands is also an unincorporated U.S. territory. Like Puerto Rico, it has a unique cultural identity shaped by its colonial history, blending Caribbean, African, and European influences. Residents are U.S. citizens but also do not vote in U.S. presidential elections.

Together, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands represent the primary Caribbean islands under U.S. jurisdiction.

In addition to U.S.-controlled territories, other countries have their own administrative regions within the Caribbean:

British Overseas Territories: Includes the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. These territories operate under the British Crown but enjoy a degree of self-governance.

French Territories: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Martin are integral parts of France, using the Euro and adhering to French law.

The Netherlands: Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten are constituent countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are special municipalities.

The Caribbean’s unique political landscape, with its blend of independent nations and territories under other countries, contributes to its rich cultural tapestry. While each island offers its own spin on Caribbean beauty and charm, understanding the governance of each can enhance the travel experience, particularly when visiting a U.S. territory where American standards may influence infrastructure and travel logistics.

There are 13 independent nations in the Caribbean, each with its own government and cultural heritage.

The U.S. has two main territories in the Caribbean: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Other Caribbean territories are administered by the UK, France, and the Netherlands.

Whether you’re exploring a U.S. territory or an independent Caribbean nation, each island offers unique beauty, culture, and experiences, making the Caribbean a wonderfully diverse destination for global travelers.

Mark Derho is a seasoned expert in the Internet industry with over 25 years of experience in NYC's software development, digital marketing, and advertising sectors. A certified Google Partner, Mark specializes in content creation, AI chatbot development, open-source software, modern website design, and SEO/SEM marketing. He leads PR Website Agency and lives in Puerto Rico with his dog, Luno.