Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands are the northern island arc of the Lesser Antilles, extending from the Virgin Islands toward Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.
Lesser Antilles: The curved chain of islands forming the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea, from the Virgin Islands to Trinidad. The Leeward Islands form the northern part of this island chain.
Guadeloupe: A French overseas department and region in the eastern Caribbean, consisting of several islands. It is a major southern island in the Leeward arc and a regional boundary marker.
Spanish colonization of the Americas: The Spanish conquest, settlement, and administration of territories across the Americas beginning in the late fifteenth century. Spanish expansion first claimed several islands in and around the Leeward chain.
Caribbean tourism: Travel to Caribbean destinations for beaches, culture, nature, and recreation. Tourism is a major economic activity across many Leeward islands.
Windward Islands: The southern island group of the Lesser Antilles, generally extending from Dominica toward Grenada. Some geographic conventions place Dominica with the Windward Islands rather than the Leeward group.
Greater Antilles: The major northern Caribbean islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, along with smaller associated islands. Together with the Lesser Antilles, these islands make up the principal Caribbean archipelagos.
Antigua and Barbuda: An independent Caribbean country comprising the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda. Its islands exemplify the independent states found within the Leeward chain.
French colonization of the Americas: The establishment of French settlements and colonial rule in parts of the Americas from the sixteenth century onward. French colonial rule shaped Guadeloupe and other islands in the Leeward region.
Caribbean hurricane: A tropical cyclone that affects the Caribbean, bringing destructive winds, rain, and storm surge. The Leeward chain is exposed to Atlantic hurricanes moving westward through the region.
Leeward Antilles: The southern Caribbean islands off Venezuela, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. Despite the similar name, this separate island group lies far southwest of the Leeward Islands.