Windward Islands

The Windward Islands are a group of eastern Caribbean islands in the Lesser Antilles, generally including Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and Grenada.

Lesser Antilles: The eastern arc of Caribbean islands stretching from the Virgin Islands to Trinidad. The Windward Islands form the southern part of this island arc.
Trade winds: Persistent tropical easterly winds that blow toward the equator from subtropical high-pressure belts. The islands’ name derives from their position facing the prevailing trade winds.
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States: A regional organization promoting integration and cooperation among eastern Caribbean states and territories. Several Windward Islands participate in its regional cooperation framework.
Leeward Islands: A northern group of eastern Caribbean islands lying downwind of the Windward Islands under prevailing trade winds. They form the neighboring island group to the north.
Martinique: A French island in the eastern Caribbean, administered as an overseas department of France. It is commonly counted among the Windward Islands.
Windward and Leeward Islands: A Caribbean island-group division based on exposure to prevailing winds and historical navigation routes. This broader regional distinction explains the Windward Islands’ name.
Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: A monetary union whose members share the Eastern Caribbean dollar and a common central bank. Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines use its currency.
Leeward Antilles: A chain of southern Caribbean islands off Venezuela, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. Despite the similar name, this island chain lies outside the Lesser Antilles arc.
Saint Lucia: An independent island country in the eastern Caribbean, known for its volcanic Pitons. It lies within the island group’s central stretch.
British Windward Islands: A former British colonial federation of Caribbean territories that existed from 1833 to 1960. Its membership differs from the geographic group now commonly called the Windward Islands.

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