When analysing a definition of the Caribbean, some take into account the idea of All States washed by the Caribbean Sea. With this in mind it is evident that this definition covers a wider area and as such proposes a wider area for economic integration.

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      When analysing a definition of the Caribbean, some take into account the idea of All States washed by the Caribbean Sea.  With this in mind it is evident that this definition covers a wider area and as such proposes a wider area for economic integration.  If one is striving to attain a certain degree of economic integration throughout the Caribbean region, it would be wise if not practical to consider the major characteristics of the region so as to understand it better and so that the interests of all concerned could be sought.

      Fragmentation is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as the scattering or a certain division.  Diversity is a dissimilarity or variety.  Consequently, the Caribbean can be described as a system of diverse states.  Therefore as by definition the Caribbean represents a wide expanse, two major characteristics with which the region is faced is that of Fragmentation and Diversity.

      To explain the idea of Fragmentation, one should first recognise the fact that the Caribbean is geographically fragmented.  Firstly there is the chain of islands representing the Caribbean as an archipelago.  Within this area there is also division as the chain of islands can be categorised into The Lesser Antilles, The Greater Antilles, The Netherlands Antilles and The French Antilles.  There exists further divisiveness as these islands are sometimes categorically referred to as The English Speaking, The French Speaking, Dutch Speaking, and Spanish Speaking Caribbean.  In light of this, it is clear that this area in the Caribbean, a chain of islands, is separated by sea.  In other words there is no direct geographical link with the other islands.  In the case of the mainland countries, of South and Central America, there is no expanse of sea separating the states.  In fact the only signs of division are the borders separating the states.  In this way one can say that there is a direct geographical link with these nations.

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      Within the Caribbean Basin extreme Political Fragmentation can also be deemed as evident.  There are a variety of states existing under a variety of constitutional arrangements, in other words different systems of government. As evidence of this one should consider Cuba as it is the only communist nation in the Caribbean.  Also, most states are independent whereas others such as Puerto Rico, Curaçao and Aruba have a high degree of internal autonomy but are still colonies.  There is also the case of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana which are French Départements, and as such are politically ...

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