How many independent nations are there in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean is made up of a diverse group of islands and countries, some of which are independent nations, while others are territories of various countries. Currently, there are thirteen independent nations in the Caribbean. These nations include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Understanding the political geography of the Caribbean is essential, as many regions are considered territories or dependencies rather than sovereign nations. The distinction between independent nations and territories can sometimes lead to confusion, contributing to misconceptions about the total number of sovereign states in the area.

The other numbers provided in the answer choices reflect common misconceptions or overestimations of the politically independent territories within the region. The accurate count is vital for comprehending the geopolitical landscape of the Caribbean.