The Caribbean Sea covers over one million square miles. The islands range from volcanic, rain forest to desert. The original inhabitants were the Arawaks who lived here for more than 1,000 years. Next came the cannibalistic Caribs who moved up from Venezuela. Then it was the Europeans who took control. British, Spanish, French and Dutch fought many battles over these islands. These islands were the gateway to the New World. Therefore , whoever controlled these islands controlled the Americas. The Caribbean is made up of individual countries. Some islands have opted for independence; others retain their ties to the mother country. Virtually all the islands depend on tourism. The average year -round temperature is 78 to 85 F. Hurricanes, originating in Africa, can strike the islands from July till October.