This text focuses on the contemporary economic, social, geographical, environmental and political realities of the Caribbean region. Historical aspects of the Caribbean, such as slavery, the plantation system and plantocracy are explored in order to explain the contemporary nature of, and challenges faced by, the Caribbean. The book is divided into three parts, dealing respectively with: the foundations of the Caribbean, rural and urban bases of the contemporary Caribbean, and global restructuring and the Caribbean: industry, tourism and politics.

This is a comprehensive tertiary level textbook aimed at students taking courses that involve consideration of the contemporary character of the Caribbean region. The book should be of value to undergraduates and postgraduates taking courses in geography, development studies, Black studies, social policy and social science, economics and politics, as well as more generally in the social sciences.