Final answer:
The island nations of the Caribbean are part of North America, including regions like the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles. The islands have a history of European colonialism, with key players being Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands.
Step-by-step explanation:
The island nations of the Caribbean are associated with the continent of North America. They are grouped into regions such as the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles. The Greater Antilles are comprised of the larger islands, which include Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (home to the nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico. On the other hand, the Lesser Antilles includes the smaller islands in the eastern and southern part of the Caribbean. The Bahamas, although often associated with the Caribbean, are actually located in the Atlantic Ocean, outside the Caribbean Sea.
Throughout history, the Caribbean islands were influenced by European colonialism. Notable colonizing countries included Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands, among others. The Caribbean has been a significant area for its strategic location and resources such as sugar cane, which played a major role in the colonial economies, especially for the British in the 17th century.