What is the largest country in the Caribbean?

Cuba is the largest country in the Caribbean by area. Its territory covers roughly 110,000 square kilometres, including the main island and thousands of smaller islands, cays, and islets.

The main island stretches about 1,250 kilometres from west to east, making it also the largest island in the Caribbean and one of the world’s largest islands. Cuba lies between the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean, close to Florida, Mexico, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.

A common mix-up is confusing the largest country with the most populous Caribbean country. Cuba’s population is smaller than it once was, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic have also ranked ahead of it in population at various times. Cuba’s capital and largest city is Havana, while Pico Turquino, in the Sierra Maestra range, is its highest point.

The island’s size has shaped its history, from Spanish colonial rule and sugar production to the Cuban Revolution and its central role in Cold War politics.