Is Mexico Regarded As A Part Of The Caribbean?
Published November 8, 2022
Usually, when a person mentions the term ‘Caribbean,’ it’s when they’re talking about a particular island. However, the term encompasses much more than just tourist destinations.
That’s why it can be confusing what you can or can’t consider a part of the Caribbean.
It’s particularly confusing when you’re thinking of Mexico since, as far as geographic location goes, only part of Mexico is in the Caribbean. So, is Mexico in the Caribbean or not?
To answer that question, you must first know what constitutes ‘a part of the Caribbean.’
What Is Considered Part Of The Caribbean?
The term ‘Caribbean’ can mean different things to different people. The most common idea that it may represent is its geographical location, but it also has a political connotation.
The answer to your question may vary depending on the context of the term.
For our purposes, we’ll take a look at the two contexts of the term:
- Geographical: Individuals consider any place surrounding or within the coasts of the Caribbean Sea, which is located East of Central America, as part of the Caribbean.
- Political: It may also refer to the islands and countries that are part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). These include members of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, among other things.
Interestingly, most of the members of CARICOM are also geographically part of the Caribbean, so it shouldn’t be too confusing. But why do people still get confused?
The reason has to do with the vague definition of the Caribbean.
The Vague Definition Of The Caribbean
If you look into various dictionaries, you may notice that the definition of the word ‘Caribbean’ varies. Most dictionaries define it as any place ‘relating to the Caribbean Sea.’
Naturally, such a vague definition can get to the heads of many people.
Granted, the definition is true since every place you can consider part of the Caribbean indeed relates to the Caribbean Sea. The sea either surrounds it or is adjacent to it.
However, there are places that relate to the Caribbean Sea by perhaps being adjacent but are not considered part of the Caribbean region. That’s exactly the case with Mexico.
Is Mexico In The Caribbean?
Yes, and no, only a part of Mexico is in the Caribbean. If you’re not aware, Mexico is located northwest of the Caribbean Sea. It’s adjacent to but not surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. But what’s worth noting is the part of Mexico that makes them adjacent.
The Caribbean and Mexico are adjacent because the southeast region of Mexico (Quintana Roo) is surrounded by Caribbean waters. This is what Mexicans call the Caribbean coast.
So, rather than asking whether Mexico is in the Caribbean, it’s more fitting to ask if Mexico is considered part of the Caribbean. In that case, yes, it’s considered part of the region.
That’s because the entire country doesn’t have to be in the Caribbean to be part of it.
And while we’re at it, let’s answer what many people also ask about this topic.
Is Cancun In The Caribbean?
Yes, Cancun is part of the Caribbean. It’s along the Caribbean Sea, so it should be part of the Caribbean by definition. Not to mention it’s in the southeast region of Mexico.
Does It Matter?
Surprisingly enough, despite the argument that people have had over the past few years, it really doesn’t matter if a place is part of the Caribbean. Of course, it may only seem like a crucial detail to you since, naturally, you’d want your vacation to be in the Caribbean.
However, the Bahamas is proof that you don’t have to force its definition on Mexico. The Bahamas Islands are technically not part of the Caribbean, but people consider it to be.
That’s mainly because the culture, weather, and vibe are similar to the Caribbean Islands. Hence, just as how people consider the Bahamas as part of the Caribbean, you can always consider Mexico as part of the Caribbean. Though, of course, this time, it’s objectively true.
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About The Author
Lenard Arceo is passionate about the outdoors and South Florida life. He is a professional blogger for several renowned publications and also loves learning how to code in his free time.