Everything You Need to Know About the Territories of the United States

Everything You Need to Know About the Territories of the United States

This article focuses on the territories of the United States. It’s part of a three-part series explaining the current day situation of the remnants of the colonial empires of the early 20th century, almost all of which are small islands scattered around the world. Other parts of the territories series examine the status of British …

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Blue and John Crow Mountains: Jamaica’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Blue Mountains: Jamaica's first World Heritage Site

Most people associate Jamaica with reggae music, white sandy beaches, or the fact that it is the home of the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt. Few people, however, know that in 2015 the Blue and John Crow Mountain National Park in the southeastern region of Jamaica became the first site in the Caribbean …

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Legal Travel to Cuba for Americans and Why NOW is the Time to Go!

Cuba is slowly opening up to Americans. Contrary to popular belief, Americans can go to Cuba and do so legally. I’ve asked fellow blogger and Cheesehead Heidi Siefkas to give an overview for how Americans can travel to Cuba and why they may want to consider doing so now. When I told my friends and …

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My 6 Favorite Places in Cuba

Highlights of Cuba

Cuba is unlike any place you have ever visited. Its recent history, socio-political development, and proximity to the U.S. make it unique in the world. Cuba is also beautiful with stunning beaches, lush, tropical foliage and dramatic architecture. But Cuba’s most winning feature, what really sets it apart, is its culture reflected in the people, …

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Things to Do in Historic Willemstad, Curacao

Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour World Heritage Site

Curaçao is unique among the former Dutch colonies in the Caribbean. It has a very European flavor compared to nearby islands such as Aruba and Bonaire. Even today, there are more European tourists on Curaçao and Dutch is more actively spoken than on the nearby islands. Willemstad is the base for travels in Curacao, and …

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La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site

La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site UNESCO Site

From the World Heritage inscription for the La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site: The main elements of the massive fortification of San Juan are La Fortaleza, the three forts of San Felipe del Morro, San Cristóbal and San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo), and a large portion of the City Wall, built …

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Pitons Management Area

Pitons Management Area UNESCO World Heritage Site

From the Pitons Management Area World Heritage inscription: Dominating the mountainous landscape of St Lucia are the Pitons, two steep-sided volcanic spires rising side by side from the sea. Gros Piton (770 m) is 3 km in diameter at its base, and Petit Piton (743 m) is 1 km in diameter and linked to the …

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Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison UNESCO World Heritage Site, Barbados

From the Historic Bridgetown World Heritage inscription: As one of the earliest established towns with a fortified port in the Caribbean network of military and maritime-mercantile outposts of the British Atlantic, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison was the focus of trade-based English expansion in the Americas. By the 17th century, the fortified port town was …

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National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers

National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers

From the World Heritage inscription: This property is an eminent example of a type of structure illustrating the historical situation of Haiti at the dawn of its independence. These Haitian monuments date from the beginning of the 19th century, when Haiti proclaimed its independence. The Palace of Sans Souci, the buildings at Ramiers, and, in …

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