The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Leeward Islands

the southern section of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, situated west of 64° W long. Area, approximately 1,200 sq km; elevations to 372 m. Population, 230,000 (1972), mainly Negroes and mulattoes.

The Leeward Islands consist of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, which belong to the Netherlands, and of Aves, Los Roques, Orchila, Blanquilla, and Los Hermanos, which belong to Venezuela. The larger islands are formed of metamorphic and crystalline rocks overlapped by volcanic and sedimentary rocks, chiefly limestones; the smaller islands are low-lying and coralline. The climate is subequatorial, with a brief rainy season; annual precipitation is 500 to 600 mm. The islands’ vegetation consists chiefly of shrubs and dry forests. Crops include sorghum, sweet potatoes, and bananas; sheep and goats are raised.

The largest city is the port of Willemstad on Curaçao. Curaçao and Aruba have refineries for refining Venezuelan oil; there is pearl diving off Los Roques and Orchila. The islands’ name derives from their position in relation to the northeast trade winds.

E. N. LUKASHOVA

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References in periodicals archive

(0300 GMT Monday), the center of the storm was about 100 (165 km) northeast of Barbados and about 210 miles (340 km) east-southeast of the Leeward island of Dominica.

Hurricane Maria seen strengthening into major hurricane

"Maria is expected to become a major hurricane as it moves through the Leeward Islands," the forecaster said, marked by "rapid strengthening" during the next 48 hours.

Hurricane Maria Strengthening into Hurricane Barring towards Caribbean

"It's not time to get on a surfboard." The storm's centre was expected to move near the northern Leeward Islands late yesterday.

Caribbean braced for Hurricane Irma

29 January 2016 - UK-based mining company Bezant Resources Plc (AIM: BZT) has now acquired 100% of the share capital of Leeward Islands Exploration LLC, the company said.

Bezant Resources Acquires Colombian Miner Leeward Islands Exploration

Synopsis: As the captain of a useful frigate, Thomas Kydd is claimed by the Leeward Islands station, exchanging the harsh situation in South America for the warmth and delights of the Caribbean.

Caribbee

His focus on the Leeward Islands, especially the Virgin Islands, is an important contribution, since folklorists and anthropologists have devoted somewhat less attention to performance traditions in these territories.

Robert Wyndham Nicholls: The Jumbies' Playing Ground: Old World Influences on Afro-Creole Masquerades in the Eastern Caribbean

This work studies the history of Barbados, Jamaica, the British Leeward Islands, South Carolina, and the Georgia Lowcountry as a single region called the Greater Caribbean.

Hubs of Empire: The Southeastern Lowcountry and British Caribbean

Gonzalo formed east of the Caribbean Sea on October 12, strengthening as it passed through the Leeward Islands.

71mph winds in North as Gonzalo remnants hit

The hurricane center said the fifth named tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season had sustained winds of 45 mph and was centered 1,245 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands.

Tropical Storm Odile staying stationary off south Mexico

His getaway on Necker in the Leeward Islands, which rented for up to PS37,000 a night, was reduced to a wreck.

NOT QUITE THE KATE ESCAPE; Winslet didn't rescue me.. she helped me down four steps says Branson mum

The Cruising Guide to the Leeward Islands, 13th edition

On this naturally beautiful, sun-kissed jewel in the heart of the West Indies' Leeward Islands, you can take for granted the traditional 'sun, sea, sand' aspect of a tropical island holiday.

Island with star quality