Which Caribbean island is divided into two separate countries?

Which Caribbean island is divided into two separate countries?

• A. Cuba
• B. Sint Maarten
• C. Hispaniola
• D. Puerto Rico

Answer: (C)

Hispaniola is the correct answer because it is the only Caribbean island that is politically divided into two separate countries: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This division has a significant historical context, having roots in colonialism and the struggle for independence. Haiti, located on the western side of the island, was the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, gaining its freedom from France in 1804. The Dominican Republic, on the eastern side, declared its independence from Haiti in 1844. The two countries share the island but have distinct languages, cultures, and histories, which contributes to their individual national identities. The other islands listed do not share this characteristic. Cuba is a single sovereign nation, fully encompassing the largest land area among the Caribbean islands. Sint Maarten, while divided into two separate territories—Sint Maarten (a Dutch territory) and Saint Martin (a French territory)—is not classified as two independent countries in the same way as Haiti and the Dominican Republic are. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States and functions as a single political entity rather than as two separate countries.

Hispaniola is the correct answer because it is the only Caribbean island that is politically divided into two separate countries: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This division has a significant historical context, having roots in colonialism and the struggle for independence. Haiti, located on the western side of the island, was the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, gaining its freedom from France in 1804. The Dominican Republic, on the eastern side, declared its independence from Haiti in 1844. The two countries share the island but have distinct languages, cultures, and histories, which contributes to their individual national identities.

The other islands listed do not share this characteristic. Cuba is a single sovereign nation, fully encompassing the largest land area among the Caribbean islands. Sint Maarten, while divided into two separate territories—Sint Maarten (a Dutch territory) and Saint Martin (a French territory)—is not classified as two independent countries in the same way as Haiti and the Dominican Republic are. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States and functions as a single political entity rather than as two separate countries.