In Caribbean regional geography, which of the following is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea by land area?

Introduction / Context:
The Caribbean region consists of many islands varying greatly in size and population. Knowing which island is the largest by land area is a common world geography question. This knowledge helps in understanding the political and physical geography of the Caribbean Sea and the Greater Antilles island group.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks specifically for the largest island in the Caribbean Sea by land area.
• Options include Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico.
• Hispaniola is the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
• We assume standard geographical definitions of island area.

Concept / Approach:
The largest island in the Caribbean by area is Cuba. It is part of the Greater Antilles and is larger than Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Although Hispaniola has two countries on it and a large population, its land area is somewhat less than that of Cuba. Jamaica and Puerto Rico are significantly smaller than both Cuba and Hispaniola. Therefore, Cuba is recognised as the largest island in the Caribbean Sea.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Greater Antilles include Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Step 2: Recognise that Cuba stands out as a long, large island running west to east at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico. Step 3: Hispaniola, though large, has a slightly smaller land area than Cuba and is divided between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Step 4: Jamaica is an important island but smaller in area than both Cuba and Hispaniola. Step 5: Puerto Rico is also smaller than Cuba and Hispaniola in land area. Step 6: Therefore, the largest island in the Caribbean Sea by land area is Cuba.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard atlases and geographic data list Cuba land area as larger than that of Hispaniola, Jamaica, or Puerto Rico. Many exam preparation books explicitly mention that Cuba is the biggest island in the Caribbean region. This direct comparison of areas confirms that Cuba is the correct answer, with Hispaniola in second place, followed by Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Jamaica: A significant island nation but smaller than both Cuba and Hispaniola in land area.
• Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic): Large and politically divided but still slightly smaller than Cuba.
• Puerto Rico: Smaller than Cuba and Hispaniola; it does not qualify as the largest island.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse population size or political importance with physical size and assume that Hispaniola or Jamaica is the largest. Others may simply be unsure of the relative sizes of these islands. To avoid such mistakes, remember the simple rule that Cuba is the biggest Caribbean island in area, followed by Hispaniola, and that Jamaica and Puerto Rico are smaller members of the Greater Antilles.

Final Answer:
The largest island in the Caribbean Sea by land area is Cuba.