Caribbean geography and history influence Caribbean culture. Because the majority of the Caribbean islands were settled and developed before European possessions in the Americas, themes, and symbols of explorers, farmers, traders, and slaves played a significant role in the early development of Caribbean culture.

Many islands have preserved their multi-cultural past. Multiculturalism itself is the cultural norm in several regions of the Caribbean, and diversity is the glue that binds the neighborhood together. Despite the fact that just 25% of people in the Caribbean are officially English speakers, the majority of the population speaks Spanish, 22% French, and only 1% Dutch. This is because continental Caribbean states are included in the Caribbean. Although there are 59 live languages in the Caribbean today, these are not spoken in the "insular Caribbean," but rather on the "continental Caribbean."

The parrot, palm, and shell are recognized as the official symbols of the Caribbean. Over the years, numerous official national symbols, including the flags of the Caribbean, have undergone changes or modifications in an effort to "Caribbeanize" them and lessen or eliminate ties to the United Kingdom.