The West India Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean, between North and South America, in the torrid zone. They belong principally to European nations.
Australasia, Polynesia, and the East India Islands are sometimes included under the general name of Oceanica. These islands present every variety of surface and climate, and produce many of the luxuries of life in abundance. They also abound in volcanoes.
CIVIL AND POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY.
The principal Political Divisions, are Empires, Kingdoms, and Republics.
An Empire consists of several large countries, governed by one sovereign, called an emperor.
A Kingdom is generally of a lesser extent than an empire, and is governed by a king.
If the power of an emperor, or of a king, be limited by law, the government is called a limited monarchy; if there be no legal restraint to the will of the sovereign, it is called an absolute monarchy.
A Republic is a country, the government of which is confided to persons elected, by the people, for a limited term. A Republic is generally composed of a union of States.