The small island states on which the discussion in this chapter focuses are depicted in Figure 9-1 . Box 9-1 provides a listing of the islands for which socioeconomic data were compiled in Annex D . Box 9-1 . Although these islands are by no means homogeneous politically, socially, or culturally or in terms of physical size or stage of economic development many tend to share a number of common characteristics. The climates of most islands generally are moderated by the maritime influence, with lower maximum and higher minimum temperatures than continental land masses at the same latitude.
Most islands also have distinct seasonal patterns of rainfall and temperature.