As of the date of this response, the current and accurate information from reliable sources such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) shows that there is no top-level domain (TLD) registered as .caravan.
Top-level domains (TLDs) are the letters that come after the final dot in an internet address. They are typically categorized into generic TLDs (like .com, .net, .org), country code TLDs (like .us, .uk, .jp), and sponsored TLDs (like .gov, .edu, .mil). These TLDs serve as a key component in web browsing, supporting easy navigation and organization around the web. The assignment and management of TLDs are done by ICANN.
In order for a TLD to be created, a proposal must be submitted to ICANN during certain opening periods for new TLD applications. The application process is comprehensive and exacting, requiring the demonstration of both technical prowess and financial capacity as the management of a TLD is a complex task that bears significant operational costs.
The application process also involves rigorous checks, including a string similarity evaluation to check that the TLD does not conflict with existing TLDs visually, a DNS stability check to ensure that the proposed TLD does not threaten the stability of the DNS, and a technical and financial capability evaluation, among others. Therefore, not all strings can be registered as TLDs.
For example, the .eco TLD is one of the TLDs that have undergone this process. It is a TLD dedicated to the environmental community and was proposed by Big Room Inc. during the 2012 application round. Its successful registration and delegation underlines the complexity of the process and the commitment required to maintain a TLD.
That said, as of the latest checks on ICANN’s TLD list and the official website of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), there is no current TLD named .caravan. It’s worth noting that the nature of domain name registration means this could change in the future if ICANN opens up for new applications and a proposal for a .caravan TLD is accepted.
Sources:
1. ICANN – https://www.icann.org/
2. ICANN Guidebook – https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/global-support/faqs/faqs-en
3. IANA Root Zone Database – https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt
4. .eco TLD – https://go.eco/ .
