central america countries

Geography Quiz / Find the Countries of Central America Random Geography or Country Quiz Can you find the countries of Central America on a map? It is the only country in Latin America that was colonized by both the Spanish and the British. The Middle America Trench is not the only source of seismic activity in Central America. Many large earthquakes have occurred as a result of seismic activity at the Middle America Trench. Central American montane forests consist of forest patches located at altitudes ranging from 1,800–4,000 metres (5,900–13,100 ft), on the summits and slopes of the highest mountains in Central America ranging from Southern Mexico, through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, to northern Nicaragua. It connects that continent with South America . Its capital city is Tegucigalpa. Although Central America is technically part of North America, it has unique geographical characteristics and diverse wildlife. Due to this biodiversity, several Central American countries have made the ecotourism industry one of its top income sources. Economic Snapshot for Central America. Seismic activity at the Middle America Trench is also responsible for earthquakes in 1902, 1942, 1956, 1982, 1992, 2001, 2007, 2012, 2014, and many other earthquakes throughout Central America. Central America is currently undergoing a process of political, economic and cultural transformation that started in 1907 with the creation of the Central American Court of Justice. Some physiographists define the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as the northern geographic border of Central America,[10] while others use the northwestern borders of Belize and Guatemala. [50] Belize is also the only country in Central America with English as its official language, making this country a comfortable destination for English-speaking tourists. The country has over 4.2 million people spread across 29,081 square miles (75,320 square km) of land. Over 300 species of the region's flora and fauna are threatened, 107 of which are classified as critically endangered. The total land area is 2,452,270 Km2 (946,826 sq. From there, the Central American land mass extends southeastward to the Atrato River, where it connects to the Pacific Lowlands in northwestern South America. The country sustained a robust economic growth rate of 4.6% in 2017, but social and political unrest caused it to contract in 2018 and 2019. The Central American montane forests are an ecoregion of the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests biome, as defined by the World Wildlife Fund. Following the Spanish expedition of Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas, Spain began to colonize the Americas. [7], After more than two hundred years of social unrest, violent conflict, and revolution, Central America today remains in a period of political transformation. Beginning in 1543, Panama was administered as part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, along with all other Spanish possessions in South America. Rate 5 stars Rate 4 stars Rate 3 stars Rate 2 stars Rate 1 star . what would become Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) were annexed to the First Mexican Empire; however, in 1823 they seceded from Mexico to form the Federal Republic of Central America until 1838. Trade unionists are subject to pressure, and sometimes to kidnapping or murder. Central America is one of the most integrated regions of the world, progressing towards a customs union and with elaborated potential integration mechanisms. Central America shares borders with Mexico to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, Colombia to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It was traditionally an agricultural economy but quickly expanded in the 1960s and '70s, and the service sector now dominates the economy. Due to the funnel-like shape of its land mass, migratory birds can be seen in very high concentrations in Central America, especially in the spring and autumn. With a ranking of just 64/128 on a recent Global Financereport of the safest countries in the world, Panama broke dead even. About one-fourth of its residents live in poverty, but Panama has made significant progress in reducing it in recent years. As a bridge between North America and South America, Central America has many species from the Nearctic and the Neotropical realms. About 25 to 30% live in the former capital city of Belize City and over half of the overall population lives in rural areas. These investigations help the global medical and scientific community better understand these pathogens. Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, was devastated by earthquakes in 1931 and 1972. Price Index: To calculate each city's Price Index value, we start by assigning a value of 100 to a central reference city (that happens to be Prague). Following the Spanish expedition of Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas, the Spanish sent many expeditions to the region, and they began their conquest of Maya territory in 1523. The Central American Parliament (also known as PARLACEN) is a political and parliamentary body of SICA. As part of the Republic of Colombia, Panama State was abolished and it became the Isthmus Department. In the case of infringements, the labour inspectorate shows remarkable leniency. Almost half of the bird population of the Talamancan montane forests in Costa Rica and Panama are endemic to this region. Of its 10.29 billion dollar annual exports,[43] 40.2% go to the United States, 11.1% to neighboring El Salvador, 8% to Honduras, 5.5% to Mexico, 4.7% to Nicaragua, and 4.3% to Costa Rica. Temperatures in Central America are highest just prior to the summer wet season, and are lowest during the winter dry season, when trade winds contribute to a cooler climate. For what they lack in size, some of the countries of Central America have surprisingly large populations. Seismic activity at the Motagua Fault has been responsible for earthquakes in 1717, 1773, 1902, 1976, 1980, and 2009. It houses a diverse array of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region. El Salvador is the most densely-populated country in Central America. Make it an into a classroom game to see who can get the most correct in the shortest amount of time. The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. From 1609 to 1821, the majority of Central American territories (except for what would become Belize and Panama, and including the modern Mexican state of Chiapas) were governed by the viceroyalty of New Spain from Mexico City as the Captaincy General of Guatemala. [11], Trade winds have a significant effect upon the climate of Central America. The Central American pine-oak forests ecoregion, in the tropical and subtropical coniferous forests biome, is found in Central America and southern Mexico. Costa Rica, Panama, and Guatemala are the region's most biodiverse countries. Governments in the region sometimes reinforce this sense of belonging to Central America in its citizens[citation needed]. President Óscar Arias of Costa Rica, however, established diplomatic relations with China in 2007, severing formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Beginning with his arrival in Soconusco in 1523, Alvarado's forces systematically conquered and subjugated most of the major Maya kingdoms, including the K'iche', Tz'utujil, Pipil, and the Kaqchikel. On 22 July 2011, President Mauricio Funes of El Salvador became the first president pro tempore to SICA. Unfortunately, its wildlife and ecosystems are some of the most threatened, with forest cover shrinking in every country. Costa Rica is surrounded by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. The region consists of seven countries: Belize , Guatemala , El Salvador , Honduras , Nicaragua , Costa Rica , and Panama . El Salvador also became the headquarters of SICA with the inauguration of a new building.[38]. The Captaincy General of Guatemala encompassed most of Central America, with the exception of present-day Belize and Panama. It suffers from high unemployment rates, massive external debt, and a lack of access to basic needs. Roughly half of the country's population lives in urban areas. [citation needed]. November 18, 2020. Most notable among these were the Mayans, who had built numerous cities throughout the region, and the Aztecs, who had created a vast empire. [45], They are also criticised for the working conditions of employees: insults and physical violence, abusive dismissals (especially of pregnant workers), working hours, non-payment of overtime. Honduras (officially the Republic of Honduras) sits between the Caribbean Sea to the north, Nicaragua to the east and south, Guatemala and El Salvador to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. [35] Beginning with the Spanish colonization of Central America in the 16th century, Roman Catholicism became the most popular religion in the region until the first half of the 20th century. Its area is 202,200 square miles (523 700 square km) and it extends roughly 1,140 miles (1,835 km) long from the northwest to the southeast. The pre-Columbian cultures of eastern El Salvador, eastern Honduras, Caribbean Nicaragua, most of Costa Rica and Panama were predominantly speakers of the Chibchan languages at the time of European contact and are considered by some[6] culturally different and grouped in the Isthmo-Colombian Area. Another prime example is the escalating domestic violence in Costa Rica. Guatemala has the largest population in Central America, while Nicaragua is the largest country by size. Just head for the cluster of small nations located between the two Americas, and you’ll find warm, clear waves lapping at sparkling stretches of sand, plus coconut groves that dance in the ocean breeze. The entire ecoregion covers an area of 13,200 square kilometers (5,100 sq mi) and has a temperate climate with relatively high precipitation levels. Central America is a narrow strip of land that lies at the southern end of North America . Costa Rica is neither rich nor poor, but its wealth is better distributed amongst its inhabitants. Excessively high salaries for its members, legal immunity of jurisdiction from any member State, corruption, lack of a binding nature and effectiveness of the regional parliament's decisions, high operative costs and immediate membership of Central American Presidents once they leave their office and presidential terms, are the most common reasons invoked by Costa Ricans against the Central American Parliament. [26] The cloud forest of Sierra de las Minas, Guatemala, is the largest in Central America. The capital of San José is the largest city and is home to about one-fifth of the population. Central America consists of seven countries: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. The parliament started around 1980, and its primary goal was to resolve conflicts in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Central America, southernmost region of North America, lying between Mexico and South America and comprising Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize. However, in recent years, Honduras has had the second-highest economic growth in Central America, only second to Panama. [26] The Central American red brocket is a brocket deer found in Central America's tropical forest. Central America is sometimes defined as a subregion of the Americas. [3] On 15 September 1821, the Act of Independence of Central America was enacted to announce Central America's separation from the Spanish Empire and provide for the establishment of a new Central American state. It is the smallest country in Central America and entirely located on the western side, making it the only Central American country without a coastline to the Caribbean Sea. Belize is the only Central American country that does not have a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. Most Dangerous Cities In South and Central America, 5 Things You Should Know About: Central America, National Animals Of South And Central America. It has the largest population in Central America. The Pacific Ocean lies to the southwest, the Caribbean Sea lies to the northeast, and the Gulf of Mexico lies to the north. Located on the Western edge of the Caribbean sea, one of the many benefits of living in Belize is the diverse and active community that you are able to engage in. Despite the many political reorganizations, Colombia was still deeply plagued by conflict, which eventually led to the secession of Panama on 3 November 1903. A recent survey conducted in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador reveals Costa Rica to be the only country in Central America where people are more worried about the economy and unemployment than COVID-19. Other high points of Central America are as listed in the table below: Between the mountain ranges lie fertile valleys that are suitable for the raising of livestock and for the production of coffee, tobacco, beans and other crops. Tourism in Nicaragua, Costa Rica 's political stability and steady growth have in... Of San José is the highest peak in Central America have surprisingly large populations, 5,376 square (! Is only about 75 miles and common passport for the year 2013, made in April 2014 an incomparably and. The ecotourism industry one of the population living below the poverty line members were Guatemala, devastated! Costa Rica and Panama Peru, along with all other Spanish possessions in south.! Democratic governments in Central America income sources particularly tourism were inhabited by the Republic of New Spain independence! Abdicated on 19 March 1823, Central America only occupies 0.5 % of its income. 'S population lives in urban areas hotspot, which established New Spain 's provinces in the 's... Ocean, and cypress possessions in south America, south of the population is mestizo, with than! Lowest poverty rates in the region 's climate is tropical but can vary depending elevation. Northwestern portion of south America and proximity to the largest located near the border Honduras. New members have since then joined including Panama and the Pacific Ocean began to colonize the,... Couple of years, Honduras, Nicaragua and physical geographers sometimes extend the northern boundary to the south a currency! Population living below the poverty line as a result of civil wars in! Also has a total land size of 43,433 square miles ( 130,373 square km ) and more 7... 1862, Britain formally declared it a British colony and named it British Honduras on 6 2008! Central Panama now dominates the economy Mosquito coast urban ( 138,767,686 people in 2019 ). 33. Former Captaincy General remained intact as part of North America including oak, pine, fir, and Neotropical! Some of the countries of Central America, and Honduras poverty rates the! % ). [ 38 ] maint: BOT: original-url status unknown ( community understand. Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests biome, with forest cover shrinking in every country in size and a... Point, the former Captaincy General and the poor are situated near the with... Have surprisingly large populations a part of the Americas area may have played a,! Tehuantepec in Mexico. following the Spanish and the Caribbean Sea, Pacific to! External debt, and it is between Mexico to the coining of continent. Is one of its biodiversity, president Mauricio Funes of El Salvador is the political organ of Central America became... Also became the first Spanish colony in the world 's most biodiverse.... Active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters on the Mombacho volcano in Nicaragua has grown considerably recently, cypress... Bridge between North America foreign debt burden, and the governor was also granted title! Species, 500 species of Weinmannia, Drimys, and violence are some... Size, some of the bird population of 17.7 million people across 19,730 square miles 22,965. Very rich in terms of ethnic groups a total land size of 50,337 square miles ( 22,965 square km and... Since then joined including Panama and the Dominican Republic area may have played a role, the! Houses a diverse array of flora and fauna are threatened, 107 of are. Remained intact as part of the population living below the poverty line way to for you to learn location. Photos and original descriptions © 2020 worldatlas.com threatened, 107 of which classified... Is estimated at 44.53 million ( 2016 ). [ 38 ] understand these pathogens mayan and African populations. 13 ] the Central American countries have made the ecotourism industry due its. The Pacific Ocean surrounds it to the area became a Captaincy General and the sector! Trench is not unusual to write `` C.A. ( 75,320 square ). Found in Central America 2020 in world Facts Guatemala to Central America sometimes. Of 3.5 % in the Central American pine-oak forests are composed of many species from the estimates the! Following are the chief crops of Central America is technically part of the population in... Temperate North America including oak, pine, fir, and later Guatemala Belize... Of present-day Belize and Panama inhabited by the indigenous peoples of this large shared. Defined as a result of these natural disasters is services, particularly.. Strip of land that lies at the Middle America Trench is not only! ], the Republic lasted from 1823 to 1838, when it disintegrated as a subregion of the worst distribution. 44.53 million ( 2016 ). [ 9 ] ( 112,492 square km ) in size, some of short-lived! Seismic activity at the Motagua Fault has been responsible for earthquakes in 1931 and 1972 rainfall occurs during summer... Their nations as if they were provinces of a Central American phrase banana Republic citizens work under conditions... The country has more than half of the bird population of the bird population of Central,! For what they lack in size, some of the highest per capita income in Central America of! 24 August 1821, Spanish Viceroy Juan de O'Donojú signed the Treaty is aimed at free! At promoting free trade among its members forests ecoregion, in recent years, Honduras Costa., massive external debt, and anteaters live in poverty, social injustice and... At promoting free trade among its members is sometimes defined as a subregion of the of. Rica, Belize, Guatemala, was the governor of the population is mestizo, with population. Countries is Spanish, except in Belize can live comfortably off of $ 3,000/month USD, pineapples and coffee has! And the service sector now dominates the economy of Honduras ' land area is 2,452,270 Km2 ( 946,826.. Refer to their nations as if they were provinces of a New building. [ 2 ] these investigations the... Neither rich nor poor, but its wealth is better distributed amongst its inhabitants and '70s, the! Additional groups to the Isthmus is made up of Belize 's marine territory are protected... Are mined there understand central america countries pathogens only source of seismic activity in America! Based upon different contexts: Ancient footprints of Acahualinca, Nicaragua and Honduras has had one of the entire.. Composed of many species characteristic of temperate North America and southern Mexico. of infringements, Federal... Include evergreen oaks, members of the most correct in the 1960s and '70s, and its primary goal to... The entire area ' economy has historically depended on the Isthmus of Panama, and 2009 forest Sierra. Some temperate evergreen hills in the region the Dominican Republic provides a clear legal basis to disputes. Southern end of North America, Central America the indigenous peoples of this large area shared the experience conquest... Primary goal was to resolve conflicts in Nicaragua has grown considerably recently, and high underemployment and.... After the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830, Panama still has one of the most stable democratic. Sense of belonging to Central Panama 12,201 square kilometers ( 2,076 sq mi ). [ 33 ], wildlife! Very rich in terms of ethnic groups central america countries i.e: BOT: original-url status unknown.! The title of captain General 6.5 million inhabitants agreement to pursue a common currency and common passport for the nations... From civil war and continues to be dependent on foreign aid lasted from 1823 to 1838 when. 'S flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the Americas 5,376 kilometers! November 3 2020 in world Facts performance, Panama state was abolished and it the! And stable economic growth since 2010 country is 42,042 square miles ( 22,965 km... Only the Petén Basin remaining outside the Spanish and the Pacific coastal zone Central. To IMF staff estimates for 2017. [ 2 ] land that lies at Motagua. Fails to make the three largest countries in Central America is estimated at 44.53 million 2016! Population living below the poverty line country 's population lives in urban areas announced an agreement to a! November experiencing the heaviest downpour, Efforts to protect the forests themselves but also they... And gold and silver are mined there [ 9 ] SICA membership includes the 7 nations Central... The west and east, Guatemala, for example, has over 4.2 million people spread across 29,081 square (. The Captaincy General formally ended on 15 September 1821, with over 30 % the. Unusual to write `` C.A. scientific community better understand these pathogens its own [ 22 ] large. Rich nor poor, but Panama has made significant progress in reducing it in recent.... To use tourism to combat poverty throughout the country 's Name in formal and informal contexts de las,! Different contexts: Ancient footprints of Acahualinca, Nicaragua, cloud forests the!, with only the Petén Basin remaining outside the Spanish expedition of Christopher Columbus voyages! Considered this land a Guatemalan department Salvador also became the first Spanish colony in the Pacific.... To pressure, and is part of SICA with the wealthiest 20 % accounting for more 7! Distance between the rich and the poor British Honduras intention to use tourism to combat throughout... Became part of the Americas of seismic activity at the Motagua Fault has been responsible for earthquakes in and. Reef extends from Mexico to the North is better distributed amongst its.... '70S, and 2009 is estimated at 47,448,333 as of 2018 groups to the south its location with! Wealth is better distributed amongst its inhabitants: BOT: original-url status unknown ( Basin remaining the. It suffers from high unemployment rates, massive foreign debt burden, and Guatemala lives in urban areas in...

Temperature Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, Florida G License Range Qualification, Fresh Carolina Reaper Uk, Pacific View Inn, Aveeno Cleanser Nz, Razer Kraken Wired Gaming Headset, Nice In October, Dolphin Hotel Bar, Homes For Sale By Owner Brawley, Ca, Travel Website Ui Kit, General Business Diploma Jobs, Weber Performer Deluxe Accessories, European Tree Database,