World Geography TodayChapter 11 Central America and the Caribbean Preview Section 1: Natural EnvironmentsNatural Environments Section 2: Central AmericaCentral America Section 3: The CaribbeanThe Caribbean Chapter Wrap-Up

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Read to Discover What physical processes have shaped the landforms of Central America and the Caribbean? What is the climate like in Central America and the Caribbean? What natural resources and environmental hazards are common in the region? Section 1: Natural Environments

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Question How were landforms in Central America and the Caribbean created? Section 1: Natural Environments

World Geography TodayChapter 11 The Creation of Landforms in Central America and the Caribbean Tectonic Forces Mountains New Islands Plate Subduction Volcanic Eruptions CauseCreates Section 1: Natural Environments

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Tropical wet and dry climates are typical. Temperatures are fairly constant. Winter is usually drier, with a summer rainy season. Central American climates follow terrain— tropical, humid climates on the Caribbean coast; highland climates in the elevated interior; rain shadows on the drier western slopes. Section 1: Natural Environments Climates of Central America and the Caribbean

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Section 1: Natural Environments Natural Resources and Environmental Hazards Natural Resources Warm, sunny climate Fertile soils Rich fishing grounds Minerals: gold, bauxite, nickel, oil Environmental Hazards Earthquakes Volcanic eruptions Hurricanes Mud slides

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Read to Discover How does Central America’s history continue to shape the region today? What economic, political, and social conditions exist in the region? Section 2: Central America

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Question What factors influenced the development of Central America’s cultural heritage? Section 2: Central America

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Central America’s Cultural Heritage Section 2: Central America Catholicism Unequal distribution of wealth Spanish colonists introduced Spanish-style architecture and town planning Mestizos a major ethnic group Spanish language

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Commercial export agriculture, with strong foreign influence Powerful families control society, government, military Widespread poverty and inequality causing emigration, unrest El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala—Violence, civil war Honduras—Poorest country; rough terrain, lack of development Panama—Variety of conditions, from wilderness jungle to modern industry Costa Rica—Greatest stability, highest standard of living Section 2: Central America Economic, Political, and Social Conditions

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Read to Discover What are some important events in the history of the Caribbean? What cultural and population patterns are found in the region? What activities support the economies of the Caribbean countries? Section 3: The Caribbean

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Columbus’s arrival in 1492 began Spanish colonization. British, Dutch, and French competed for control. Europeans created plantations based on slave labor. Haiti gained independence in U.S. took Cuba and Puerto Rico from Spain in the Spanish-American War of Many Caribbean islands remained colonies until the mid-1900s. Section 3: The Caribbean Important Events in Caribbean History

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Question What nations have influenced the culture of countries in the Caribbean? Section 3: The Caribbean

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Section 3: The Caribbean African—Most countries, notably Haiti and Jamaica American—Cuba, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Asian—Trinidad and Tobago, others British—Several countries Cultural Influence in the Caribbean

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Section 3: The Caribbean Dutch—Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, others Caribbean Indian—Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Aruba, the Netherlands Antilles, others French—Several countries, notably Haiti Spanish—Several countries, notably Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic Cultural Influence in the Caribbean

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Mainly of European and African descent Asian immigrants influence some countries (Trinidad and Tobago) Small Caribbean Indian population Language—Based on colonial history (Spanish, English, French, Dutch, creole) Religion—Catholic, Protestant, African, Hindu, Islamic Section 3: The Caribbean Cultural Patterns

World Geography TodayChapter 11 70% of the population lives in Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic Largest city is Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital Rapid population growth produces unemployment, emigration, urbanization Section 3: The Caribbean Population Patterns

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Except for Cuba (command economy), market economies dominate the region. Caricom, the Caribbean Community and Common Market, was developed to promote industry and trade. Agricultural exports are the key activity: sugar, bananas, cacao, citrus, spices. Mining is important in some countries. Puerto Rico has developed industry based on U.S. policies. Tourism is important throughout the region. Section 3: The Caribbean Economic Activities

World Geography TodayChapter 11 Chapter Wrap-Up Understanding the Main Ideas 1.What physical process has created the mountains of Central America? How do those mountains affect climates in Central America and the Caribbean islands? 2.How are economics and politics linked in Central America? 3.What economic activities are important in Central America? How is the economy of the region changing? 4.How does Cuba differ economically from other Caribbean countries? 5.What non-Caribbean countries have had the most influence in the region? Why?