Central America - Spain had the biggest influence - Mulatto: a person whose ancestors were African & EuropeanMulatto Caribbean - most people are descendants of Africans - Great Britain used to rule many islands - Reggae music first developed in Jamaica

Most people are Christians Some people practice voodoo - Voodoo: belief that good and evil spirits influence daily life - voodoo is strongest in Haiti Haiti

Spanish is the most common Other languages include English, French, Creole - Creole: mixture of French and African languages

Population density: average number of people living in each square mile Most people live in rural areas *El Salvador Haiti

Big differences between rich and poor people - this has led to civil wars Communism: government system in which there is no private property; the government owns and controls the land and goods - ex: Cuba and Fidel Castro Relationship with the United States - U.S. does not get along with Cuba -Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens - Some want Puerto Rico to become the 51 st state

Tourism is a HUGE industry Subsistence farming: growing crops mainly to meet the needs of a family - can’t sell crops for extra money Sugarcane, cacao, coconuts, bananas

Deforestation is a major problem - scientists believe that these trees contain cures for diseases

Summing it all up! Case Study: Haiti

Write - The 3 most interesting things you learned today - 2 new things you learned from the Haiti video - 1 thing you would like to learn more about ***Turn in when you leave class

You’re on an amazing vacation on an island that was JUST discovered in the Caribbean! Create a Postcard that includes: - A picture exhibiting certain features of the island (people, beaches, farming, music, etc) - A letter home that explains: - The culture on the island and how it was formed - The religion, language, government, and economy found on the island. Include how or why it is what it is. - The environment and physical features of the island - At least one problem the island has - Why someone should or should not visit the new island *Include your name, date, and block on the right side