Central America and the Caribbean World Geography Today 10/4/2017 CHAPTER 11 Central America and the Caribbean Section 1: Natural Environments Section 2: Central America Section 3: The Caribbean Chapter 11

Section 1 Natural Environments The landforms of Central America and the Caribbean were shaped by tectonic forces. Mountains formed in Central America and Lesser Antilles by plate collisions (subduction). Volcanoes formed islands and mountains. Coral reefs, uplifted by tectonic collisions, became islands.

Climates of Central America and the Caribbean: Section 1 Natural Environments Climates of Central America and the Caribbean: Tropical wet and dry climates are typical. Central American climates follow terrain—tropical humid climates on the Caribbean coast, highland climates in the elevated interior, rain shadows on the direr western slopes. Biomes=Tropical Animals, Tropical Plants Mangrove-Trees that grow on the coastline, roots grow into the sea water

Natural resources and environmental hazards: Section 1 Natural Environments Natural resources and environmental hazards: Natural resources warm, sunny climate (eco-tourism) some fertile soils Cacao rich fishing grounds minerals—some gold, bauxite, nickel, oil Bauxite- Mineral used to make aluminum Environmental hazards (Plate Tectonics) earthquakes volcanic eruptions Hurricanes- Increase Population causes more damage

Effects of history on Culture in Central America: Section 2 Central America Effects of history on Culture in Central America: tradition of wealth concentrated in few families continued importance of Roman Catholic Church Spanish language (except in former British colony of Belize) population mainly mixed-race mestizos and mulattoes

Economic, political, and social conditions: Section 2 Central America Economic, political, and social conditions: commercial export agriculture, with strong foreign influence powerful families control society, government, military widespread poverty and inequality—cause emigration, unrest. El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala—violence, civil war Honduras—poorest country; rough terrain, lack of development Panama—variety of conditions; wilderness jungle to modern industry (panama Canal) Costa Rica—greatest stability, highest standard of living (Eco-Tourism)

Important events in Caribbean history: Section 3 The Caribbean Important events in Caribbean history: Columbus’s arrival in 1492 began Spanish colonization. British, Dutch, and French competed for control. Europeans create plantations based on slave labor. U.S. took Cuba and Puerto Rico from Spain in Spanish-American War of 1898. Many Caribbean islands remained colonies until mid-1900s.

Cultural and population patterns: Section 3 The Caribbean Cultural and population patterns: population—mainly Europeans and African descendants, Asian immigrants—influence in some countries (Trinidad and Tobago) language—based on colonial history (Spanish, English, French, Dutch, Creole) religion—Catholic, Protestant, African beliefs (Voodoo), Hinduism, Islam, Santeria rapid population growth—produces unemployment, emigration, urbanization.

Section 3 The Caribbean-Economy Except for Cuba, market economies dominate the region. (Caricom=Economic agreement b/w Caribbean nations) 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. Haiti has been devastated by Earth Quake of 2010