The Region of Central America

The United States is dividing into regions by similar physical features, climate, economy, traditions, and history.

The countries of Central America form a long isthmus that connects southern North America to South America.

The physical features of the region include many inland, rugged mountains. They are active volcanoes. Devastating earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes strike this region.

Spanish is the official language of all Central American countries, except Belize. In Belize, English is the official language.

Most of the people of Central America live in the highlands on small farms.

Central America has large plantations that produce about 10% of the world’s coffee and about 10% of the world’s bananas.

The Maya Indians were the dominant culture from about 400 B. C The Maya Indians were the dominant culture from about 400 B.C. to about 900 A.D. Today, descendants of the Maya live in the mountains of Central America.

Vocabulary Words

Central America – a region of seven countries between Mexico and South America including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama

isthmus – a narrow strip of land having water on each side and connecting two larger bodies of land

region – an area of land or water with certain characteristics that make it different from other areas

Answers

MONDAY 1. 7; Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama 2. a narrow strip of land having that connects two larger land areas

TUESDAY 1. Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean, and the Gulfs of Fonseca, Honduras, Mosquitos, Nicoya, and Panama 2. Mexico and Columbia

WEDNESDAY 1. Belize 2. Guatemala City, Panama City, and San Salvador

1. El Salvador; Atlantic Ocean THURSDAY 1. El Salvador; Atlantic Ocean 2. Panama; Costa Rica, Columbia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea

1. earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions FRIDAY 1. earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions 2. Greater Antilles