Central America and the Caribbean

Guatemala Most populous country in Central America (13 + million) Nearly half are central American Indians Mestizos Coffee – most important crop Cardamom – major producer of this spice used for cooking (Thai food) Isolated villages, fighting between rebels/government forces Tourists climb Tikal's Pyramid II to reach the Temple of the Masks. The site's pyramids, plazas, temples, and palaces were once an important center of Mayan civilization.

Belize Caribbean coast of Yucatan peninsula Smallest population Tourists -- Maya ruins, coral reefs, coastal resorts English is the official language

Honduras Transportation and crop growing are difficult due to the rugged mountain terrain Fruit is an important export

El Salvador Pacific side of Central America Volcanic ash leads to fertile soil (coffee and sugarcane) Much poverty Long civil war in the 1980s One of the most iconic events in El Salvador’s history is its twelve year long civil war which occurred from ( ). The parties involved were the right- wing militant group, Junta Revolucionaria de Gobierno and the left-wing guerilla organization, FMLN (Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front). During these 12 years, the citizens of El Salvador were subjected to violent acts and inhumane treatment in the form of massacres by the hand of the government run militant group. In order to “take back” their country, local civilians (even children) took up arms in order to form the FMLN.

Nicaragua Largest (physically) country – coasts on Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America Rebuilding since long civil war ended in 1990 Democracy today

Costa Rica Long history of stable democratic government Coffee and bananas are important crops Rich tropical rain forests and national parks attract tourists (example of ecotourism)

Panama Panama Canal (finished by U.S. in 1914 and controlled by U.S. until 1999 when Panama took it over) links Pacific Ocean to Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean Canal fees and industry make the canal area the country’s most prosperous region.

Caribbean Islands Caribbean archipelago Greater Antilles – Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico Lesser Antilles – smaller islands Stretch from Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Tobago Bahamas – lie outside the Caribbean Sea, east of Florida. Made up of nearly 700 islands and thousands of reefs.

Cuba Largest and most populous country in Caribbean 90 miles south of Florida Communist government since Fidel Castro took over in 1959 Cooperatives and government owned sugarcane plantations (limited private business) Many Cubans who oppose Castro have become refugees in the U.S. U.S. government banned trade with Cuba; much debate about ending the ban on travel/trade with Cuba

Haiti Western 1/3 of island of Hispaniola Poorest country in the Americas Densely populated Coffee, sugarcane, plantains Corrupt government, many refugees to U.S.

Dominican Republic Eastern part of Hispaniola Former Spanish colony – the capital, Santo Domingo, is the 1 st permanent European settlement in the western hemisphere. Not a rich country, but the economy, education, healthcare, and housing are more developed than Haiti’s

Puerto Rico Once a Spanish colony, now a U.S. commonwealth U.S. citizens but no voting representation in U.S. Congress Unemployment and low wages but due to American aid and investment, their economy is more developed than other Caribbean islands.

Other Islands Jamaica in the Greater Antilles is the largest of the remaining Caribbean countries St Kitts and Nevis (Lesser Antilles) is smallest – *The smallest U.S. state, Rhode Island, is nearly 12 times larger! A number of Caribbean and nearby islands are territories of other countries. – Territories include the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. – The Netherlands and France also have Caribbean territories. – Bermuda is a British territory.