Central America Isthmus- Central America is a narrow piece of land that connects two larger areas of land-- North America and South America.    

Around 41 Million People     Darien, Panama Darien, Ct

Central Highlands- Negatives Make transportation and communication difficult. Isolates East coast from West coast. What factor makes this region rugged and active? Mts.

Volcanoes

Earthquakes

What positive consequences do volcanoes have on Central America’s Economy and people? Ash from volcanoes create fertile soil for agricultural industries and many poor people who depend on their crops to survive.

Coffee

Bananas

Cotton

Sugarcane

What is the climate like?

Mountain/Highlands Cool in the highlands on the Pacific Coast.

Mostly tropical rainforests Hot and Humid. Lowlands East Coast receives over 100 inches of rain per year.

Topmost layer of the rainforest that Shades the forest floor. -

Guatemala Means “land of trees” in Maya-Toltec Tajamulco Volcano  Highest pt. Antigua 

Largest Native population in Central America

Belize Home to the world’s second largest coral reef. *Lighthouse Reef

Belize has the world’s largest density of Jaguars per square mile

El Salvador Smallest, yet most densely populated country! “El Salvador” means “the savior.” The Spanish named it this because they thought it was the land of Jesus.

Honduras “The Depths.” Columbus is quoted as saying, “thank God we came out of those depths.” Mountains make up 80% of land. Bad for agriculture! Also $$$

Nicaragua Poorest country in Western Hemisphere Name comes from a local chief named Nicarao and the Spanish word for water.

Costa Rico Has one of the greatest densities of wildlife and species in the world. Ranked # 1 in the Americas on the (EPI) Environmental Performance Index Poas Crater “Rich Coast”

Panama Contains over 500 rivers!

Panama Canal Only DIRECT route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Important for trade!