Become an expert on Central America and the West Indies

Spanish Speaking Countries  Most of Central America has Spanish as National language

Belize  Is the only exception (It’s national language is English because it was settled by England)  It is also the least populated country in Central America

Nicaragua  Managua is the capital

Guatamala  Highest population of Central America  Ladinos are Guatamalans who speak Spanish and practice European ways

Costa Rica  Highest literacy rate (percentage of adults that can read)  Highest standard of living in Central America

Panama  Panama Canal is a waterway that connects Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

West Indies  A chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea  Many were ruled by Europeans as plantations  Most have a farming economy that is based on one crop.

Jamaica  Creole language is a mixture of English and French  Major producers of Bauxite ( a mineral used to make aluminum )  Large Asian population

Anguilla  Smallest Island in the West Indies

Cuba  Largest Island in the West Indies  Only communist country

Trinidad  Enslaved Africans created Calypso music  Large Asian population

Volcanoes  Responsible for much of Central Americas fertile soil

Rainforests  Are threatened by rapid clearing for development

Major Rain forest crop  Chicle- used in making chewing gum