Chapter 13 Cultures of Latin America Section 1

Seven nations form the crooked, narrow isthmus of Central America. Along with Mexico they make up Middle America.

Many people of Middle America are poor farmers known as campesinos, (kahm peh see nohz).

People of Central America of diverse ancestry.

Middle America has much diversity among its people. Many are Mestizo, which means they are a mix of Spanish and Indigenous People, (who are descendants of the people who first lived there). In Latin America, indigenous people are also called Native Americans.

Although Spanish is the language of business and government, some countries like Guatemala speak more than 20 languages.

Lack of work and low wages force many people to work In factories and businesses in the city.

A factory found on the U.S./Mexican border which assembles parts for export is called maquiladora.

Many people have left Mexico and Central America and emigrated to the U.S. to find a better job.

Many people from Middle America emigrate to the United States hoping to find better living conditions and better work.

America is made of many immigrants. Immigrants are people who move from their home country to live in a foreign country. For many Middle Americans, the U.S. Is their new home.

Due to growth in population, which led to job shortage in rural areas, thousands of young people In Middle America have been moving from the country- side to the city.

The religion most practiced in Middle America is Catholicism.

Wealthy people of this region send their children to good schools and have big houses.