History
Which empire controlled large parts of what is now Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize before European contact?
The Maya civilization (the Maya)
Which indigenous group in Honduras is known for the Miskito language and coastal culture?
The Miskito people (Miskito)
Which large cat species historically ranged across Central America and is still found in parts of the region?
Jaguar
Which crop (export commodity) was historically called “green gold” and dominated economies of Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica in the 19th–20th centuries?
Coffee (often called “green gold”)
What is the highest mountain in Central America (name the peak and country)?
Volcán Tajumulco, Guatemala
In which year did Panama formally gain independence from Colombia?
1903
Which country’s traditional music includes punta and Garifuna influences?
Honduras (Garifuna and punta are strongly associated with Honduras)
Which tree, famed for its hard, fragrant wood, is native to Central America and valued for furniture and carving?
Honduran mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
Which cash crop is a leading export for Costa Rica and a major employer in rural areas?
Coffee (for Costa Rica)
Which Central American country is an isthmus connecting North and South America?
Panama
Which Spanish conquistador is credited with the conquest of the Maya in the 16th century?
Pedro de Alvarado
Which popular Central American dish is made from corn dough and often wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks?
Tamal (tamales)
Which rodent, the largest in the Americas, is found in wetland areas throughout Central America?
Capybara
Which canal tolls and operations contribute significantly to Panama’s national revenue?
Panama Canal tolls/operations (Panama Canal)
Which large lake in Nicaragua is famous for containing freshwater shark species?
Lake Nicaragua (Lake Cocibolca)
Which Central American country experienced a revolution led by Augusto César Sandino in the early 20th century?
Nicaragua (Augusto César Sandino led resistance there)
Which Guatemalan city is famous for its brightly colored textiles and indigenous weaving traditions?
Chichicastenango (often shortened to Chichi) or the highlands around Sololá/San Juan La Laguna — commonly: Chichicastenango
Which seabird is commonly seen along Central American coasts and often nests on rocky cliffs?
Brown pelican (or simply pelican)
Which free‑trade agreement between the United States and several Central American countries was signed in the 2000s?
CAFTA‑DR (Central America‑Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement / CAFTA-DR)
Which major mountain range runs along much of the Central American spine?
The Central American Volcanic Arc (or Cordillera Central)
What was the name of the short‑lived union of Central American states formed after independence from Spain in 1823?
The Federal Republic of Central America (United Provinces of Central America)
Which Central American country celebrates the festival of Semana Santa in Antigua with elaborate sawdust carpets?
Guatemala (Antigua Guatemala’s Semana Santa)
Which type of tropical forest covers much of lowland Central America and hosts high biodiversity?
Tropical rainforest (lowland tropical rainforest)
Which currency is used in Panama alongside the balboa for daily transactions?
United States dollar (USD)
Which Panamanian province contains the Caribbean port city of Colón?
Colón Province