Section 1
were once colonies of European nations. Years of colonial rule made it hard for most of these countries to establish strong economies or democratic governments. Today things are slowly improving.
Central America
A third island group, the _______, lies in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Florida
Bahamas
This shared history has been influenced by the ____, the Spanish, and the United States.
Maya
controlled most of the banana production in Central America. To help its business, the company developed railroads and port facilities.
United Fruit Company
is a mountainous country. Most people live in mountain valleys and along the northern coast.
Honduras
is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger land areas.
Isthmus
Colliding ________ ______ have pushed this region’s land up out of the sea over several million years.
Tectonic Plates
The Spanish colonies of Central America declared independence from Spain in
1821
The region is also known for tomatoes, hot peppers, and _____, which is the source of chocolate
Cacao
is a conflict between two or more groups within a country
Civil War
are actually the tops of underwater mountains and volcanoes
Caribbean Islands
A _____ ______is a moist, high elevation tropical forest where low clouds are common.
Cloud Forest
The Spanish colonies of Central America declared independence from Spain in 1821, but much of the region remained joined together as
United Provinces of Central America
helps us with the United States to help increase trade among the countries.
Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)
in __ ________a few rich families own much of the best land while most people live in poverty.
El Salvador
is a large group of islands
Archipelago
From summer to fall, __________ are a threat in the region. These tropical storms bring violent winds, heavy rain, and high seas.
Hurricanes
The countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala separated from each other in
1838 to 1839
is the most populous country in Central America. More than 13 million people live there
Guatemala
has also been rebuilding since the end of a civil war. In 1979, a group called the Sandinistas overthrew a dictator.
Nicaragua
The four large islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico make up the ______ _______
Greater Antilles
___________ in the region can be profitable where volcanic ash has enriched the soil.
Agriculture
Panama remained part of Colombia until
1903
has the smallest population in Central America. The country does not have much land for agriculture, either.
Belize
has a history of peace. It also has a stable, democratic government.
Costa Rica
Many smaller islands form the ______ _______
Lesser Antilles
______ resources are also limited. Central America and the Caribbean islands must rely on energy imports, which limits their development.
Energy
Belize did not gain independence from Britain until
1981
the practice of using an area’s natural environment to attract tourists— has become popular lately.
Ecotourism
provides a link between the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Panama Canal