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Central America Travel Information

Central America sits between North America and South America and is made up of 7 countries covering an area of 590,000 square kilometres, with a population of 42.5 million. The Pacific Ocean lies to the South-West, with the Caribbean Sea to the North-East and the Gulf of Mexico to the North.

Central America was long inhabited by indigenous people, before the Spanish arrived and conquered the region in the early 16th century. They continued to rule for about 300 years. Two-thirds of the Central American population is of mixed American Indian and Spanish background. The main languages spoken are Spanish, English and also American Indian languages. The religion is primarily Roman Catholicism.

Central America's climate varies with altitude from tropical to cool. A common feature of the geography is the mountainous chain that extends through the centre of the region. On each coast there are humid swamps and lowlands, where the climate is generally hotter and more humid then the cooler highlands. The Eastern side of the region receives heavy rainfall.

The area is geologically active, with a number of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occurring from time to time. The region has around 40 volcanoes, many of them active, and is prone to severe seismic activity. The volcanic zones have fertile soil and are productive agricultural areas.

Bananas, coffee, and cacao are the chief crops of Central America and gold and silver are also mined there.

Belize

Belize is located in Central America and is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and Caribbean Sea. Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language as Belize was a British colony until 1973. . . . more about Belize

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America and is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Costa Rica is a small nation yet has a population over over 4,100,000 people an . . . more about Costa Rica

El Salvador

El Salvador is located in Central America and is bordred by Guatemala, Honduras and the Pacific Ocean. El Salvador is one of the most densely populated American nation and has a population of over over 6,900,000 people. . . . more about El Salvador

Guatemala

Guatemala is located in Central America and is bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala is the most populated coutry in Central America and has a population of over 13 million people. . . . more about Guatemala

Honduras

Honduras is located in Central America and is bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf Of Fonseca (from the Pacific Ocean). Honduras is the second largest country in Central America. . . . more about Honduras

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the largest nation in Central America and is bordered by Honduras to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Costa Rica to the south and the North Pacific Ocean to the west. Nicaragua contains both the largest freshwater lake, the Lag . . . more about Nicaragua

Panama

Panama is the southern most country in Central America and is located on the land bridge that connects North America and South America. Panama borders Costa Rica to the northwest, the Caribbean Sea to the north, Columbia to the southeast and the Nor . . . more about Panama

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