Most of Central America falls under theIsthmo-Colombian cultural area. Before the Spanish expedition ofChristopher Columbus' voyages to theAmericas, hundreds of indigenous peoples made their homes in the area. From the year 1502 onwards, Spain began theircolonization. From 1609 to 1821, the majority of Central American territories (except for what would become Belize and Panama and including the modern Mexican state ofChiapas) were governed by the viceroyalty ofNew Spain fromMexico City as theCaptaincy General of Guatemala. On 24 August 1821, Spanish ViceroyJuan de O'Donojú signed theTreaty of Córdoba, which established New Spain's independence and autonomy from mainland Spain.[4] On 15 September, theAct of Independence of Central America was enacted to announce Central America's separation from theSpanish Empire. Some of New Spain's provinces in the Central American region were invaded and annexed to theFirst Mexican Empire; however in 1823 they seceded from Mexico to form theFederal Republic of Central America until 1838.[5]
In 1838, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua became the first of Central America's seven states to become independent countries, followed by El Salvador in 1841, Panama in 1903, and Belize in 1981.[6] Despite the dissolution of theFederal Republic of Central America, the five remaining countries, save for Panama and Belize, all preserved and maintained a Central American identity.[7]
"Central America" may mean different things to various people, based upon different contexts:
TheUnited Nations geoscheme for the Americas definesCentral America as all states of mainland North America south of the United States, hence grouping Mexico as a part of Central America for statistics purposes, but historically and politically Mexico is considered North American.[8]
Middle America is usually thought to compriseMexico in the north and the seven states ofCentral America in the south, as well as theCaribbean in the east.Colombia andVenezuela ofCaribbean South America are sometimes included in this subregion. TheCaribbean is occasionally excluded from this subregion whileThe Guianas are infrequently included. According to one source, the term "Central America" was used as a synonym for "Middle America" at least as recently as 1962.[9]
InIbero-America (Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking American countries), theAmericas are considered a single continent (América), and Central America is considered asubregion of thecontinent comprising the seven countries south of Mexico and north of Colombia.[citation needed]
For the people living in the five countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, formerly parts of theFederal Republic of Central America, there is a distinction between the Spanish language terms "América Central" and "Centroamérica". While both can be translated into English as "Central America", "América Central" is generally used to refer to the geographical area of the seven countries betweenMexico andColombia, while "Centroamérica" is used when referring to the former members of the Federation emphasizing the shared culture and history of the region.[citation needed]
Central America, 1862Painting of the First Independence Movement celebration inSan Salvador 1811Painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of Central America, Guatemala, 1821Heroes of Central American Independence
Central America was formed more than 3 million years ago, as part of theIsthmus of Panama, when its portion of land connected each side of water.
In thePre-Columbian era, the northern areas of Central America were inhabited by theindigenous peoples ofMesoamerica. Most notable among these were theMayans, who had built numerous cities throughout the region, and theAztecs, who had created a vast empire. The pre-Columbian cultures of eastern Honduras, Caribbean Nicaragua, most of Costa Rica and Panama were predominantly speakers of theChibchan languages at the time of European contact and are considered by some[10] culturally different and grouped in theIsthmo-Colombian Area.
In 1538, Spain established theReal Audiencia of Panama, which had jurisdiction over all land from theStrait of Magellan to theGulf of Fonseca. This entity was dissolved in 1543, and most of the territory within Central America then fell under the jurisdiction of theAudiencia Real de Guatemala. This area included the current territories of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Mexican state ofChiapas, but excluded the lands that would become Belize and Panama. The president of the Audiencia, which had its seat inAntigua Guatemala, was the governor of the entire area. In 1609 the area became acaptaincy general and the governor was also granted the title of captain general. TheCaptaincy General of Guatemala encompassed most of Central America, with the exception ofpresent-day Belize and Panama.
Slavery in Central America was a key component of the colonial economies established by Spain from the early 16th century. While Indigenous peoples were the initial targets of forced labor systems such as the encomienda, the catastrophic population decline caused by disease and exploitation led to the increasing importation of enslaved Africans. The transatlantic slave trade brought hundreds of thousands of Africans to the region, particularly to present-day Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica, to labor in mining, agriculture, and domestic service.
African slavery in Central America was concentrated in port cities, mining regions, and plantation zones. Panama, with its strategic location as a transit point between the Atlantic and Pacific, became an early hub for African slave importation as early as the 1510s. Enslaved people were used to build infrastructure, carry goods across the isthmus, and work in emerging urban centers. In Honduras, enslaved Africans were brought to support mining operations in Olancho and agriculture along the northern coast, where they mixed with Indigenous and later Garífuna populations (a people of mixed African and Indigenous descent). Guatemala also had a significant enslaved population in its early colonial history, particularly in the sugar-producing areas of Escuintla.
African slavery in Central America left enduring cultural, demographic, and social legacies. By the 18th century, the importation of African slaves had declined, and free Afro-descendant populations grew through manumission, escape (maroon communities), and intermarriage. Slavery was gradually abolished in the 19th century following independence from Spain. Guatemala formally ended slavery in 1824, Costa Rica in 1824, El Salvador in 1825, Honduras in 1824, and Nicaragua in 1824. However, forms of coerced Indigenous labor persisted well beyond formal abolition.
Modern Afro-descendant communities across Central America, including Afro-Costa Ricans, Afro-Nicaraguans, Afro-Hondurans, Afro-Panamanians, and Afro-Guatemalans. They part the legacy of this complex history of enslavement, resistance, and cultural resilience.
GeneralManuel José Arce; decoratedSalvadoran General and president of theFederal Republic of Central America from 1825 to 1829The five rowed volcanos in the coat of arms of Central America was inspired by theCordillera de Apaneca volcanic range of El Salvador, visible from the city ofSonsonate, which became the capital of theFederal Republic of Central America in 1834.Monument honoring the emblem of the United Provinces of Central AmericaThe historic military flag of the United Provinces of Central America with the national motto (God. Union. Liberty.) and the National Battalion initials (B.N.) in golden amber color
From its independence from Spain in 1821 until 1823, the former Captaincy Generalremained intact as part of the short-livedFirst Mexican Empire. When theEmperor of Mexico abdicated on 19 March 1823, Central America again became independent. On 1 July 1823, the Congress of Central America peacefully seceded from Mexico and declared absolute independence from all foreign nations, and the region formed theFederal Republic of Central America.[citation needed]
The Federal Republic of Central America, initially known as the United Provinces of Central America, was a sovereign state that existed from 1823 to 1840. It was composed of five states: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The federation was established after these regions declared independence from Spain in 1821 and briefly joined the Mexican Empire before breaking away to form their own union. The republic adopted a constitution in 1824, which was inspired by the federal system of the United States. It provided for a federal capital, initially located in Guatemala City, and a president for each of the five constituent states. The constitution abolished slavery and maintained the privileges of the Roman Catholic Church, while restricting suffrage to the upper classes.[12]
The territory that now makes up Belize was heavily contested in a dispute that continued for decades after Guatemala achieved independence. Spain, and later Guatemala, considered this land aGuatemalan department. In 1862, Britain formally declared it a British colony and named itBritish Honduras. It became independent as Belize in 1981.[6]
Panama, situated in the southernmost part of Central America on theIsthmus of Panama, has for most of its history been culturally and politically linked to South America. Panama was part of theProvince of Tierra Firme from 1510 until 1538 when it came under the jurisdiction of the newly formedAudiencia Real de Panama. Beginning in 1543, Panama was administered as part of theViceroyalty of Peru, along with all other Spanish possessions in South America. Panama remained as part of the Viceroyalty of Peru until 1739, when it was transferred to theViceroyalty of New Granada, the capital of which was located atSanta Fé de Bogotá. Panama remained as part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada until the disestablishment of that viceroyalty in 1819. A series ofmilitary and political struggles took place from that time until 1822, the result of which produced the republic ofGran Colombia. After the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830, Panama became part of a successor state, theRepublic of New Granada. From 1855 until 1886, Panama existed asPanama State, first within the Republic of New Granada, then within theGranadine Confederation, and finally within theUnited States of Colombia. The United States of Colombia was replaced by theRepublic of Colombia in 1886. As part of the Republic of Colombia, Panama State was abolished and it became theIsthmus Department. Despite the many political reorganizations, Colombia was still deeply plagued by conflict, which eventually led to thesecession of Panama on 3 November 1903. Only after that time did some begin to regard Panama as a North or Central American entity.[citation needed]
By the 1930s theUnited Fruit Company owned 14,000 square kilometres (3.5 million acres) of land in Central America and the Caribbean and was the single largest land owner in Guatemala. Such holdings gave it great power over the governments of small countries. That was one of the factors that led to the coining of the phrasebanana republic.[13]
After more than two hundred years of social unrest, violent conflict, and revolution, Central America today remains in a period of political transformation. Poverty, social injustice, and violence are still widespread.[14] Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere, after Haiti.[15]
Central America is a part ofNorth America consisting of a tapering isthmus running from the southern extent of Mexico to the northwestern portion ofSouth America. Central America has theGulf of Mexico, a body of water within theAtlantic Ocean, to the north; the Caribbean Sea, also part of the Atlantic Ocean, to the northeast; and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Somephysiographists define theIsthmus of Tehuantepec as the northern geographic border of Central America,[16] while others use the northwestern borders of Belize and Guatemala. From there, the Central American land mass extends southeastward to theAtrato River, where it connects to thePacific Lowlands in northwestern South America.
Central America has over 70 active volcanoes, 41 which are located in El Salvador, and Guatemala.[17] The volcano with the most activity in Central America isSanta María. Still experiencing frequent eruptions to this day, with the last one beginning in 2013, and still is going on to this day.[18]
Between the mountain ranges lie fertile valleys that are suitable for the raising of livestock and for the production of coffee, tobacco, beans and other crops. Most of the population of Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala lives in valleys.[19]
The seven countries of Central America and their capitals
Trade winds have a significant effect upon the climate of Central America. Temperatures in Central America are highest just prior to thesummer wet season, and are lowest during thewinter dry season, when trade winds contribute to a cooler climate. The highest temperatures occur in April, due to higher levels of sunlight, lower cloud cover and a decrease in trade winds.[20]
Central America is part of the Mesoamericanbiodiversity hotspot, boasting 7% of the world'sbiodiversity.[21] ThePacific Flyway is a major north–southflyway formigratory birds in the Americas, extending fromAlaska toTierra del Fuego. Due to the funnel-like shape of its land mass, migratory birds can be seen in very high concentrations in Central America, especially in the spring and autumn. As a bridge between North America and South America, Central America has many species from theNearctic and theNeotropical realms. However the southern countries (Costa Rica and Panama) of the region have more biodiversity than the northern countries (Guatemala and Belize), meanwhile the central countries (Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador) have the least biodiversity.[21] The table below shows recent statistics:
Biodiversity in Central America (numbers of different species of terrestrial vertebrate animals and vascular plants)
Over 300 species of the region's flora and fauna are threatened, 107 of which are classified as critically endangered. The underlying problems aredeforestation, which is estimated byFAO at 1.2% per year in Central America and Mexico combined,fragmentation ofrainforests and the fact that 80% of the vegetation in Central America has already been converted to agriculture.[29]
Efforts to protect fauna and flora in the region are made by creatingecoregions and nature reserves. 36% of Belize's land territory falls under some form of official protected status, giving Belize one of the most extensive systems of terrestrial protected areas in the Americas. In addition, 13% of Belize's marine territory are also protected.[30] A large coral reef extends from Mexico to Honduras: theMesoamerican Barrier Reef System. TheBelize Barrier Reef is part of this. The Belize Barrier Reef is home to a large diversity of plants and animals, and is one of the most diverseecosystems of the world. It is home to 70 hard coral species, 36soft coral species, 500 species of fish and hundreds ofinvertebrate species.So far only about 10% of the species in the Belize barrier reef have been discovered.[31]
From 2001 to 2010, 5,376 square kilometers (2,076 sq mi) of forest were lost in the region. In 2010 Belize had 63% of remaining forest cover, Costa Rica 46%, Panama 45%, Honduras 41%, Guatemala 37%, Nicaragua 29%, and El Salvador 21%. Most of the loss occurred in the moist forestbiome, with 12,201 square kilometers (4,711 sq mi). Woody vegetation loss was partially set off by a gain in the coniferous forest biome with 4,730 square kilometers (1,830 sq mi), and a gain in the dry forest biome at 2,054 square kilometers (793 sq mi). Mangroves and deserts contributed only 1% to the loss in forest vegetation. The bulk of thedeforestation was located at the Caribbean slopes of Nicaragua with a loss of 8,574 square kilometers (3,310 sq mi) of forest in the period from 2001 to 2010. The most significant regrowth of 3,050 square kilometers (1,180 sq mi) of forest was seen in the coniferous woody vegetation of Honduras.[32]
TheCentral American pine-oak forests ecoregion, in thetropical and subtropical coniferous forests biome, is found in Central America and southern Mexico. The Central American pine-oak forests occupy an area of 111,400 square kilometers (43,000 sq mi),[33] extending along the mountainous spine of Central America, extending from theSierra Madre de Chiapas in Mexico'sChiapas state through the highlands of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to central Nicaragua. The pine-oak forests lie between 600–1,800 metres (2,000–5,900 ft) elevation,[33] and are surrounded at lower elevations bytropical moist forests andtropical dry forests. Higher elevations above 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) are usually covered withCentral American montane forests. The Central American pine-oak forests are composed of many species characteristic of temperate North America includingoak,pine,fir, andcypress.
Central American geography with country borders
Laurel forest is the most common type of Central American temperate evergreencloud forest, found in almost all Central American countries, normally more than 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) above sea level. Tree species includeevergreen oaks, members of thelaurel family, species ofWeinmannia andMagnolia, andDrimys granadensis.[34] The cloud forest ofSierra de las Minas, Guatemala, is the largest in Central America. In some areas of southeastern Honduras there are cloud forests, the largest located near the border with Nicaragua. In Nicaragua, cloud forests are situated near the border with Honduras, but many were cleared to grow coffee. There are still some temperate evergreen hills in the north. The only cloud forest in the Pacific coastal zone of Central America is on theMombacho volcano in Nicaragua. In Costa Rica, there are laurel forests in the Cordillera deTilarán andVolcán Arenal, calledMonteverde, also in theCordillera de Talamanca.
TheCentral American montane forests are an ecoregion of thetropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests biome, as defined by theWorld Wildlife Fund.[35] These forests are of the moist deciduous and the semi-evergreen seasonal subtype of tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests and receive high overall rainfall with a warm summerwet season and a cooler winter dry season. Central American montane forests consist of forest patches located at altitudes ranging from 1,800–4,000 metres (5,900–13,100 ft), on the summits and slopes of the highest mountains in Central America ranging from Southern Mexico, through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, to northern Nicaragua. The entire ecoregion covers an area of 13,200 square kilometers (5,100 sq mi) and has atemperate climate with relatively highprecipitation levels.[35]
Ecoregions are not only established to protect the forests themselves but also because they are habitats for an incomparably rich and often endemic fauna. Almost half of the bird population of theTalamancan montane forests in Costa Rica and Panama are endemic to this region. Several birds are listed as threatened, most notably theresplendent quetzal (Pharomacrus mocinno),three-wattled bellbird (Procnias tricarunculata),bare-necked umbrellabird (Cephalopterus glabricollis), andblack guan (Chamaepetes unicolor). Many of the amphibians are endemic and depend on the existence of forest. Thegolden toad that once inhabited a small region in the Monteverde Reserve, which is part of the Talamancan montane forests, has not been seen alive since 1989 and is listed as extinct by IUCN. The exact causes for its extinction are unknown. Global warming may have played a role, because the development of that frog is typical for this area may have been compromised. Seven small mammals are endemic to the Costa Rica-Chiriqui highlands within the Talamancan montane forest region.Jaguars,cougars,spider monkeys, as well astapirs, andanteaters live in the woods of Central America.[34] TheCentral American red brocket is a brocket deer found in Central America's tropical forest.
Central America is geologically very active, withvolcanic eruptions and earthquakes occurring frequently, andtsunamis occurring occasionally. Many thousands of people have died as a result of these natural disasters.
Most of Central America rests atop theCaribbean Plate. Thistectonic plate converges with theCocos,Nazca, andNorth American plates to form theMiddle America Trench, a majorsubduction zone. The Middle America Trench is situated some 60–160 kilometers (37–99 mi) off the Pacific coast of Central America and runs roughly parallel to it. Many large earthquakes have occurred as a result of seismic activity at the Middle America Trench.[36] For example, subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the North American Plate at the Middle America Trench is believed to have caused the1985 Mexico City earthquake that killed as many as 40,000 people. Seismic activity at the Middle America Trench is also responsible for earthquakes in1902,1942,1956,1972,1982,1992,January 2001,February 2001,2007,2012,2014, and many other earthquakes throughout Central America.
The Middle America Trench is not the only source of seismic activity in Central America. TheMotagua Fault is an onshore continuation of theCayman Trough which forms part of the tectonic boundary between the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate. Thistransform fault cuts right across Guatemala and then continues offshore until it merges with the Middle America Trench along the Pacific coast of Mexico, nearAcapulco. Seismic activity at the Motagua Fault has been responsible for earthquakes in1717,1773,1902,1976,1980, and2009.
Another onshore continuation of the Cayman Trough is theChixoy-Polochic Fault, which runs parallel to, and roughly 80 kilometers (50 mi) to the north, of the Motagua Fault. Though less active than the Motagua Fault, seismic activity at the Chixoy-Polochic Fault is still thought to be capable of producing very large earthquakes, such as the 1816 earthquake of Guatemala.[37]
Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, was devastated by earthquakes in1931 and1972.
Volcanic eruptions are also common in Central America. In 1968 theArenal Volcano, in Costa Rica, erupted killing 87 people as the 3 villages of Tabacon, Pueblo Nuevo and San Luis were buried under pyroclastic flows and debris. Fertile soils from weathered volcanic lava have made it possible to sustain dense populations in the agriculturally productive highland areas.
Central America is currently undergoing a process of political, economic and cultural transformation that started in 1907 with the creation of theCentral American Court of Justice.
In 1951 the integration process continued with the signature of the San Salvador Treaty, which created the ODECA, the Organization of Central American States. However, the unity of the ODECA was limited by conflicts between several member states.
In 1991, the integration agenda was further advanced by the creation of theCentral American Integration System (Sistema para la Integración Centroamericana, or SICA). SICA provides a clear legal basis to avoid disputes between the member states. SICA membership includes the 7 nations of Central America plus theDominican Republic, a state that is traditionally considered part of the Caribbean.
On 6 December 2008, SICA announced an agreement to pursue a common currency and common passport for the member nations.[38] No timeline for implementation was discussed.
On 22 July 2011, PresidentMauricio Funes of El Salvador became the first presidentpro tempore to SICA. El Salvador also became the headquarters of SICA with the inauguration of a new building.[39]
The Central American Parliament (aka PARLACEN) is a political and parliamentary body of SICA. The parliament started around 1980, and its primary goal was to resolve conflicts in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Although the group was disbanded in 1986, ideas of unity of Central Americans still remained, so a treaty was signed in 1987 to create the Central American Parliament and other political bodies. Its original members were Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras. The parliament is the political organ of Central America, and is part of SICA. New members have since then joined including Panama and the Dominican Republic.
Costa Rica is not a member state of the Central American Parliament and its adhesion remains as a very unpopular topic at all levels of the Costa Rican society due to existing strong political criticism towards the regional parliament, since it is regarded by Costa Ricans as a menace to democratic accountability and effectiveness of integration efforts. Excessively high salaries for its members, legal immunity of jurisdiction from any member State, corruption, lack of a binding nature and effectiveness of the regional parliament's decisions, high operative costs and immediate membership of Central American presidents once they leave their office and presidential terms, are the most common reasons invoked by Costa Ricans against the Central American Parliament.[citation needed]
Until recently,[when?] all Central American countries maintained diplomatic relations withTaiwan instead of China. PresidentÓscar Arias of Costa Rica, however, established diplomatic relations with China in 2007, severing formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.[40] After breaking off relations with the Republic of China in 2017, Panama established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In August 2018, El Salvador also severed ties with Taiwan to formally start recognizing the People's Republic of China as sole China, a move many considered lacked transparency due to its abruptness and reports of the Chinese government's desires to invest in the department of La Union while also promising to fund the ruling party's reelection campaign.[41] President of El SalvadorNayib Bukele broke diplomatic relations with Taiwan and established ties withChina. On 9 December 2021, Nicaragua resumed relations with the PRC.[42]
Federal Republic of Central America, 4 Escudos (1835). Struck in the San Jose, Costa Rica mint (697 were minted)Secretariat of Central American Economic Integration
Guatemala has the largest economy in the region.[43][44] Its main exports are coffee, sugar, bananas, petroleum, clothing, andcardamom. Of its 10.29 billion dollar annual exports,[45] 40.2% go to the United States, 11.1% to neighboring El Salvador, 8% to Honduras, 5.5% to Mexico, 4.7% to Nicaragua, and 4.3% to Costa Rica.[46]
The region is particularly attractive for companies (especially clothing companies) because of its geographical proximity to theUnited States, very low wages and considerable tax advantages. In addition, the decline in the prices of coffee and other export products and the structural adjustment measures promoted by the international financial institutions have partly ruined agriculture, favouring the emergence of maquiladoras. This sector accounts for 42 per cent of total exports from El Salvador, 55 per cent from Guatemala, and 65 per cent from Honduras. However, its contribution to the economies of these countries is disputed; raw materials are imported, jobs are precarious and low-paid, and tax exemptions weaken public finances.[47]
They are also criticised for the working conditions of employees: insults and physical violence, abusive dismissals (especially of pregnant workers), working hours, non-payment of overtime. According to Lucrecia Bautista, coordinator of themaquilas sector of the audit firm Coverco, "labour law regulations are regularly violated in maquilas and there is no political will to enforce their application. In the case of infringements, the labour inspectorate shows remarkable leniency. It is a question of not discouraging investors." Trade unionists are subject to pressure, and sometimes to kidnapping or murder. In some cases, business leaders have used the services of themaras. Finally, black lists containing the names of trade unionists or political activists are circulating in employers' circles.[47]
Economic growth in Central America is projected to slow slightly in 2014–15, as country-specific domestic factors offset the positive effects from stronger economic activity in the United States.[48]
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Central American countries
Tourism in Belize has grown considerably in more recent times, and it is now the second largest industry in the nation. Belizean Prime MinisterDean Barrow has stated his intention to use tourism to combat poverty throughout the country.[51] The growth in tourism has positively affected the agricultural, commercial, and finance industries, as well as the construction industry. The results for Belize's tourism-driven economy have been significant, with the nation welcoming almost one million tourists in a calendar year for the first time in its history in 2012.[52] Belize is also the only country in Central America with English as its official language, making this country a comfortable destination for English-speaking tourists.[53]
Costa Rica is the most visited nation in Central America.[54] Tourism in Costa Rica is one of the fastest growing economic sectors of the country,[55] having become the largest source of foreign revenue by 1995.[56] Since 1999, tourism has earned more foreign exchange than bananas, pineapples and coffee exports combined.[57] The tourism boom began in 1987,[56] with the number of visitors up from 329,000 in 1988, through 1.03 million in 1999, to a historical record of 2.43 million foreign visitors and $1.92-billion in revenue in 2013.[54] In 2012 tourism contributed with 12.5% of the country's GDP and it was responsible for 11.7% of direct and indirect employment.[58]
Tourism in Nicaragua has grown considerably recently, and it is now the second largest industry in the nation. Nicaraguan presidentDaniel Ortega has stated his intention to use tourism to combat poverty throughout the country.[59] The growth in tourism has positively affected the agricultural, commercial, and finance industries, as well as the construction industry. The results for Nicaragua's tourism-driven economy have been significant, with the nation welcoming one million tourists in a calendar year for the first time in its history in 2010.[60]
Central American license platesPan-American Highway slices through Central America
TheInter-American Highway is the Central American section of thePan-American Highway, and spans 5,470 kilometers (3,400 mi) betweenNuevo Laredo, Mexico, andPanama City, Panama. Because of the 87-kilometer (54 mi) break in the highway known as theDarién Gap, it is not possible to cross between Central America and South America in an automobile.
The population of Central America is estimated at50,956,791 as of 2021.[61][62] With an area of 523,780 square kilometers (202,230 sq mi),[63] it has a population density of 97.3 per square kilometre (252 per square mile). Human Development Index values are from the estimates for 2017.[64]
The official language majority in all Central American countries isSpanish, except in Belize, where the official language isEnglish.Mayan languages constitute alanguage family consisting of about 26 related languages. Guatemala formally recognized 21 of these in 1996.Xinca,Miskito, andGarifuna are also present in Central America.
Central America map of indigenous people before European contactCentral American women
This region of the continent is very rich in terms of ethnic groups. The majority of the population ismestizo, with sizable Mayan and African descendent populations present, along with numerous other indigenous groups such as theMiskito people. The immigration of Arabs, Jews, Chinese, Europeans and others brought additional groups to the area.
The predominant religion in Central America isChristianity (95.6%).[69] Beginning with the Spanish colonization of Central America in the 16th century,Catholicism became the most popular religion in the region until the first half of the 20th century. Since the 1960s, there has been an increase in other Christian groups, particularlyProtestantism, as well as other religious organizations, and individuals identifying themselves as having no religion.[70]
Proportions of the population by religion (2020)
Country
Roman Catholic
Protestant
Other Christian
Non-Affiliated
Other
Belize
47.4%
34.5%
7.1%
6.8%
3.2%
Costa Rica
72.5%
19.5%
2.4%
4.5%
1.1%
El Salvador
55.8%
35.3%
3.6%
5.0%
0.3%
Guatemala
55.4%
25.9%
14.3%
4.0%
0.4%
Honduras
64.9%
29.1%
2.2%
3.1%
0.7%
Nicaragua
58.3%
36.7%
1.4%
3.4%
0.1%
Panama
66.1%
23.9%
1.8%
4.2%
3.0%
Source: Jason Mandrik, Operation World Statistics (2020).
Protestantism in Central America also include Independent Christian, most of total Protestants in this region (+80%) are Evangelicals, the rest follow traditional beliefs.
Other Christian include Other Traditional Churches (Orthodox, Episcopalian, etc.) and contemporary churches (Mormons, Adventists, Scientology, etc.), also include Non-denominational Christian who are the most numerous group, specially in Guatemala.
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