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Central
America & the West Indies
Objectives
Examine the physical and cultural
geography of Central America.
Describe the major physical and cultural features of the West Indies.
Chapter
Overview
Chapter 7: Central America and the West Indies
The seven countries that make up Central America are Belize, Guatemala,
El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. A chain of volcanic
mountains runs through inland Central America with lowlands on both sides.
Most of Central America has a tropical climate. Farming, on plantations
or subsistence farms, is the major economic activity of this region. The
plants and animals of the rain forest are important resources. The Panama
Canal provides employment for nearly half of that country's people. Most
countries in Central America have a blend of Native American and Spanish
cultures.
The West Indies includes three different island groups: the Bahamas, the
Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles. Volcanoes formed many of the
islands. These islands lie within the tropics and most have a tropical
savanna climate. Tourism and farming are the most important economic activities
in the West Indies. The cultures of the West Indies mix Native American,
European, African, and Asian influences.
Quick Notes
Central America
Central America extends from Mexico south to South America.
Central America includes seven countries: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras,
El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
The landscape of Central America drops from inland highlands to coastal
plains.
Central America's climate is mostly tropical savanna or tropical rain forest.
Central America's economy relies on farm products and rain forest resources.
About 32 million people live in Central America. Guatemala, with 10 million
people, is the most heavily populated country in the region.
The West Indies
The West Indies consists of two major island groups: the Greater Antilles
and the Lesser Antilles.
The islands of the Bahamas are also part of the West Indies. They lie southeast
of Florida.
Most of the islands of the West Indies have tropical savanna climate with
wet and dry seasons.
Farming and tourism are the major economic activities of the West Indies.
The cultures of the West Indies mix African, Native American, and European
influences.
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