Overview
Central America is a subregion of North America, forming the narrow isthmus that connects the larger North American landmass to South America. Its political boundaries are typically defined as bordering Mexico to the north, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest.
Countries
Central America is usually defined as consisting of seven countries. In some specialized contexts, Mexico is also included in discussions of the region, though it is more commonly classified as part of North America proper.
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panama
Biodiversity
The region hosts the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, a stretch of ecologically rich territory extending from southern Mexico to southeastern Panama. This hotspot is recognized for its exceptional variety of plant and animal life, much of which is found nowhere else in the world.
Geology and Natural Hazards
Central America sits atop several active geologic faults and is home to the Central America Volcanic Arc, a chain of volcanoes running along the isthmus. As a result, the region experiences a high level of seismic activity, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. These natural events have historically caused significant death, injury, and property damage throughout the region.