Central America & The Caribbean

Central America is considered part of North America. The land Central America is considered part of North America. The Central Highlands in Central America are an extension of the Sierra Madre Oriental of Mexico.

Volcanic axis A chain of volcanoes along the Pacific coast from Guatemala to north Panama where volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common. Weathered lava produces fertile soil making this area great for agriculture and densely populated.

Lake Nicaragua is Central America’s largest freshwater lake. It is the only lake in the world to contain oceanic life.

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most important human made waterways. The canal allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans without having to go around South America.

El Salvador’s Lempa River generates hydroelectricity.

Assignment Choose any object from the notes to display in whatever fashion you would like.

Ch. 8 Lesson 2

1500s – many areas of Central America had been colonized History 1493 – Spain founded the region’s first permanent European settlement on the island of Hispaniola 1500s – many areas of Central America had been colonized

British Honduras (now Belize) was the only non- Spanish colony in Central America 1600s – forced labor and European diseases had nearly killed the indigenous people creating a labor shortage

Europeans began bringing in Africans to meet the demand for workers. 1700s – Francois Toussaint – Louverture led a revolt of enslaved Africans in Haiti

1800s – Haiti won its independence from France. Panama declared its independence from Colombia. 1900s – armed conflict, civil wars, unstable economies and poor social conditions were all problems in the region

Most countries have a single primate city, usually the capital. Population Pattern In Central America, 60% of the people are mestizo while 20% are indigenous. Most countries have a single primate city, usually the capital.

El Salvador is Central America’s most densely populated country. The population growth rate of Central America is one of the highest in the world.

Use the notes from today to create a timeline of events. Assignment Use the notes from today to create a timeline of events.

Chapter 8, lesson 3

Society and Culture Today In Central America, the primary language in most countries is Spanish. In the Caribbean, primary languages include Dutch, English, French and Spanish with each country having their own dialect.

Some countries speak a form of patois In Central America, 80% of people are Roman Catholic.

In the Caribbean, Roman Catholic population is high in Spanish and French speaking countries. Protestant religions are common where English is spoken.

In the Caribbean, family structure is often matriarchal. Central American families are mostly male dominated.

Open notebook quiz Clear your desk. All you need is a pen and your notes from yesterday and today.

Assignment Display anything from society and culture today in Central America and the Caribbean.