Physical Geography Central America and the Caribbean Landforms Central America has three distinct belts: the Pacific Lowlands, the Caribbean Lowlands, and the Central Highlands. The Isthmus of Panama is another distinctive feature of Central America. More than 7,000 islands are considered part of the mainland's Central Highlands.

Physical Geography Central America and the Caribbean Water Systems Inland lakes and waterways are important to Central America's growth and development, providing transportation, drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. One of the world's most important human-made waterways, the Panama Canal, allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without having to travel around South America's Cape Horn. Commercial fishing and the use of other marine resources in the Caribbean Sea have increased international trade.

Climates, Biomes, and Resources Physical Geography Central America and the Caribbean Climates, Biomes, and Resources Much of Central America has a tropical wet climate with rainforests found in many of the regions. A tropical dry climate is found on many of the Caribbean islands. The climates and ecosystems of some parts of Central America are affected by elevation, resulting in vertical climate zones. Nickel, iron ore, fish, timber, and petroleum are important natural resources found and used throughout Central America.

People and Their Environment: Central America and the Caribbean Managing Resources Water shortages, access to freshwater, and legal issues over waterways continue to strain the growing population in this region. Hydroelectric power supplies increase production and competitiveness in international trade; however this type of energy threatens the natural environment. Although Central America has naturally fertile soil, slash-and-burn cultivation destroys the fertile land. Commercial logging contributes to deforestation, threatening plants and organisms key to medicines.

People and Their Environment: Central America and the Caribbean Human Impact Central America and Caribbean cities are experiencing rapid population growth, resulting in pollution, lack of jobs, inadequate housing, and strained food and water supplies. The growing demand for food has increased agriculture and has, in turn, eliminated natural vegetation, leading to soil erosion and the use of fertilizer for crop growth. Increased hotel construction for the tourism industry, has lead to vegetation loss, soil erosion, and the livelihood of coral reefs is greatly threatened.

People and Their Environment: Central America and the Caribbean Addressing the Issues Solving conflicts over natural resources and natural disaster preparation are challenges facing this region. Deforestation must be addressed quickly; it is predicted that rain forests may disappear within 40 years. Sustainable development and green businesses are solutions that can be more environmentally- friendly while also boosting local economies. Governments, international agencies, and grass roots groups are implementing programs that limit migration to cities and help to improve cities' infrastructures.