Middle America Central America and the Caribbean

Middle America – region that includes Central America and the Caribbean Islands.

There are 7 countries in Central America: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama.

Caribbean describes the region and islands around the Caribbean Sea

Many physical processes (nature) change the landscape of this region.

Physical processes like volcanoes have created islands, fertile soil, and affects where and how people live.

Hurricanes, a storm with violent winds, often happen in the Caribbean Image: Hurricane Sandy 2012

Hurricane Dean did major damage to Kingston Jamaica in 2007.

Wind and water erode ( wear away ) the soil, rock, or land.

When humans change the landscape of a place, it is called Human processes. ( ex: building houses; cutting down trees)

Many economies in the region depend on money from tourism ( traveling for enjoyment ).

Panama

Panama is located on the narrowest part of the isthmus between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Pros and cons of Panama’s location. Panama’s location has advantages and disadvantages Advantage: trade between South America and North America Disadvantage: flora and fauna (animals and plants) which carried diseases

Panama Canal Built in 1898 Is a transportation corridor Helps with international trade Key factor in the world’s economic interdependence

Panama Canal One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever the first attempt to construct a canal began in 1880 under French leadership. attempt failed and 21,900 workers died The United States took over the project.

Panama Canal President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt of the United States gave the order to build the canal Attempted and completed by the United States in the early 1900s Opened in Cost the United States around $375,000,000 plagued by problems, including disease (particularly malaria and yellow fever) and landslides. Yellow fever – infectious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes a total of 27,500 workmen are estimated to have died in the French and American efforts.

Panama Canal Problems Panama faces today with the canal: The canal is reaching maximum capacity Ships are getting too big Competition from the Suez Canal (Egypt)