1. World Geography
Chapter 10
Section 2

2. Central America and the Caribbean
History
Central America was the home of the Maya – one of the great Indian civilizations

3. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
- Area later controlled by Spain, Mexico after 1821, declare independence in 1823, become independent countries starting in 1830s.

4. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
Caribbean settled by Columbus beginning in 1492, used Indians as slaves, most die, Africans brought in to replace them

5. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
- Later Britain, Holland, France, and Denmark claim islands – all interested in the sugar trade

6. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
- Haiti first to win independence in 1804 – slaves revolt against French, US pushed Spain out in 1898, some islands still not independent

7. Culture Central America mixes Spanish and Indian elements
- Spanish language and religion have been attached to older Indian traditions

8. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
- Caribbean is more diverse, includes many different European, Indian, and African influences

9. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
African part is most important – most people are descendants of African slaves
Religions include Catholic, Protestant, Santeria, Voodoo, and Rastafarianism

10. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
- Most common languages are Spanish, French, and English – a little Dutch and Danish

11. Economics and Jobs
Economy still based on agriculture - sugar cane, bananas, citrus fruits, coffee, and spices

12. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
- Panama important to trade because of the Panama Canal – cuts 15,000 miles off a coast-to-coast trip

13. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
Most Central Americans live in rural areas – work agricultural jobs
Plantation jobs do not pay well – most people are poor
- Many Caribbean people have moved to cities hoping to get a job working with tourists, most are unsuccessful and end up in crowded slums

14. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
- Best Caribbean jobs are working with tourists in hotels, resorts, and restaurants

15. Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean
- Caribbean famous for music – Reggae in Jamaica, Calypso in Trinidad

16. Any Questions???