| The American continent is regionalized in three parts,
this facilitates the study of existing human relations, it
is divided into South America, Central America and North
America. As stated on
Countryaah, North America corresponds to the northern part of
the American continent, is formed by three countries, the
United States, Canada and Mexico, which together occupy an
area of 23.6 million square kilometers. This portion of
the American continent is located in the west and in the
northern hemisphere, it is limited to the north with the
Arctic Ocean, east with the Atlantic Ocean, southeast with
the Caribbean Sea and in the south and west with the Pacific
Ocean.
Approximately 457 million people are distributed
throughout North America, whose languages are practiced in
English, Spanish and French.
In addition to the countries already mentioned that make
up North America, there are also other territories such as
Greenland (Danish territory), Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Islands (French), Bermuda (British domain) and Bahamas.
The main countries in North America are the United States
and Canada, respectively, as they stand out on the world
stage as world powers and belong to the group of the richest
countries, the G-8, especially the United States, which are
considered the greatest world force at the moment.
These two nations provide their population with a high
quality of life from the high industrial, technological and
economic level. The extreme north is the most unpopulated
region in North America, because the climate in the place is
rigorous, thus hindering the development of various human
activities.
There were many ethnic groups that contributed to the
formation of the people of this part of America, among the
main ones are the descendants of English, French, Spanish,
Africans and Italian immigrants.
The highest points of relief in North America are the
Alaskan Cordillera and the Rocky Mountains, in water
resources the largest hydrographic basin that stands out is
that of Mississippi-Missouri.
As for the climate, in the north there are low
temperatures occurring coniferous forests, in the center and
southeast the predominant climate is the temperate
continental where the temperate forests are located and in
the southwest the deserts are established.
As the United States is part of this part of America, the
region is characterized by a high level of industrial
production that stands out globally, regardless of the
productive sector of the economy, except Mexico, which does
not have these same characteristics, as it recently joined
the group of developing or emerging countries.
In the agricultural sector, it occupies an important
place among the main food producers in the world, especially
grains, such as corn, soybeans, in addition to oranges.
And finally, in the whole area of North America it is
possible to find large mineral reserves such as oil and
other ores.
Central America
Central America encompasses a total of seven countries
but on the surface is smaller than France.
Despite its size, the area offers many variations. Nature
encompasses everything from the world's second-largest coral
reef in Belize to the ever-green fog forests of Costa Rica's
highlands. The people of Central America have their roots in
Europe, Africa and the Native American cultures, and the
area can showcase buildings from the Mayan people's
impressive pyramids to the huge Panama Canal.
Area: 524,000 kmē
Number of inhabitants: 146 million
Largest country (by population)
- Mexico - 118 million
- Guatemala - 15 million
- Honduras - 8.2 million
- El Salvador - $ 6.1 million
- Nicaragua - 6 million
The history of Central America
Central America's north contributed to the thriving
Native American cultures such as the Maya and Aztecs in
Mexico, while the southern part had more in common with the
Inca people and other South American cultures. In large
parts of the region, however, smaller Indian groups led a
relatively isolated and primitive existence. Christoffer
Columbus reached the Central American mainland on his fourth
and final voyage in 1502 and then explored the Caribbean
coast from today's Honduras to Panama. After Columbus, other
explorers began to flow, and in the early 16th century all
countries became Spanish colonies. The British gained
dominion over a limited area in the form of British
Honduras, now Belize. The British retained power in Belize
until 1981 while the heyday of the Spaniards expired as
early as 1821 and the former Spanish colonies (except Panama
belonging to Colombia) merged to form a common Central
American republic. The new republic was characterized by
civil war and political disputes and dissolved only 17 years
after it was founded. Subsequently, some of the countries
waged war against each other and within the countries there
was concern with civil war and dictatorships.
Traveling to Central America
Central America has a manageable size and is packed with
attractions. A trip to Central America is never eventful.
The region is compact and easy to travel in, and there is
much to do. From Guatemala's never-ending stream of Mayan
ruins to Belize's interesting blend of British order and
Caribbean laissez-faire mentality. From El Salvador's pearl
band of beautiful, menacing volcanoes to Honduras tempting
Caribbean sandy beaches. From Nicaragua's postcard landscape
and cone-shaped volcanoes reflecting in the lakes, to Costa
Rica's paradisiacal green countryside and Panama's
world-famous canal. Enjoy your vacation in Central America! |
