Between North America and South America, the forces of the Earth have made way for the small area known as Central America and a tectonic plate: the Caribbean Plate. This plate is essentially a marine world. But at the confines of the territory, four vast masses are compressing, crushing and shaking this "paradise on earth". They are North and South America, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In addition, the creation of Panama allegedly solely...

Insight Guides Central America covers the seven countries that make up this fascinating and culturally rich isthmus, from Guatemala to Panama, exploring Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica along the way. In addition, the guidebook covers the Southern Mexico states, in recognition of their cultural links to and practical inclusion on many trips to this region.

A cluster of five countries—Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, & Cost Rica—are commonly referred to as Central America. Although these nations differ in their histories and politics, they share at least one factor; they have been caught up in the turmoil of America's foreign policy in this region. These tapes depict the chain of events that have led to the Central America we view on television.

Written for a general audience, A Brief History of Central America focuses on the political events and cultural patterns that have shaped the region. Special themes, such as the causes of unity and disunity on the isthmus and the economic pressures on the rain forest from farming and tourism, are developed throughout the book. Coverage of the history of the region is up to date with new developments, including the continued struggle in the aftermath...

From the parched deserts of the southwestern U.S. to the lush forests of the Costa Rican mountains, this episode covers some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. The creatures here have adapted to survive in an extraordinary variety of habitats, and that means a diverse array of weapons. Witness animals equipped with poisonous toxins, a feline with the strongest jaws out of all the world's wildcats, and fish with stinging tentacles. You'll...

Long ignored by global travelers, Nicaragua is emerging as the latest Central American favorite of the international backpacker set. David Rocco tours Managua, Grenada, Leon, and the tiny village of Riva. He samples the local cuisine, goes shopping for handicrafts, and hikes through ancient pirate fortresses. During his ten days of travel, he discovers a land of spectacular active volcanoes, untamed jungle, amazing Spanish colonial architecture, and...

Central America and the Caribbean may be best known as world-class tourist destinations, but in spite of being top vacation spots, the countries of these tropical regions still suffer the lingering effects of Europes plantation-style colonization including income inequality, corrupt leadership, and discrimination against native peoples and the descendants of slaves.

An overview of immigration from Central America to the United States and Canada particularly since the 1980s, when economic and political conditions deteriorated significantly in El Salvador and other nations.

This entry in the Food Culture around the World series helps those in the United States understand the new immigrants from Central America who have brought their food cultures with them.

Central American civil strife (includes violence in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala)