Resources for Learning About Central America

Published:
January 11, 2021

Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Central America consists of seven countries: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. These resources for learning about Central America will help your homeschool explore the countries that form a connection between two continents.Resources for Learning About Central America

[series_meta]

Central America

Clearly, Central America is in the center of South America and North America. Although these two Americas are continents, Central America is not a continent but is in fact a part of North America.

The area is defined as an archaeological bridge connecting North and South America. It is also an isthmus that separated the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea. By the way, an isthmus is a strip of land that connects two larger landmasses, but with bodies of water on both sides.

Central America was also considered a country, in and of itself at one time, but then was divided up into El Salvador, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

I might as well tell you numerous other facts we found about Central America.

Interesting Facts about Central America

  • The land stretches roughly 1,140 miles (1,835 km) in an arc shape from northwest to southeast.
  • At its very narrowest point, the land is only about 30 miles (50km) wide.
  • This one is cool. There is nowhere in Central America that is more than 125 miles (200km) from the sea.
  • All of the countries in Central America have a Spanish speaking population, except Belize. The primary/official language in Belize is English.
  • 3/5 of Central America’s population is mixed European (mostly Spanish) and of Mayan heritage.
  • El Salvador and Panama still print their own currency, but the other countries use the United States Dollar (USD).
  • Belize is a little bigger than El Salvador, yet El Salvador has thirty (yes, thirty) times the population of Belize.

Is Central America the same as Latin America?

Because there are so many Spanish speaking people in these countries, Central America is sometimes confused for Latin America. Many think they are one and the same.

However, Latin America is actually a much broader term defining Spanish-speaking countries which include Central America along with Mexico, the Caribbean (but only whose inhabitants speak Spanish), and all the countries of South America.

Central America Worksheets

Explore some Spanish speaking countries in your homeschool with these resources for learning about Central America.

Central America Free Downloads

Learn About Central America

Videos about Central America

Printables for Countries in Central America

Nicaragua

El Salvador

Costa Rica

Belize

Guatemala

Honduras

Panama

In Conclusion

These Central American countries all have rich and vibrant cultures with deep Mayan and Spanish roots. You will find that studying the countries and cultures of Central America will bring fun, color, flavor, and life to your otherwise everyday geography units.

Resources for Learning About Central America

Jeannette Tuionetoa

Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!

read Jeannette’s posts on HSG

Related resources

  • A roll of "I voted stickers" sitting on a US flag with a text overlay of "Voting for Kids | 15 Hands-on Election Day Activities

    Voting for Kids | 15 Hands-on Election Day Activities
  • Illustration of a Tennessee stamp with text overlay that says "25 Fun Facts about Tennessee + Free Worksheets for Kids"

    25 Fun Facts about Tennessee + Free Worksheets for Kids
  • Illustrated world map with dotted travel routes, three hand-drawn explorer faces, and playful icons like a compass, ship, and journal; bright, colorful design with text overlay that reads “50 famous explorers from history + Free notebook for kids.”

    50 Famous Explorers from History + Free Notebook for Kids
  • Photo of a laughing President Teddy Roosevelt with text overlay saying "15 Fun Facts about Theodore Roosevelt"

    15 Fun Facts About Theodore Roosevelt + Activities for Kids
  • A stack of books and a journal, pen and cup of tea on a wooden table with text overlay of "43 Dear America Books | How to Use Each in History Lessons"

    43 Dear America Books | How to Use Each in History Lessons
  • Official NASA portrait of Neil Armstrong in his white astronaut suit, standing with his helmet at his side. Image includes the title text: “10 Fun Facts About Neil Armstrong + Engaging Printables for Kids.”

    10 Fun Facts About Neil Armstrong + Engaging Printables for Kids