Centroamericana

Centroamericana is a term used to describe things related to Central America, a region at the Isthmus of the Americas that links North and South America. The term can refer to the people, cultures, languages, or political and economic life of the area. The region typically comprises seven states: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south, and it features mountains, rainforests, volcanic activity, and coastal plains.

Demographically, the region has about 50 million residents. Spanish is the predominant language across most of the countries, while Belize uses English as its official language and hosts substantial Creole- and Spanish-speaking communities. Indigenous languages persist in highland areas, and religious life is historically Christian, with Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations being prominent.

Historically, Central America was home to advanced pre-Columbian civilizations, most notably the Maya in Guatemala and parts of Belize. Following European contact, much of the region was part of the Spanish Empire until the early 19th century, after which it gained independence and briefly formed the United Provinces of Central America (1823–1839) before dissolving into separate republics. In the modern era, regional cooperation has grown through institutions such as the Central American Integration System (SICA) and through trade arrangements with other countries.

Economies in the Centroamericana region rely on agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with tourism playing a growing role. Development levels vary, and the region faces challenges such as poverty, inequality, and vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change.