Central America is a geographic subregion of North America consisting of seven countries: . This narrow isthmus serves as a "land bridge" connecting Mexico to South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The Seven Nations at a Glance
: Often cited as the poorest country in the region, it is characterized by massive lakes and a history of political unrest. The Central American countries Explained
: A transcontinental nation bordering Colombia, defined by the Panama Canal , which is a critical hub for global trade. Regional Geography and Climate Central America is a geographic subregion of North
: The most populous country in the region, with approximately 18.4 million people. It has a deep indigenous heritage, with 40% of the population speaking one of 26 Mayan languages. : A transcontinental nation bordering Colombia, defined by
: A regional outlier for its high standard of living and political stability. It is a global biodiversity hotspot, housing roughly 5% of the world's species despite its small size.
: The smallest country in Central America but the most densely populated. It is the only nation in the region without a Caribbean coastline.