List of Countries in Central America
Central America is the narrow and elongated part of America that forms the land link between South and North America. In a geographical sense, Central America encompasses the land area between the Atrato sink in northwestern Colombia and the Tehuantepecnäset in Mexico. According to this delineation, southeastern Mexico (approximately the states of Chiapas and Tabasco along with the entire Yucatán Peninsula) and a smaller area of Colombia are located in Central America.
How Many Countries in Central America?
According to a political demarcation, however, Central America includes the seven independent countries. They are: Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. In economic regards, the term Central America is often used in the five states of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. These countries can be regarded as an economic-political entity with some justification, but the demarcation also has a historical background: Belize, formerly British Honduras, became independent in 1981, and Panama was a part of Colombia until 1903.
The countries of Central America feature tropical climate and people, largely mestizo. The population is predominantly Catholic and its economy is based on agriculture. Spanish and English are the predominant languages, but indigenous languages are known to many people because of their ancestry.
Map of Countries in Central America
List of Central American Countries
As of 2020, there are a total of 7 countries in Central America. See the following for full list of Central American countries in alphabetical order:
| # | Flag | Country Name | Official Name | Independence Date | Population |
| 1 |  |
Belize | Belize | September 21, 1981 | 397,639 |
| 2 |  |
Costa Rica | Republic of Costa Rica | September 15, 1821 | 5,094,129 |
| 3 |  |
El Salvador | Republic of El Salvador | September 15, 1821 | 6,486,216 |
| 4 |  |
Guatemala | Republic of Guatemala | September 15, 1821 | 17,915,579 |
| 5 |  |
Honduras | Republic of Honduras | September 15, 1821 | 9,904,618 |
| 6 |  |
Nicaragua | Republic of Nicaragua | September 15, 1821 | 6,624,565 |
| 7 |  |
Panama | Republic of Panama | November 28, 1821 | 4,314,778 |
All Countries in Middle America and Their Capitals
Compared to Central America, Middle America is a more general term. Besides nations of Central America, Middle America also include Caribbean, Mexico (located in southern North America), as well as Colombia and Venezuela (located in northern South America). Check out the list of all countries in Middle America now:
Antigua and Barbuda
- Capital: Saint John’s
- Area: 440 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
Bahamas
- Capital: Nassau
- Area: 13,880 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: Bahamian Dollar
Barbados
- Capital: Bridgetown
- Area: 430 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: Barbados Dollar
Belize
- Capital: Belmopan
- Area: 22,970 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: Belize Dollar
Costa Rica
- Capital: San José
- Area: 51.100 km²
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Costa Rican Colón
Cuba
- Capital: Havana
- Area: 109.890 km²
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Cuban Peso
Dominica
- Capital: Roseau
- Area: 750 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
El Salvador
- Capital: San Salvador
- Area: 21,040 km²
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: US Dollar and Colon
Grenade
- Capital: Saint George’s
- Area: 340 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
Guatemala
- Capital: Guatemala City
- Area: 108.890 km²
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Quetzal
Haiti
- Capital: Port-au-Prince
- Area: 27,750 km²
- Language: French and Creole
- Currency: Gourde
Honduras
- Capital: Tegucigalpa
- Area: 112.490 km²
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Lempira
Jamaica
- Capital: Kingston
- Area: 10,990 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar
Nicaragua
- Capital: Managua
- Area: 130.370 km²
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Cordoba
Panama
- Capital: Panama City
- Area: 75,420 km²
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Balboa
Dominican Republic
- Capital: Santo Domingo
- Area: 48.670 km²
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Weight
Saint Lucia
- Capital: Castries
- Area: 620 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Capital: Basseterre
- Area: 260 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Capital: Kingstown
- Area: 390 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar
Trinidad and Tobago
- Capital: Port of Spain
- Area: 5,130 km²
- Language: English
- Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
MCCA Countries
The Central American Common Market (MCCA) emerged in 1960 with the aim of creating a common market for the region. From this bloc, it is intended to constitute the Central American Union, in the same way as the European Union. The following nations are founders and current members of the MCCA:
Nicaragua
- Government: Presidential Republic
- Population: 6,080,000
- GDP: $ 11.26 billion
Guatemala
- Government: Presidential Republic
- Population: 15,470,000
- GDP: $ 53.8 billion
El Salvador
- Government: Presidential Republic
- Population: 6,340,000
- GDP: $ 24.26 billion
Honduras
- Government: Presidential Republic
- Population: 8,098,000
- GDP: $ 18.55 billion
Costa Rica
- Government: Presidential Republic
- Population: 4,872,000
- GDP: $ 49.62 billion
Brief History of Central America
Pre-Columbian Era
Ancient Civilizations
Central America, a region rich in history and culture, has been home to various indigenous civilizations long before the arrival of Europeans. The most notable among these are the Maya, who flourished between 2000 BCE and the 16th century CE. The Maya civilization, known for its advanced knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and architecture, left behind magnificent cities such as Tikal, Copán, and Palenque. Other significant pre-Columbian cultures include the Olmec, who are often considered the mother culture of Mesoamerica, and the Aztecs, who exerted influence over parts of Central America.
Trade and Cultural Exchange
The region was a hub of trade and cultural exchange, with extensive networks connecting various Mesoamerican cultures. This interaction facilitated the spread of agricultural practices, religious beliefs, and technological innovations, contributing to the rich and diverse cultural landscape of pre-Columbian Central America.
European Colonization
The Arrival of the Spanish
The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of European interest in Central America. Spanish explorers, motivated by the quest for gold, God, and glory, soon followed. Hernán Cortés’s conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century opened the door for further Spanish incursions into Central America. By the mid-16th century, the Spanish had established control over much of the region, incorporating it into the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
Colonial Administration
Spanish colonization brought significant changes to Central America. The Spanish introduced their language, religion, and governance structures, often through forceful means. Indigenous populations were subjected to encomienda and repartimiento systems, which exploited their labor for agricultural and mining purposes. The colonial period also saw the introduction of African slaves, further altering the demographic and cultural fabric of the region.
Independence Movements
The Decline of Spanish Power
The early 19th century was marked by widespread dissatisfaction with Spanish rule, fueled by economic exploitation and social inequalities. The Napoleonic Wars in Europe weakened Spanish control, creating an opportunity for independence movements to gain momentum.
The Path to Independence
In 1821, Central America declared independence from Spain, initially as part of the short-lived Mexican Empire. By 1823, the region had formed the United Provinces of Central America, a federation comprising present-day Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. However, internal conflicts and regional rivalries led to the dissolution of the federation by 1838, resulting in the emergence of independent nation-states.
Post-Independence Era
Political Instability and Foreign Intervention
The post-independence period in Central America was characterized by political instability and frequent conflicts. Liberal and conservative factions vied for control, often leading to civil wars and power struggles. Additionally, foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, intervened in the region, seeking to protect their economic and strategic interests. The U.S. involvement in the construction and control of the Panama Canal and the frequent military interventions exemplify this era of foreign influence.
Economic Development and Challenges
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant economic changes in Central America, driven by the export of coffee, bananas, and other agricultural products. U.S.-based companies, such as the United Fruit Company, played a dominant role in the region’s economy, leading to the term “banana republics” to describe the influence of these corporations. While these developments brought economic growth, they also reinforced social inequalities and dependency on foreign markets.
Modern Era
Revolutionary Movements and Civil Wars
The latter half of the 20th century was marked by revolutionary movements and civil wars, particularly in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. The Guatemalan Civil War (1960-1996) was a protracted conflict between government forces and leftist guerrillas, resulting in significant human rights abuses and loss of life. In El Salvador, the civil war (1979-1992) saw intense fighting between the government and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), ending with a peace agreement brokered by the United Nations.
Nicaragua experienced the Sandinista Revolution, which overthrew the Somoza dictatorship in 1979. However, the ensuing Contra War, fueled by U.S. support for anti-Sandinista rebels, plunged the country into further conflict until the late 1980s.
Democratic Transitions and Economic Reforms
The 1990s and early 21st century saw a wave of democratic transitions and economic reforms in Central America. Peace agreements ended many of the region’s civil conflicts, and countries began to implement market-oriented economic policies. Regional cooperation also increased, with initiatives such as the Central American Integration System (SICA) aimed at promoting economic and political integration.
Contemporary Challenges
Despite these advancements, Central America continues to face significant challenges. High levels of poverty, violence, and corruption remain pervasive issues. The region is also vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, which exacerbate social and economic problems. Migration, particularly to the United States, has become a major concern, driven by the search for better economic opportunities and escape from violence.
