Central America and the Caribbean

Los países

Central America • COSTA RICA • EL SALVADOR • GUATEMALA • HONDURAS • NICARAGUA • PANAMA

Caribbean Islands

• CUBA • DOMINICAN

REPUBLIC • PUERTO RICO

Central America

Caribbean

Guatemala • Slightly smaller than the

state of Tennessee

• Capital –Guatemala City

• Border countries– Belize– El Salvador– Honduras– Mexico

La Bandera

Guatemalan Flag Meaning:In the Guatemalan flag's coat of arms, the crossed rifles indicate Guatemala's willingness to defend itself by war if need be; while the olive branches symbolize the preferred peace. The sky blue stripes represent the fact that Guatemala is located between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the white stripe stands for the purity of the country's values and peace.

Guatemalan Flag History:The current Guatemalan flag was adopted on December 26, 1997, making it one of the world's newest flags. Guatemala received independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. The colors of the Guatemalan flag have their roots in the flag of the former federation of the United Provinces of Central America.

Interesting Guatemalan Flag Facts:The stripes of the Guatemalan flag were changed from horizontal to vertical in 1871 to distinguish it from the flags of the other Central American countries.

Información • Climate- tropical; hot, humid in lowlands;

cooler in highlands

• Terrain- mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau

• Population- 13,824,463 (July 2011 est.)

• Religions- Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

• Government- constitutional democratic republic

• 22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

• Independence- 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

•Constitution- 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; note - suspended 25 May 1993 by former President Jorge SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993 following ouster of president; amended November 1993

El Presidente• President Alvaro

COLOM Caballeros (since 14 January 2008)

• Elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 9 September 2007; runoff held 4 November 2007 (next to be held September 2011)

• Per Capita Income- $5,200 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- 56.2%

(2004 est.)

• Currency- quetzal (GTQ)

Tikal

El Salvador

• slightly smaller than Massachusetts

• Capital – San Salvador

• Border Countries- – Guatemala– Honduras

La Bandera

El Salvador Flag Meaning:The blue stripes represent the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea; while the white stripe symbolizes peace. The state coat of arms on El Salvador's flag is based on the coat of arms of the former United Provinces of Central America. The coat of the arms shows a triangle which represents equality and the three branches of El Salvador's government. Inside the triangle are five volcanoes which symbolize the five former members of the federation, flanked by the blue of the ocean and sea. The triangle contains symbols of liberty, ideals of the people and peace, which are represented by a red cap, golden rays and the rainbow. The triangle also shows the date that El Salvador gained independence from Spain. Underneath the triangle lies El Salvador's national motto which translates in English to 'God, Union and Liberty'. The fourteen clusters of leaves represent the 14 departments or states of El Salvador.

El Salvador Flag History:The El Salvador flag was adopted on September 27, 1972. El Salvador, which in Spanish means 'the savior', gained its independence from Spain on September 15, 1821 and independence from the Central American federation in 1842.

Información • Climate- tropical; rainy season

(May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

• Terrain- mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau

• Population- 6,071,774 (July 2011 est.)

• Religions- Roman Catholic 83%, other 17%

• Government- republic

• 14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); – Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango,

Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana, Sonsonate, Usulutan

El Presidente• Independence- 15

September 1821 (from Spain)

• Constitution- 20 December 1983

• Elections- president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 21 March 2009

President Mauricio FUNES Cartagena

(since 1 June 2009)

• Per Capita Income- $5,200 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- 30.7% (2006 est.)

• Currency- the US dollar became El Salvador's currency in 2001

Tazumal-Chalchuapa

CHICHA Instead of germinating the maize to release the starches therein, the

maize is ground, moistened in the chicha maker's mouth, and formed into small balls which are then flattened and laid out to dry.

Honduras

• slightly larger than Tennessee

• Capital- Tegucigalpa

• Border Countries-– Guatemala – El Salvador – Nicaragua

La Bandera

• Honduras Flag Meaning:The stars represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The colors on the Honduras flag represent the following:

• White - peace and honesty • Blue - the sea and the sky  - vigilance, truth

and loyalty, perseverance & justice

Honduras Flag History:The flag of Honduras was adopted on January 9, 1866.

Información • Climate- subtropical in lowlands,

temperate in mountains

• Terrain- mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains

• Population- 8,143,564 (est. 2011)

• Religions- Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%

• Government- democratic constitutional republic

• 18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Atlantida, Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro

• The second poorest country in Central America and one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.

• Independence- 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

• Constitution- 11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended many times

• President Porfirio LOBO Sosa (since 27 January 2010)

• Elections- president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 27 November 2005 (next to be held in November 2009)

• Per Capita Income- $4,200 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- 50.7% (2004)

• Currency- lempira (HNL)

Ruins of Copan

Nicaragua

• slightly smaller than the state of New York

• Capital- Managua

• Border Countries-– Costa Rica – Honduras

La Bandera

• Nicaragua Flag Meaning:The colors of the Nicaraguan flag originate from the flag of the former federation of the United Provinces of Central America. The two blue stripes represented the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea; while white symbolizes peace. A modern interpretation indicates that the color blue symbolizes justice and loyalty; while the color white represents virtue and purity. The coat of arms features an equilateral triangle which represents equality. Inside the triangle are five volcanoes, which represent the five members of the federation. The triangle also contains symbols of liberty and peace - represented by a red Phrygian cap, white rays and rainbow.

Nicaragua Flag History:The Nicaraguan flag was adopted on August 27, 1971. Nicaragua gained independence from Spain in 1821 and joined the United Provinces of Central America but by 1838, the federation began to dissolve and Nicaragua left to become an independent state. Nicaragua still used the blue-white-blue flag until 1854. The flag was re-instated in 1908 with the inclusion of the state coat of arms.

Información • Climate- tropical in lowlands, cooler in

highlands

• Terrain- extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes

• Population- 5,666,301 (July 2011 est.)

• Religions- Roman Catholic 72.9%, Evangelical 15.1%

• Government- republic

• 15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 2 autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region autonoma); Atlantico Norte*, Atlantico Sur*, Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas

• Independence- 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

• Constitution- 9 January 1987; reforms in 1995, 2000, and 2005

• President Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007)

• Elections- president and vice

president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term so long as it is not consecutive); election last held 5 November 2006 (next to be held by November 2011)

• Per Capita Income- $2,900 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- 48% (2005)

• Currency- gold cordoba (NIO)

Costa Rica

• slightly smaller than West Virginia

• Capital- San Jose

• Border Countries-– Nicaragua– Panama

La Bandera

• Costa Rica Flag Meaning:

• Costa Rica Flag History:The Costa Rican flag was adopted on November 27, 1906. Costa Rica's First Lady, Paci'fica Ferna'ndez Oreamuno, designed the flag in 1848. It was designed after the ideals of the French Revolution - freedom, equality, and brotherhood - and the colors of the French National Flag.

Interesting Costa Rican Flag Facts:The law in Costa Rica forbids citizens from flying any Costa Rican flags other than on national holidays, but this law isn't strictly enforced.

Five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central red stripe was added; today the blue color is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance, white denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people

Información • Climate- tropical and subtropical; dry season

(December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

• Terrain- coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes

• Population- 4,576,562 (July 2011 est.)

• Religions- Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%

• Government- democratic republic

•7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose

• Independence- 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

• Constitution- 7 November 1949

• President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May 2010)

• Elections- president and vice

presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single four-year term

• Per Capita Income- $11,400 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- 16% (2006)

• Currency- Costa Rican colon

(CRC)

Panama

• slightly smaller than South Carolina

• Capital- Panama City• Border Countries- Costa Rica, Colombia

La Bandera

• Panama Flag Meaning:The Panamanian flag's colors represent the two political parties of Panama, the Liberals (red) and the Conservatives (blue). The white symbolizes peace between them and the equal division of the colors states that they both govern the country at different times. The colors of the Panamanian flag also have alternative meanings. The blue represents the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea and red stands for the blood spilt for Panama's independence. The blue star represents the civic virtues of purity and honesty and the red star symbolizes the authority of the law. Together they represent loyalty and resilience.

• Panama Flag History:The current Panamanian flag was adopted on December 20, 1903, and provisionally approved in 1904 by the Constituent Assembly. It was not definitely approved until 1925. Panama was a colony of Spain from the 16th century until 1821, when independence was achieved. After independence from Spain, Panama joined Colombia as one of its provinces. Panama gained independence from Colombia on Nov. 3, 1903, with encouragement and military support from the United States. The U.S. then acquired permission to build the Panama Canal and paid $10 million U.S. and an annual fee of $250 000 per year. The Panama Canal, the land it is built on and the area surrounding it is leased to the U.S. and comes under direct United States control.

Información • Climate- tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy;

prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)

• Terrain- interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

• Population- 3,460,462 (July 2011 est.)

• Religions- Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

• Government- constitutional democracy

•9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*(Kuna Yala), and Veraguas

• Independence- 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)

• Constitution- 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted 1978, 1983, 1994, and 2004

• President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1 July 2009)

• Elections- president and vice

presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (eligible for two more terms); election last held 2 May 2004 (next to be held on 3 May 2009); note - beginning in 2009, Panama will have only one vice president.

• Per Capita Income- $12,700 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- 37% (1999 est.)

• Currency- balboa (PAB); US

dollar (USD)

Caribbean

Cuba

• slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

• Capital- Havana• Borders-

– Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay

La Bandera

• Cuba Flag Meaning: The Cuban government's official version of the meaning of the Cuban flag states that - the blue stripes refer to the three old divisions of the island; and the two white stripes represent the strength of the independent ideal. The red triangle symbolizes equality, fraternity and freedom, as well as the blood shed in the island's struggle for independence. Finally, the white star symbolizes the absolute freedom among the Cuban people.

• Cuba Flag History:The Cuban flag was adopted on May 20, 1902. In 1848, Narciso López, a Venezuelan general made the first serious attempt to liberate Cuba from Spanish rule. He designed 'La Estrella Solitaria' -'The Lone Star'-banner, which is Cuba's present flag. In 1902 Cuba became an independent republic and López's flag was adopted as the official flag. The three blue stripes are the symbols of Cuba's original three provinces. This original Cuban flag has been used ever since; even after Fidel Castro seized the country after the Communist revolution in 1959.

• Interesting Cuban Flag Facts:In the mid 1800's many people wanted to liberate Cuba from Spain, and unite the island with the United States of America. This could be the reason why the Cuban flag's colors are red, white and blue, with stripes and a star.

After the United States seized Cuba from Spain during the Spanish-American War, the American Stars and Stripes flag flew from Jan. 1, 1899 until May 20, 1902.

Información • Climate- tropical; moderated by trade winds;

dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October)

• Terrain- mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast

• Population- 11,087,330 (July 2011 est.)

• Religions- nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented

• Government- Communist state

• 14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara

• Independence- 20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902); not acknowledged by the Cuban Government as a day of independence

• Triumph of the Revolution, 1 January (1959)

• Constitution- 24 February 1976; amended July 1992 and June 2002

• President of the Council of

State and President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (president since 24 February 2008)

• Elections- president and vice presidents elected by the National Assembly for a term of five years; election last held 24 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

Election Results: Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent of legislative vote - 100%; Gen. Jose Ramon MACHADO Ventura elected vice president; percent of legislative vote - 100%

• Per Capita Income- $9,900 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- NA%

• Currency- Cuban peso (CUP)

and Convertible peso (CUC)

http://cuba.romanvirdi.com/havana-residential-facade.jpg

Guantanamo Bay

• 22nd President of Cuba• In office

December 2, 1976 – February 24, 2008[1]De facto until July 31, 2006

• Private citizens are prohibited from buying computers or accessing the Internet without special authorization; foreigners may access the Internet in large hotels but are subject to firewalls; some Cubans buy illegal passwords on the black market or take advantage of public outlets to access limited email and the government-controlled "intranet" (2006)

Dominican Republic

• slightly more than twice the size of

New Hampshire

• Capital- Santo Domingo

• Borders--Haiti-North Atlantic Ocean

-Caribbean Sea

La Bandera

• Dominican Republic Flag Meaning:The blue in the Dominican Republic flag stands for liberty; the color red for the fire and bloodshed of the struggle for independence; and the white cross symbolizes the sacrifice of the people.

• Dominican Republic Flag History:The Dominican Republic flag was adopted on November 6, 1844, making it one of the world's oldest flags. The Dominican Republic gained its independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844.

Información • Climate- tropical maritime; little

seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall

• Terrain- rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed

• Population- 9,956,648 (July 2011 est.)

• Religions- Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%

• Government- democratic republic

• 31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Bahoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, El Seibo, Elias Pina, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, San Cristobal, San Jose de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macoris, Sanchez Ramirez, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Santo Domingo, Valverde

• Independence- 27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

• Constitution- 28 November 1966; amended 25 July 2002

• President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16 August 2004)

• Elections- president and vice

president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second consecutive term); election last held 16 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2012)

• Per Capita Income-$8,600 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- 42.2%

• Currency- Dominican peso

(DOP)

Puerto Rico

• slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island • Capital- San Juan• Borders-

– North Atlantic Ocean– Caribbean Sea

La Bandera

• Puerto Rico's flag-- 22 December. • 1952 that our Legislature approved the final

symbolism of our flag:• Red Stripes - stands for the "blood" that

nourishes the three branches of our government; Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. White Stripes - represents individual liberty and the rights that keeps in perfect balance our form of government. Blue Triangle - stands for the "Republican Government", represented by the three branches. White Lone Star - represents "The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico".

Información • Climate- tropical marine, mild; little seasonal

temperature variation

• Terrain- mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas

• Population- 3,944,259 (July 2007 est.)

• Religions- Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

• Government- commonwealth

• (territory of the US with commonwealth status); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao, Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco

• Independence- none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

• Constitution- ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952

• National Holiday- US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)

• President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009)

• Head of Government- Governor Luis FORTUNO (since 2 January 2009)

• Elections- under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits)

• Per Capita Income- $16,300 (2010 est.)

• Population below poverty line- NA%

• Currency- US dollar (USD)

El FIN• Country• Capital• President• Per capita income• Currency• Flag• Location on map• Interesting Facts