Latin America comprises the South American Continent, the region of Central America and Mexico as the southernmost country of the North American region.

Central America

Central America is located between the North and South American regions. Culturally and geographically diverse, Central America several environmental and political challenges. Many of its countries have been shattered by internal divisions and fights, most are transforming from agricultural to urban-industrial economies. Rain forests in Central America are still being cleared for forestry and to gain farm land. Many nations are still largely dependent on one or a few cash crops—a structure that was common in the colonial slave-plantation era. Natural disasters and civil wars have raged in this region, but the rich and vibrant cultures of its people remain.
These countries make up the region of Central America:

• Belize
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Panama

South America

Europeans conquering South America left its indigenous peoples largely robbed of their identity, their culture, and their land.

With a fairly small population and an abundant supply of natural resources, South America today has significant economic, social, and environmental problems. Foreign debt, government mismanagement, and drug trafficking are among them. However the majestic Andean mountain chain, mighty Amazon River, and the most extensive rain forest on Earth give South America virtually unlimited potential.

Countries:

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Guyana
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Suriname
• Uruguay
• Venezuela