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CENTRAL AMERICA is a beautiful part of the world, filled with generous and
friendly people. It is also a region steeped in history, one of the first areas of
the New World explored by Christopher Columbus. Central America is both
close to the United States and strategically important to it. For nearly a century
ships of the U.S. and the world have made good use of the Panama Canal.
And for longer than that breakfast tables have been graced by the bananas and
other tropical fruits that Central America produces in abundance.
Central America is closer to North America and other peoples of the
world with each passing day. Globalized trade brings the region’s products to
world markets as never before. And there is promise that trade agreements
will soon unite all nations of the Americas in a great common market.
Meanwhile improved road and air links make it easy for visitors to reach
Middle America. Central America’s tropical flora and fauna are ever more
accessible to foreign visitors having an interest in eco-tourism. Other visitors
are drawn to the region’s dazzling Pacific Ocean beaches, jewel-like scenery,
and bustling towns and cities. And everywhere Central America’s wonderful
and varied peoples are outgoing and welcoming to foreign visitors.
These eight books are intended to provide complete, up-to-date
information on the five countries historians call Central America (Guatemala,
El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica), as well as on Panama (techni-
cally part of South America) and Belize (technically part of North America).
Each volume contains chapters on the land, history, economy, people, and
cultures of the countries treated. And each country study is written in an
engaging style, employing a vocabulary appropriate to young students.
Discovering Central America
James D. Henderson