Latin America and the Caribbean:Who We Are

CENTRAL AMERICA

Central America is a labyrinth of geographic structures and biodiversity. The area functions as a corridor between two great continents and separates the two largest oceans in the world. It features active volcanoes, rift lakes, freshwater and coastal wetlands, cloud forests, and wet lowland forests. All in all, the seven countries of Central America harbor more than 15,000 plant and 1,800 vertebrate species in approximately 22 ecoregions. The red-eyed tree frog, iguana, howler monkey, tapir, and resplendent quetzal are just some of the animal life that make their home in the isthmus.