Geography of Caribbean and Central America
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Questions and Answers

What characterizes the political history of Colombia today?

  • It is a monarchy.
  • It is governed by military rulers.
  • It is a democracy. (correct)
  • It has a totalitarian regime.

What issue is currently significant in Venezuela's political landscape?

  • A political crisis. (correct)
  • A peaceful transition to democracy.
  • Increased military control.
  • Rising economic stability.

Which European countries previously ruled Guyana before its independence?

  • France and Germany.
  • Spain and Portugal.
  • Italy and Belgium.
  • The Dutch and the English. (correct)

What socio-economic challenge does Guyana still face today?

<p>Low socio-economic conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which language is commonly spoken in French Guiana?

<p>French. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cultural traits do Guyana and French Guiana share?

<p>Cultural traits from the Caribbean. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant language in the Caribbean?

<p>Spanish (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the largest lake in the Caribbean?

<p>Lake Enriquillo (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest point in the Caribbean?

<p>Pico Duarte (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which river holds the title of the largest river in the Caribbean?

<p>Cauto River (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tribes are considered the native inhabitants of the Caribbean?

<p>Arawak, Caribs, and Tainos (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geographical feature connects North America to South America?

<p>Isthmus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a predominant religion in the Caribbean region?

<p>Buddhism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which island is NOT one of the three largest islands in the Caribbean?

<p>Barbados (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these characteristics is true about most of the Caribbean islands?

<p>They are primarily volcanic in origin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest lake in Central America?

<p>Lake Nicaragua (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which river is considered the longest river in Central America?

<p>Rio Coco (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly influenced migration patterns in the Caribbean and Central America?

<p>Natural resources and climate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mountain range is the longest in Central America?

<p>Sierra Madre de Chiapas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Atacama Desert?

<p>The driest place on Earth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization was conquered by Hernan Cortes?

<p>Aztec (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of European colonization in Central America?

<p>The dominance of Catholicism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country in Central America is NOT bordered by the Caribbean Sea?

<p>Costa Rica (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the cultural influences in the Caribbean, Central, and South America?

<p>European colonization (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following populations is considered a major ethnic group in present-day Mexico?

<p>Mestizos (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Caribbean Islands

A group of about 7,000 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.

Volcanic Origin

Many Caribbean islands are formed from volcanoes.

Lake Enriquillo

The largest lake in the Caribbean, located on Hispaniola.

Cauto River

The largest river in the Caribbean, located in Cuba.

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Caribbean Population

Estimated at about 36 million people.

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Dominant Caribbean Language

Spanish.

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Dominant Caribbean Religion

Catholicism.

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Three Largest Caribbean Islands

Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.

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Isthmus

A narrow strip of land connecting two larger landmasses.

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Central America's Connection

Central America is the isthmus that joins North America to South America.

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What is an isthmus?

A narrow strip of land surrounded by sea that connects two larger landmasses.

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Central America's Tallest Point

The highest elevation in Central America is Volcán Tajumulco, located in Guatemala.

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Central America's Longest River

The Rio Coco is the longest river in Central America.

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Central America's Largest Lake

Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America.

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South America's Size

South America is the world's fourth largest continent.

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Amazon's Big Title

The Amazon River, located in South America, has the largest volume of all the world's rivers.

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Angel Falls' Height

Angel Falls, located in South America, are the highest falls in the world.

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Lake Titicaca's Altitude

Lake Titicaca, located in South America, is one of the highest lakes in the world.

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Andes Mountain Distinction

The Andes Mountains are the world's longest mountain range, located in South America.

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Colombia's Political History

Colombia has experienced a turbulent political history, but is currently a democracy.

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Venezuela's Political History

Venezuela has a history of military rule and democratically elected leaders, but is currently facing a significant political crisis.

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Guyana's Cultural Influence

Guyana's culture is heavily influenced by Caribbean migrants, who brought their traditions to the country.

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Guyana's History

Guyana was ruled by several European powers before gaining independence, and its people still face socioeconomic challenges.

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French Guiana's Cultural Influence

French Guiana shares cultural traits with the Caribbean, including language and religion, due to its history as a French colony.

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French Guiana's History

French Guiana's history is marked by the desire of several European nations to control the territory, which ultimately led to French dominance.

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Study Notes

Caribbean

  • Composed of around 7,000 islands
  • Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.
  • Also known as West Indies or the Antilles.
  • Primarily volcanic origin, with active volcanoes.
  • Three largest islands: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola.
  • Lake Enriquillo (largest lake) located on Hispaniola.
  • Cauto River (largest river) on Cuba.
  • Estimated population: ~36 million.
  • Predominant language: Spanish.
  • Predominant religion: Catholicism.
  • Diverse ancestry: African/Caribbean, European/Caribbean, and Indigenous (Arawak, Caribs, Tainos).

Central America

  • Isthmus connecting North and South America.
  • Narrow strip of land surrounded by sea.
  • Mostly volcanic origin.
  • Sierra Madre de Chiapas (longest mountain range).
  • Volcán Tajumulco (highest elevation).
  • Lake Nicaragua (largest lake).
  • Rio Coco (longest river).
  • Abundant rainforests.
  • Second-largest coral reef in the world.
  • Estimated population: ~43 million.
  • Predominant language: Spanish, English in Belize.
  • Predominant religion: Catholicism.
  • "Banana republics": nickname for unstable nations dependent on specific crops/resources.
  • Significant indigenous populations before European arrival.

South America

  • Fourth-largest continent.
  • Contains the Amazon Rainforest (world's largest).
  • Amazon River (largest river volume).
  • Angel Falls (highest waterfall).
  • Andes Mountains (longest mountain range).
  • Lake Titicaca (among highest lakes).
  • Atacama Desert (driest place on Earth).
  • Estimated population: ~380 million.

Migration in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America

  • Driven by natural resources and climate.
  • European migration: driven by seeking gold, silver, and farmable land (late 1400s).
  • European migration had disastrous consequences for native populations (killing, enslaving, forced migration).
  • Climate influences population concentration: warmer regions have smaller populations.
  • Coastlines attract more people in Central America and the Caribbean.
  • South America's population concentrated in more moderate climates (Amazon mouth to Argentina region).

Culture of Caribbean, Central America, and South America

  • Deeply influenced by European colonization.
  • Mestizos (people of Spanish and Native American descent) prevalent.
  • Spanish and English (European languages) commonly spoken.
  • Catholicism is a dominant religion.
  • Significant African influence in many regions, particularly in Afro-Caribbean.
  • Examples include Caribbean indigenous influence and Central America's Mayan culture.
  • Pre-colonial cultures are still honored.

Mexico

  • Indigenous civilizations (Mayans, Aztecs) preceded European colonization.
  • Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztec Empire.
  • Tenochtitlan (Aztec capital) replaced by Mexico City (Spanish capital).
  • Spanish colonization lasted 300 years, impacting language and religion.
  • Mexico lost significant territory in wars with Texas and the United States.
  • Divided into 32 states.
  • Two main political parties: PRI and PAN.

Caribbean South America

  • Composed of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and French Guiana.
  • Colombia and Venezuela: Spanish-speaking, Catholic majority, turbulent/democratic political history.
  • Venezuela: Current political crisis.
  • Guyana and French Guiana: cultural ties to the Caribbean, largely English speaking in Guyana and French speaking in French Guiana, struggling economies, fledgling democracies.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the geography of the Caribbean and Central America. Discover key facts about the islands, mountains, rivers, and cultural aspects of these regions. This quiz covers essential geographical features and historical context that define both areas.

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