| A | B |
|---|
| Haiti | occupies the western side of Hispaniola |
| plantations | large commercial farms that grow crops for sale |
| Panama Canal | water passageway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans |
| Central Highlands | chain of volcanic mountains in Central America |
| Caribbean Lowlands | lowlands along the east coast of Central America |
| communism | strong government control of the society and the economy |
| Pacific Lowlands | lowlands along the west coast of Central America |
| West Indies | islands of the Caribbean |
| Caribbean Sea | body of water bordering Central America's east coast |
| hurricanes | fierce storms with winds of more than 74 miles per hour |
| Belize | least populated country in Central America |
| Central America | isthmus that connects North America and South America |
| Spanish | official language of most of Central America |
| Lake Nicaragua | body of water that covers 3,100 sq. miles |
| English | official language of Belize |
| canopy | topmost layer of the rainforest |
| literacy rate | percentage of people who can read and write |
| Cuba | largest island in the West Indies |
| calypso | music created by enslaved Africans in Trinidad |
| Carnival | major celebration before Lent |
