1. Mexico & Central America An Introduction

2. Mexico Part of North America Shares northern border with United States Spanish is official language

4. Manufactured goods are #1 export today

5. Oil is a major export of Mexico

7. Quick History of Mexico Mexico was inhabited by the Aztecs, Mayas, and other indigenous peoples Mexico was colonized by Spain Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821

8. Central America Central America consists of 7 countries Central American countries border Mexico to the south and Colombia to the north Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Central America All countries in Central America touch ocean or sea

9. Economy of Central America Sugar, coffee, and bananas are top exports for Central American countries In 1999, Panama took control of the Panama canal, essential to the economy of the world Most of the farm land in Guatemala is owned by rich land owners

10. Central American Politics Most countries in Central America are democracies Guatemala was once ruled by a dictator Indigenous people of Central America continue to struggle to have a voice in politics

11. History of Central America Indigenous people, like the Maya, once inhabited countries in Central America Most of the countries in Central America was once Spanish colonies

12. Resources http://www.enchantedlearning.com/mgifs/Mexicomap.GIF http://worldprotectionservices.com/store/images/C/central_america_map.gif http://www.theodora.com/flags http://www.trailmonkey.com/latin/middleamericaregion_MAP.jpg http://student.britannica.com/elementary/art-82367/An-illustration-shows-Spanish-conquistadors-supervising-American-Indians-who-are World Studies: Latin America. Pearson Prentice Hall. Boston, MA. 2008. Sutton, T. & Whelan, B.M. (2004). Complete Color Harmony. Gloucester, MA: Rockport Publishing.