Central America is a narrow land bridge between North and South America. It comprises seven countries: Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The region is known for its rich cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes with tropical rainforests, volcanic mountain ranges and beautiful coastlines.

Central America is also rich in historical sites from the Mayan and Aztec cultures as well as colonial architecture from the Spanish colonial era. The region’s economy is diverse and focuses on agriculture, tourism, trade and, in some countries, services and manufacturing.

The term ‘Middle America’ geographically covers the entire area between North America and South America and includes Mexico as well as the seven countries of Central America.

The Darién Gap (Tapón del Darién) is an extremely dangerous rainforest and swamp area around 100 kilometres long on the border between Panama and Colombia. It is one of the last natural barriers on the Panamericana, the longest road link in America, and cannot be accessed by road due to the dense vegetation, inaccessible geography and numerous dangers. In addition to the diverse flora and fauna, the region is also known for the presence of criminal groups and smuggling networks that control the area. Despite the dangers, many migrants cross the Darién Gap on their way from South America to North America.