Central America is a subregion of North America bordered by Mexico to the north, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. It comprises seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
The region sits atop the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, which extends from southern Mexico to southeastern Panama, and is defined by active geology. Several active faults and the Central America Volcanic Arc generate frequent seismic activity, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Before Spanish colonisation began in 1502, hundreds of indigenous peoples lived across the area. Most territories were governed from Mexico City as the Captaincy General of Guatemala until independence was declared on 15 September 1821. The Federal Republic of Central America formed in 1823 but dissolved by 1841, with individual nations gaining sovereignty between 1838 and 1903. Belize became independent in 1981. Five countries continue to maintain a shared Central American identity.
