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Pick a Region:. . Central America
Poverty Within the six countries of Central America, there is significant economic diversity. For instance, Nicaragua is considered to be the least developed of the six countries because it has the worst indicators (see chart below) of the Central American countries for infant mortality rate, adult literacy rate, and GDP. Comparisons of
Central America and the United States on Key Indicators* In contrast to Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica are more developed. With respect to GDP per capita, Panama has the highest ($3,080). However, Costa Rica is considered to be the most "developed" of the Central American countries because it has a relatively high GDP per capita and has the best indicators of the Central American countries for life expectancy at birth, infant mortality rate, and adult literacy rate. It is widely believed that Costa Ricas economy has been relatively successful because when the Spanish arrived, there was not a large indigenous population. Therefore, a two-tier society, with the Spaniards on top and the indigenous population on the bottom, did not evolve as it did in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Instead, its population was primarily made up of Spaniards. There are not only economic differences between countries, but also within countries. For example, each of the Central American countries has a small group of very rich individuals and a large group of very poor individuals.
Trade Most of these exports went to the United States, which created a strong trade link between the United States and Central America. In fact, during the 20th century, the United States has been the main purchaser of Central American products. In addition, most of the products that Central America purchases come from the United States. This relationship, however, is not as important to the United States as it is to Central America since the goods the United States sells to and purchases from Central America are only a small amount of total U.S. trade. Photo: Exporting goods from Central America to the United States. Photo by Michael Snarr. In recent decades, Central America has had success in diversifying its exports (so that it is less dependent on bananas and coffee) and diversifying its trading partners (so that it is less dependent on the United States as a trading partner). Nevertheless, this poor region is struggling to develop its economy. The Central American Common Market |
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