Central America, a 12,000-mile land bridge connecting North and South America, was once home to the Mayan civilization. Today, 41 million people live in Central America-blacks, whites, and mestizos of mixed white and Amerindian heritage - a blend of many cultures and beliefs created by the winds of history. In this comprehensive guide, find out about: Guatemala - known to many as the Country of Eternal Spring; Belize - once known as British Honduras, its mainly black population is headed toward a promising future very different from its past; Honduras - a vibrant country, rich in natural beauty, history, culture, and hospitality; El Salvador - the smallest and most densely populated of the Central American countries, still recovering after years of civil war; Nicaragua - the largest country of Central America; Costa Rica - a land of breathtaking natural beauty; and, Panama-the stepping-stone between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In addition, in this book you'll find project and report ideas - including enough recipes for an authentic Central American buffet - a glossary, a list of major festivals, organizations to contact for more information, and suggestions for further reading. There's a lot to discover about Central America today.