Central America is an extraordinarily beautiful part of the world, with sweeping panoramic vistas, towering mountains, and striking diversity. This tropical paradise has a history as diverse as its people and cultures. Pearcy examines the development of each nation and the regional similarities that propelled or constrained that development.

Timeline of Events in Central American History
An Introduction to the Seven Nations of Central America
Central America
Early Roots of Modern Central America
From United Provinces to Independent States: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
Panama: From Columbian Province to Occupied State
The United States and Central America
The Cold War I: Communism and "Freedom Fighters"
Cold War II: Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama
Central America in the Twenty-First Century
Notable People in the History of Central America
Glossary of Foreign Language Words and Key Concepts
Central American History: A Bibliographic Essay

THOMAS L. PEARCY is an associate professor of History at Slippery Rock University, USA.