Central America: Part of North America

Geologically and geopolitically, Central America is part of the North American continent.

Geological Definition

• The North American Plate extends south to the Motagua-Polochic Fault in Guatemala. Central America (except a sliver of western Panama) sits on the **Caribbean Plate**. However, continents are defined by continental crust, not just plates.
• The Isthmus of Panama (formed ~3 Ma) connects North and South America. The continental divide is usually placed at the **Darién Gap** (Panama-Colombia border). Thus, all of Central America is on the North American landmass.

Political / Cultural Definition (UN / Standard Models)

• UN Geoscheme: "Central America" is a subregion of **"Americas → North America → Central America."** (Mexico is in "North America" proper).
• 7 Countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama.
• Regional Bodies: SICA (Central American Integration System), PARLACEN.

Why the Confusion?

• Cultural ties to South America (Spanish colonial history, language).
• Biogeography: Neotropical realm spans both.
• Some European models teach 6 continents (America as one).

Bottom line: In the standard 7-continent model (English-speaking world, UN, sciences), Central America is the **southernmost region of North America**, connecting it to South America.