Why Mexico Is Not Part of Central America: Geographic Clarification

Mexico is part of North America, not Central America.

Definitions

• North America: Canada, USA, Mexico, Greenland, Bermuda, Saint Pierre & Miquelon
• Central America: Subregion of North America – 7 countries between Mexico and South America:
  • Belize
  • Costa Rica
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama

Geographic Relationship

Mexico lies south of the USA and north of Central America. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec (Mexico) marks the northern boundary of Central America.

Confusion arises because Mexico shares cultural/historical ties with Central America, but geopolitically and geographically it is North American.