In Panama, where the Panama Canal links the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, it is just 85km wide. Stretching away westwards in a great arc 4000 km long are the hundreds of tropical islands of the Caribbean.
People grow maize and wheat for food.
Mexico is the world's leading producer of silver. Mexico has growing chemical, motor and textile industries. Government All countries but Cuba have governments elected by popular vote. The USA invaded Panama in 1989, Grenada in 1983 and helps keep right-wing governments in power. US backing for Contra rebels in Nicaragua undermined the socialist Sandinista regime, aiding its defeat in the 1990 elections.