Why should we care about Central America?

Panama Canal

Panama Canal

French started in 1880 Spent 26 Million dollars

Lost 20,000 workers

U.S Takes over in 1904 Panama Canal Treaty

Paid 40 Million to take it over

Not completed until 1914

Panama Canal

51 Miles long

110 ft. wide locks

1000 ft. max depth

There are 12 locks Work like elevators to raise water levels

It cost between $1,400 and $2,500 to use it

It makes roughly 210 million annually

Panama Canal’s Future

Canal was given back to Panama in 1999

They are expanding it 8 Billion Dollar project

Will be finished in 2014 (?)

Panama Canal

Panama Video

Should we have given control back to Panama?

What would happen if U.S ships were blocked from using it?

Caribbean Islands

Caribbean Islands

Three groups Greater Antilles Lesser Antilles Bahamas

Island Formation

Volcanic mountains Central mountain with coastal plains

Active volcanoes

Coral islands Flatter terrain

All 300 plus islands in Bahamas

Coral Island Formation

Created by remains of coral polyps Coral polyps produce exoskeleton of calcium carbonate

Dead coral accumulate in a pile (reef)

Sand and sediment pile up on reef

Island eventually emerges from water

Ecosystem will gradually develop

Coral or Volcanic Island?

Ethnic Roots

African descent Came as slaves

Asian immigrants Came voluntarily Worked on plantations after slavery was abolished

Caribbean Nations Today

Many islands are politically linked to U.S. and Europe Virgin Islands – U.S and UK

Puerto Rico – U.S

Guadeloupe - France

Martinique - France

Aruba - Netherlands

Cayman Islands - UK

Economic Activity

Agriculture – primary economic activity

Tourism Contributes over 15% of the GDP

Up to 80% of the income “leaks” outside of the Islands. Hotels, airlines and ships are owned by overseas

companies

Locals do not reap many benefits from tourism industry

Tourism

Employment – Seasonal, low paying jobs often go to the lowest bidder with a divide between management and the average worker.

Local Development – Resorts outsource their produce and supplies rather than purchasing local products.

Water Resources – They put a huge stress on the water suitable for human consumption.

Environment – A large cruise ship can produce as much trash a small city for a 7 day cruise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQw2AX0LWpY