LOOKING AT CENTRAL AMERICA.

In the geographical Central America, there are seven countries, but only five of them constitute he entity that has been trying to unite into a Federation, following the political structure of the U.S.A.
Belice, once part of Guatemala at the extreme north, and leased to the U.K., becoming a Colony, was granted independence not too long ago; and Panama at the extreme south, once a part of Colombia and later home of the United States constructed and controlled Panama Canal, until President Carter decided to let it go, are excluded from the pretended Federation that so far has failed to become a reality; in part due to some Nationalistic groups that resist loosing individuality, and petty arguments like "Where
would the Capital of the Federation be?"
However, in spite of those difficulties, and differences such as local customs, accent and slang used, currency, etc. they have accomplished a limited union that permits Central Americans to cross borders with no other
papers than their personal I.D. issued by the country of birth, or any proof of Central American nationality.
Customs, as a rule are similar. e.g. with a very low percentage of exeptions, they love to sit around with friends - and friends to be - to socialize and consume navigable quantities of beer or liquor; rum being their favorite hard liquor mixed with Coca Cola as a "Cuba Libre," except in Nicaragua, where they prefer Pepsi Cola and re-name the mix "Nica Libre". Second in the favorites list is vodka.- Bourbon is practically unknown, and asking for a whiskey, invariably will produce a Scotch.
Central Americans generally get along well - if you ignore the so called "Football War" between El Salvador and Honduras. It had much deeper causes tan a soccer game, too long and complicated to go into them now.

Some times they tease each other in jest; each nationality having a nickname:
Guatemalans are "Chapines", Salvadoreans "Guanacos", Hondureans "Catrachos", Nicaraguans "Chochos" and Costa Ricans "Ticos".

Each country has its typical cuisine and special dishes which may include some non traditional food, like iguana eggs in a special native sauce in El Salvador, called "alguashte"- from the Mayan dialect "Nahuatl" still spoken in some parts of that country.

There are only two seasons in the region: rainy (winter) and dry (summer).
They all enjoy a great climate, Guatemala having the best. Further along, I'll try to go into each country outining their characteristics - so if you are curious and like to travel, look for my nest commentary on Central America, that will take you to Guatemala.