List of Central American Countries and Capitals

Central America is a narrow but vibrant region that connects North and South America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Although small in size, Central America is rich in culture, biodiversity, history, and geographical wonders — from active volcanoes and ancient Mayan ruins to lush rainforests and world-renowned beaches.

Comprising seven sovereign nations, this region acts as both a cultural crossroads and a biological corridor, home to a variety of indigenous communities and unique ecosystems. Despite their shared geography, each Central American country offers its own distinctive traditions, language variations, and political identity.

In this blog post, we provide a complete alphabetical list of all Central American countries and their capitals, along with a brief overview and answers to frequently asked questions to help deepen your understanding of this fascinating region.

List of Central American Countries and Their Capitals (Alphabetically)

Here is a list of the 7 countries in Central America, each with its official capital:

1. Belize – Belmopan
2. Costa Rica – San José
3. El Salvador – San Salvador
4. Guatemala – Guatemala City
5. Honduras – Tegucigalpa
6. Nicaragua – Managua
7. Panama – Panama City

Quick Overview by Country

Let’s take a closer look at each of these nations and what makes them special:

1. Belize

   • 🌍 Capital: Belmopan

   • 🇧🇿 The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is known for its barrier reef system, ancient Mayan sites, and rich marine biodiversity.

2. Costa Rica

   • 🌍 Capital: San José

   • 🇨🇷 Famous for its eco-tourism, Costa Rica has no standing army and is known for political stability, lush rainforests, and protected national parks.

3. El Salvador

   • 🌍 Capital: San Salvador

   • 🇸🇻 The smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, El Salvador offers rich cultural traditions and stunning Pacific coastlines.

4. Guatemala

   • 🌍 Capital: Guatemala City

   • 🇬🇹 Known for its deep Mayan heritage and scenic volcanoes, Guatemala is a cultural hub with colorful markets and historic ruins.

5. Honduras

   • 🌍 Capital: Tegucigalpa

   • 🇭🇳 A country of mountains, coral reefs, and colonial towns, Honduras is home to the famous Copán ruins and the Bay Islands.

6. Nicaragua

   • 🌍 Capital: Managua

   • 🇳🇮 Often called “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” Nicaragua offers dramatic landscapes and is one of the most affordable travel destinations in the region.

7. Panama

   • Capital: Panama City

   • 🇵🇦 Strategically located, Panama is known for the Panama Canal, a global shipping route, as well as its modern capital and diverse wildlife.

1. How many countries are in Central America?

There are 7 sovereign countries in Central America.

2. Is Mexico part of Central America?

No, Mexico is geographically in North America, though it shares cultural ties with Central America.

3. What languages are spoken in Central America?

The dominant language is Spanish, except in Belize, where English is the official language.

4. Which Central American country is the most populated?

Guatemala has the largest population in the region.

5. Which Central American country is the most visited by tourists?

Costa Rica leads in tourism thanks to its eco-tourism and natural beauty.

6. Is Central America a continent?

No, Central America is a subregion of North America, not a separate continent.

7. Which country in Central America is the safest?

Costa Rica is often ranked as the safest, although safety can vary across all countries.

8. Which Central American capital is the oldest?

Guatemala City has historical roots dating back to colonial times but Panama City, founded in 1519, is technically the oldest continuous European settlement.

9. Do all Central American countries use the same currency?

No, each country has its own currency, though El Salvador and Panama use the U.S. dollar alongside their national currencies.

10. Is the Panama Canal natural or man-made?

The Panama Canal is a man-made engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
 

Though small in number, the countries of Central America hold a wealth of history, diversity, and natural beauty. From the ancient temples of Guatemala to the pristine beaches of Belize and the ecological wonders of Costa Rica, each nation is a vibrant piece of a larger mosaic.

Understanding the capitals and unique features of each Central American country is not just valuable for students and travelers but also essential for appreciating the strategic and cultural role this region plays on the global stage.

So whether you’re planning a backpacking trip, doing a school project, or just expanding your world knowledge, this guide to Central American countries and their capitals has you covered.