ABSTRACT
Central America comprises 7 countries (Fig. 1.1) that cover 50 million hectares extending over different ecoregions (Fig. 1.2a) and shelter nearly 39 million people (2003). With a relatively high population density (71 inhabitants/km2), Central America is one of the world’s regions most prone to geology-related and climaterelated natural disasters. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which are related to the Central American tectonic setting, and landslides, which are either earthquake induced or rainfall-related, are the most severe geological burdens of the region. Central America also is afflicted by several climatic hazards, particularly droughts and hurricanes, which may be accompanied by secondary hazards, including high winds, flooding and landslides.
