Central America Quiz
Questions and Answers
Below are the questions and answers to our Central America Learn As You Go Quiz.
Q: Which Central American country successfully overthrew a U.S.-backed dictator (part of a decades-long dynasty) in 1979?
A: Nicaragua
In 1979 the Nicaraguan people organized a violent overthrow of Anastasio Somoza Debayle, the third in his family dynasty to enjoy U.S. support as dictator of Nicaragua. Led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), the revolution marked the beginning of what became a proxy war for the ongoing Cold War between the US and the former Soviet Union.
Q: Which one of these Central American countries has NOT been occupied by the U.S.? (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica)
A: Costa Rica
El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Guatemala have all been occupied by the United States. U.S. military intervention has undeniably shaped the history of Central America.
Q: Which Central American country is known as the “Land of Poets” in addition to being known as the Land of “Lakes and Volcanoes”?
A: Nicaragua
With two large freshwater lakes, numerous lagoons, and 17 volcanoes, Nicaragua has historically been known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes” in addition to being known as the “Land of Poets” as the homeland for poets such as Ruben Dario, Ernesto Cardenal, Salomon de la Selva, and Gioconda Belli.
Q: In which Central American nation was a Catholic Archbishop assassinated for speaking out on behalf of the poor?
A: El Salvador
Archbishop Oscar Romero was shot and killed on March 24, 1980 while saying mass. While no one has been prosecuted for the assassination, it is widely believed that his assassins were members of the U.S. backed death squads.
Q: Which Central American activist won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992?
A: Rigoberta Menchú
Rigoberta Menchú was a leading advocate of Indian rights and ethno-cultural reconciliation, not only in Guatemala but in the Western Hemisphere generally.
If you like this quiz, make a donation to Teaching for Change so that we can continue to develop and share resources on Central America. Contact Teaching for Change with corrections and/or additions.