Belize is a former colony and a parliamentary democracy with a Governor General representing the British monarchy. A preamble to the constitution states: “The nation of Belize shall be founded upon principles which acknowledge the supremacy of God”. Constitution and government Despite its preamble, the Belize constitution, drawing on the […]

Roman Catholicism is the state religion of Costa Rica and its institutions permeate the national infrastructure. Constitution and government The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, but establishes Roman Catholicism as the official state religion and affords the Church several benefits. The state has an obligation to contribute to the […]

El Salvador, officially the Republic of El Salvador, is the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America. Constitution and government The constitution and other laws and policies guarantee freedom of religion or belief, as well as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association. The […]

Guatemala, with Mexico on its Northern boundary, is in a pivotal position in Central America. It was the scene of a 36-year guerrilla war until 1996, a peace agreement was signed by the government that finally put an end to the internal conflict. The main religion in Guatemala is Christianity, […]

The Republic of Honduras, historical home to Mesoamerican cultures including the Maya, was conquered by Spain in the sixteenth century who imported Roman Catholicism which has been predominant culturally ever since. Honduras’ multi-party system has been turbulent and wracked with controversy. Constitution and government The constitution and other laws and […]

Mexico, with a population of 118 million inhabitants, is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. Its secular constitution guarantees religious freedom. However, societal discrimination against certain religious minorities occurs, and journalists who criticise officials are frequently harassed and even attacked. Constitution and government The Mexican constitution and other laws […]

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America by area, but its population density is relatively low. Nicaragua was first settled by the Spanish in 1522; it gained independence in 1838. It is majority Catholic and other Christian denominations. Constitution and government Article 29 of the constitution of Nicaragua guarantees […]

Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, revenue from canal tolls continues to represent a significant portion of Panama’s GDP. Constitution and government The constitution and other laws and policies protect freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. However, Catholicism has certain […]