Prior to European colonization Central America was inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous people. There were many indigenous groups in the Central American area among these were the Maya, Aztecs and several Chibcha tribes. There are still many indigenous people living here today.

European colonization to this area began in the 16th century. Most of Central America was colonized by the Spanish. However, the British found there way to Belize, known then as British Honduras.

From the 16th through the early 19th century, most of the countries of Central America formed the Kingdom of Guatemala which was under the Viceroyalty of New Spain. 

In 1811, independence movements began in Central America. On the 1st of July 1823 the Federal Republic of Central America, comprised of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and parts of the Mexican state of Chiapas, declared independence from Spain.

After several years of infighting and civil war the Federal Republic of Central America dissolved by 1840. There have been several attempts throughout the years to reestablish the Federation of Central America, but it has not been successful.