Gr 5-9-A competent, up-to-date look at this Central American nation. Following introductory chapters on the geography, history, and government, the clearly written book focuses on contemporary life. The economy, population, religion, leisure activities, holidays, indigenous and ethnic groups, and rural and urban lifestyles are all covered. The devastating human and economic toll Hurricane Mitch took on the country is also discussed. Framed, often lengthy sidebars provide additional information on a variety of topics such as women as a political force, unwritten languages, and popular folktales. A quality, full-color photograph appears on almost every page. A map concludes the volume.-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
