<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Central America (Spanish: América Central or Centroamérica) is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with the South American continent on the southeast . Central America is bordered by Mexico to the north, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west . Central America consists of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama . The combined population of Central America is between 41,739,000 (2009 estimate) and 42,688,190 (2012 estimate). </P> <P> Central America is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, which extends from northern Guatemala through to central Panama . Due to the presence of several active geologic faults and the Central America Volcanic Arc, there is a great deal of seismic activity in the region . Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur frequently; these natural disasters have resulted in the loss of many lives and much property . </P>

Is central america part of the north or south american continent