I.

Introduction

United Provinces of Central America (1823-1840), federation of states in Central America established after these states had declared their independence from Spain and Mexico. The republic comprised the states that are now Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Each had its own state government under a federal president and constitution. Internal conflicts and civil war divided the federation throughout its existence, and by 1840 it had disintegrated into five separate units. However, efforts to restore a Central American union have continued through the 20th century.