The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a narrow strip of land that connects North America to South America. The name "Tehuantepec" is derived from the Nahuatl word "Tehuantepetl," which means "mountain range of the goddess of the earth." There are a few synonyms for the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, such as the Isthmus of Panama, the Central American Isthmus, and the Isthmus of Darien. Because it is such an important land bridge between North and South America, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec has played a significant role in the history and development of the Americas. It remains a vital transportation hub to this day.