Cayo Sur facts for kids
Cayo Sur, which means South Cay, is a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea. It's smaller than two soccer fields and no one lives there. The waters around Cayo Sur are full of fish and there might be oil too.
About Cayo Sur
Cayo Sur is a very small island. It is less than two hectares in size. A hectare is about the size of a soccer field. So, Cayo Sur is smaller than two soccer fields! No people live on this island. It is located in the Caribbean Sea. The area around the island has lots of fish. There are also signs of oil nearby.
A Small Island with a Big Problem
For many years, Cayo Sur caused a disagreement between two countries: Honduras and Nicaragua. This problem started in the year 2000. Both countries believed the island belonged to them.
In 2000, Nicaragua said that Honduras had sent soldiers to the tiny island. A diplomat from Honduras, who is like a country's representative, joked that they only had "cuatro gatos" (meaning "four cats") on the island. This meant very few people. Later, the Foreign Minister of Honduras, Roberto Flores, confirmed that there were indeed soldiers there. However, other officials from Honduras who visited the island said there were no soldiers.
How the Problem Was Solved
To help solve the problem, the two countries signed an agreement in 2001. An ambassador from the Organization of American States was there to help. This organization helps countries in the Americas work together.
The disagreement about Cayo Sur then went to the International Court of Justice. This is a very important court that helps solve problems between countries. On October 8, 2007, the court made a decision. It decided that Cayo Sur, along with three other small cays, belonged to Honduras. All the judges agreed on this decision. This meant the long disagreement was finally over.
See also
In Spanish: Cayo Sur para niños
