Geography of Mexico

Physical Geography of Mexico

• Mexico and Central America are joined by a land bridge, enabling plant and animal migration.
• Latin America is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, prone to seismic activity.
• Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean have few river systems.
• The Mesa Central is a major grain-producing region.
• Vertical climate zones exist, varying in elevation; each has its own unique vegetation and crops.
• The Gulf of Mexico supports the fishing industry in both Mexico and the US.
• Northeast trade winds influence Mexico's climate; arid/semi-arid conditions in the north and rainforest biomes in coastal areas.
• Mexico is a major silver producer.
• Mexico's petroleum industry is significant.

Human Geography of Mexico

• Mexico's human geography reflects influences from Maya, Aztec, and Spanish cultures.
• Mayan civilization originated in the Yucatán Peninsula.
• The Aztec Empire developed in central Mexico, with Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City) as its capital.
• Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec in 1519, claiming Mexico for Spain.
• Mestizo people are of mixed indigenous and European descent.
• Indigenous people are native to a region.
• Conquistadors were Spanish soldiers who participated in the conquest of Latin America.
• Spain acquired gold and silver resources from Mexico.
• Cash crops were grown for trade and sale.

Physical Geography of Central America and the Caribbean

• Central America is primarily hilly and mountainous, with some coastal swamps and lowlands.
• Volcanic activity and earthquakes are common in the region.
• Fertile volcanic soil supports agriculture.
• The Isthmus of Panama connects North and South America.
• Many islands in the Caribbean are volcanic peaks.
• The region has a variety of climates, depending on elevation, proximity to the sea, and other factors.
• Tropical rainforests are prevalent in many parts of Central America.
• Biodiversity is high in the region's ecosystems.
• Climates vary with elevation and altitude.
• Natural resources include minerals such as nickel and iron, as well as timber and petroleum.

Human Geography of Central America and the Caribbean

• Spain founded the first permanent European settlement in Hispaniola (1493).
• Other European countries also established colonies throughout the region.
• Indigenous populations suffered severely from forced labor, disease, and starvation.
• The 1800s saw independence movements in Central America, often sparked by political and socioeconomic turmoil.
• The majority of Central Americans are Roman Catholic.
• A blend of indigenous, European, African, and Asian populations is prominent in the region.
• Population pressure frequently results in migration.
• Languages in the region are diverse, with many dialects.

Physical Geography of South America

• The Andes are the world's longest mountain range.
• The Andes are characterized by parallel mountain chains and high plateaus.
• The Andes are part of the Ring of Fire, with significant tectonic activity.
• Patagonia is a dry, barren region of South America.
• The Amazon River drains a massive area into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Important waterways in the region include the Paraná, Uruguay, and Paraguay rivers, which flow into the Río de la Plata.
• Lake Maracaibo is the largest lake in South America.
• South America experiences a range of climates, from tropical wet/dry to Highland regions.
• Altitude differences result in different ecological and climate zones.

Human Geography of South America

• South America's diverse population is a result of indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences.
• The Inca Empire built an extensive network of roads and irrigation systems in the Andes Mountain range.
• European colonization brought significant population decline due to disease and harsh labor conditions.
• Independence movements occurred throughout the 1800s, with leaders such as Bolívar and San Martín.
• The region's diverse populations often experience inequality and struggles with political corruption.
• Many people live in urban areas, often experiencing high population density and urbanization issues.

People and Their Environment in Latin America

• Water shortages are a widespread concern for many countries.
• Timber extraction, slash-and-burn agriculture, and soil erosion lead to environmental problems.
• Deforestation and unsustainable practices threaten environmental stability.
• Reforestation efforts are being put in place to combat environmental issues.
• Natural resource exploitation has significant environmental impacts.
• Strategies for sustainable development are needed.