Mexico's Physical Geography Overview

Mexico's Physical Geography

• Mexican Plateau: High, central plateau, encompassing ten states, with moderate rainfall (20-40 inches annually). Suitable for agriculture in some areas. Densely populated and historically important. Vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Sierra Madre Mountains: Three major ranges (Occidental, Oriental, Sur) surrounding the plateau. The Sierra Madre Occidental features Copper Canyon and the Tarahumara people known for running. The Sierra Madre Oriental includes Monterrey. The Sierra Madre del Sur is in southern Mexico.
• Peninsulas: Baja California and Yucatán Peninsulas extend into the Pacific and Caribbean, respectively. Baja California has a rugged coastline and desert climate. The Yucatán Peninsula features tropical rainforest and Mayan ruins.
• Coastal Lowlands: Gulf Coastal Plain and Pacific Coastal Lowlands border the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean, respectively. Characterized by lagoons, swampy areas, and resort towns. Vulnerable to hurricanes.
• Popocatépetl: Active volcano, approximately 56 miles southeast of Mexico City. Second highest volcano in North America (17,797 feet/ 5,426 meters). Known for significant eruptions, recorded since the 16th century.
• Volcanoes: Mexico has several significant volcanoes, including Popocatépetl, which is culturally and historically important.
• Bodies of Water: Pacific Ocean borders the west coast. Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea border the east and southeast, respectively. Important areas for fishing, tourism, and oil drilling.
• Climate Zones: Mexico has seven climate zones ranging from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. Climate influenced by elevation, latitude, and proximity to bodies of water.

Mexico's Major Cities and Urban Challenges

• Mexico City: Largest city, over 21 million (including suburbs). Major center for economic activity, culture, and politics. Faces challenges related to air pollution and overpopulation.
• Guadalajara: Second-largest city, ~5 million. Known for tequila production and cultural heritage.
• Monterrey: Third-largest city, ~4.5 million. Major industrial center.
• Tijuana: Significant border city, ~2 million. Major point of entry between Mexico and the United States.

Mexico's Agriculture

• Major Crops: Tomatoes (Sinaloa is the leading producer), Avocados (Michoacán produces 75%), Beans, Corn (Maize), Vanilla (Veracruz), Coffee (Chiapas), Agave (Jalisco), Sugarcane, Oranges.
• Exports: Mexico exports a wide variety of agricultural products (tomatoes, avocados, peppers, beef, coffee, fruits, etc.), with tomatoes being the largest agricultural export as of 2012.

Mexico's Mining Industry

• Minerals and Metals: Mexico is a significant producer of gold (Sonora, Chihuahua, Zacatecas), silver (Zacatecas), copper (Sonora), iron, obsidian, turquoise, and jade.

Mexico's Oil Industry

• PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos): Mexico's nationalized oil company. Oil production is primarily located along the Gulf Coast (Veracruz, Tabasco).

Mexico's Cattle Ranching

• Cattle Industry: Cattle ranching, a significant industry, particularly in northern Mexico. Mexico is the world's leading beef exporter.
• Vaqueros: Mexican cowboys developed unique skills and traditions associated with cattle herding. This tradition significantly impacted Mexican culture, including clothing and sports.

Mexico's Culture and Traditions

• Day of the Dead: Celebrated November 1 and 2. A blend of indigenous and Spanish influences.
• Chicxulub Crater: Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, formed by an asteroid impact 66 million years ago.

Other Important Facts

• Tarahumara (Raramuri): Indigenous people of the Sierra Madre Occidental known for their endurance running.
• Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, and Yucatán Peninsula: Noteworthy deserts and features.
• Urban Challenges: Overpopulation, poverty, and air pollution are significant challenges in Mexico's urban areas.