Life and Work in Latin America SS6G3 The student explain the impact of location, climate, distribution of natural resources, and population distribution on Latin America and the Caribbean. Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico and Venezuela affect where people live and how they trade.

Where Do You Live? Our daily lives are affected by where we live. The location of our country, the climate, and our natural resources make an impact on our lifestyle and the jobs we hold. All of the above also affects our country’s trading partners.

Mexico Mexico is a land of varying geography and climate. The capital city, Mexico City, is located on a plateau. This is where most of the population lives. Mexico City is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.

Working in Mexico The location, climate, and natural resources determines where the citizens of Mexico live and work. Only 12% of Mexico’s land is arable ( fit for farming), but where they do farm they are able to be very productive. Crops: coffee, tobacco, cotton, fruits, and vegetables.

Working in Mexico About 75% of Mexicans live in urban (cities) areas. They moved there to find employment in factories. Maquiladoras are foreign owned factories located on the border of Mexico and the United States. Their workers take parts and assemble them into marketable products. Tourism is very important to Mexico’s economy. Resort towns like Cancun and Acapulco support a thriving tourist industry.

Mexico’s Natural Resources Silver, copper, lead, iron and oil Mexico’s most valuable natural resource is oil/petroleum. Petroleum is drilled along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

Study the topography of Mexico, then look at the population density map. What conclusions can you draw looking at the two maps?

Venezuela Venezuela’s geography places a role in its varied climate. Most of Venezuela is hot and humid, but as you travel higher into the mountains the temperatures cool off. May – November is Venezuela’s rainy season. Most Venezuelans live in cities along the coast of the Caribbean Sea and in the nearby mountains. The capital city is Caracas. Many people moved there to find jobs.

Venezuela’s Economy Venezuela’s economy is supported by oil. Rich deposits of oil/petroleum are found near Lake Maracaibo and in the plains of the eastern part of the country. This state run industry provides many jobs.

Venezuela Physical Map Venezuela Population Density Map NOTICE THAT MOST PEOPLE LIVE ALONG THE COAST OR IN THE HIGHLANDS. LOOK AT THE YELLOW PART OF THE POPULATION MAP. WHY DO YOU SUPPOSE SO FEW PEOPLE LIVE IN THE LARGE AREA THAT IS COVERED IN YELLOW? DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR PARTNER.

Trade Secrets Countries trade with their neighbors because it keeps costs down; it does not cost as much to ship Mexico sends 80% of its exports to the USA. Mexico is an important source of petroleum for the USA. Venezuela’s main trading partners are the USA, Brazil, and Colombia. The USA provides much of Venezuela’s food since they are not strong in agriculture.