Latin America

Executive Summary The Shape of the Land Climates and People Mexico

The Shape of the Land A. A Vast Region 1. Latin refers to the language that is common root for Spanish and Portuguese 2. Sub regions i. Mexico / Central America ii. Caribbean iii. South America 3. Falkland Islands and French Guiana are ruled by foreigners

The Shape of the Land B. Major Landforms 1. Mountains and Landforms a. La Cordillera: backbone of South America b. Mount Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in Latin America c. Earthquakes and Volcanoes i. ‘Ring of Fire’ ii. Paricutin

The Shape of the Land B. Major Landforms 2. Lowlands a. Amazon Basin i. 40% of South America ii. World’s largest rain forest b. Pampas i. Grassy plains ii. Uruguay to Argentina c. Regionalism: geographical barriers prevent contact with other groups

The Shape of the Land C. Great Rivers 1. Amazon a. 1100 tributaries feed Amazon b. 4000 miles long c. Deep and wide 2. Orinoco 3. Rio de la Plata or “River of Silver”

Climates and People A. Varied Climates 1. Tropical climates a. Characteristics 1) Hot / Humid 2) Excessive rain 3) Rain forests b. Places 1) Amazon 2) Caribbean 3) Central America

Climates and People 2. Temperate climates a. Characteristics 1) Hot summer 2) Cool winter 3) Seasons b. Places 1) Argentina 2) Uruguay 3) Paraguay

Climates and People 3. Dry climates a. Characteristics 1) Dry 2) Lack of trees b. Places 1) Baja Peninsula 2) Patagonia 3) Atacama Desert

Climates and People B. Elevation and Climate 1. Tierra caliente: closest to sea level or “hot land” a. Yucatan Peninsula b. Amazon Basin c. Grow bananas, sugarcane, other tropicals 2. Tierra templada: 3000 to 6000 ft a. Parts of Mexico b. Parts of Andes c. Coffee and tobacco

Climates and People 3. Tierra fria: above 6000 ft a. Mexico City, Bogota b. Wheat, barley, potatoes C. Natural Resources 1. Minerals a. Gold and silver b. Copper c. Emeralds

Climates and People 2. Energy Resources a. Oil 1) Mexico 2) Venezuela 3) Brazil

Climates and People 3. Agricultural Resources a. Cash crops i. Bananas ii. Sugar cane iii. Coffee b. Lumber 4. Problems of economic development * Hurricane Mitch, Honduras banana production down more than 50%