Latin America Geography SS6G1: The student will be able to locate selected features of Latin America and the Caribbean SS6G2: The student will discuss environmental issues in Latin America and the Caribbean SS6G3: The student will explain the impact of location, climate, natural resources, and population distribution on Latin America and the Caribbean Latin America Geography

ELEMENTS Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Amazon River, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, Panama Canal, Andes Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains, and Atacama Desert  Locate on a world and regional political-physical map in the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela  Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico and Venezuela affect where people live and how they trade Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of Brazil and Cuba affect where people live and how they trade  Explain the major environmental concerns of Latin America regarding the issues of air pollution in Mexico City, Mexico, the destruction of the rain forest in Brazil, and oil-related pollution in Venezuela

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS How does the physical geography of Latin America and the Caribbean affect where people live? What is the impact of development and trade on the environment? (air pollution in Mexico City destruction of rain forests in Brazil, and oil-related pollution in Venezuela) How has the physical geography and distribution of resources influenced how people have lived in Latin America? How has the distribution of natural resources affected the economies of the Caribbean? What are the major physical features of Latin America and the Caribbean, and where are they located on a map? What are the major countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, and where are they located on a map? How do the factors of climate, access to water, and natural resources affect where Latin America and the Caribbean choose to live and work? Why is this region known as Latin America?

THE PHYSICAL FEATURES OF LATIN AMERICA Latin America is made up of countries in central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the continent of South America Latin America contains many key physical features: Rivers Amazon River Major water bodies Pacific Ocean Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico Panama Canal Mountains Andes Mountains Sierra Madre Mountains Other landforms Atacama Desert

KEY COUNTRIES OF LATIN AMERICA Bolivia Brazil Colombia Cuba Haiti Mexico Panama Venezuela Other countries include: Peru, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Chile, Honduras, Ecuador, Uruguay and Dominican Republic

MAP OF LATIN AMERICA

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN LATIN AMERICA Oil Pollution In Venezuela, oil pollution is a major issue Venezuela gets money from selling oil Their largest lake, Lake Maracaibo, is polluted often and shuts down tourism to the lake The oil spills kill fish, harm animals, and takes money away from the fishing industry Many in the Venezuelan government are working to help stop this problem

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN LATIN AMERICA Amazon Rainforest In Brazil, the rainforest has long provided many rare plants and animals The forest is being destroyed due to road building, farmers cutting down trees for crops, cattle ranchers and logging Many of the animals are becoming extinct and the soil is being ruined for crops The Brazilian government is working to set aside areas for preservation and to plant new trees

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN LATIN AMERICA Air Pollution Mexico has high problems with air pollution and Mexico City is one of the most polluted cities in the world The causes are emissions from vehicles and factories Mountains block the wind from blowing the toxic air out the atmosphere The city promotes public transportation, subways and carpooling to help the problem

LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF MEXICO Located south of the United States on the continent of North America Climate Mixture of dry climates due to deserts and tropical climates in the south Little rainfall for farming Natural Resources Silver, copper, lead, iron and oil Population Distribution Most Mexicans live in urban areas Many live in towns close to the U.S. for work Trade Mexico mostly exports to the United States Exports include oil, fruits and vegetables

LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF VENEZUELA Located in South America Climate Hot and humid, but cool in the mountains Has a regular rainy season Natural Resources Oil Population Distribution Most people live along the coast and near the mountain valleys Most people live in cities and towns Trade Exports oil to the U.S., Brazil and Colombia Imports food due to low agriculture

LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF BRAZIL On the eastern part of South America Largest country in South America Climate Warm and humid climate Natural Resources Iron ore, agriculture Population Distribution Most people live near the Atlantic coast and in cities Trade Brazil trades mostly with the U.S. and Argentina Exports include coffee, sugarcane and oranges

LOCATION, CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF CUBA Located below Florida Largest island in the West Indies Climate Semi tropical, good rainfall and moderate temperatures Natural Resources Farming Population Distribution Most live in towns and cities Poorer people live and work on farms Trade Does not trade with U.S. due to an embargo Trades with China and Venezuela Exports sugar, tobacco, nickel and fish