Latin America is the large region in the Western Hemisphere south of the United States

Compare how location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico and Venezuela affect where people live and how they trade.

Northern most Latin American country

Southern border of the United States Coasts on the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea Very mountainous with large central plateau Land varies from warm tropical beaches to dry deserts. Little arable land. Earthquakes and volcanic activity Area is about 760,000 sq. miles

Inactive volcano Active volcano

Tends to be dry and warm, although varies by region Hottest and wettest June and August

Petroleum, Natural gas, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, and timber

Population about 111,000,000 77% of people live in urban areas Nearly 20% of the people live near Mexico

Mexico is the second most populous country in Latin America Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in world

Mix of old and new industries Recently expanded railroads, airports, and electric generating plants Exports: manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits, vegetables, coffee, and cotton Tourism is a big industry in Mexico. Most tourists are Americans.

Federal republic 31 states and 1 federal district President is chief executive and head of state Legislative branch Judicial branch

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 91% literate

Known as one of the worst areas of air pollution Children and older citizens are more likely to have breathing problems Factories and cars send pollutants such as lead, sulfuric acid, and carbon monoxide in to the air City is built in a bowl shaped crater, which helps trap pollutants Government is working to reduce these pollutants

Smaller Latin American country than Mexico

Northeast part of South America Coasts on Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean Just north of equator Mountains in north, central plains, with plateaus and low mountains in the south 3% arable. Better for pastures than crops

Hot, tropical climate Cooler in the mountains Rain varies by region( 16 in. on coast, over 100 in. in mountains)

Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, hydro power, diamonds Oil tanker

Population about 28,000,000 88% live in urban areas 12% live in rural areas Caracas largest city, and capital Most people in the northern highlands, along the coast

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93% total: 12 years of education male: 11 years female: 12 years

23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency the president is both the chief executive and head of state Council of Ministers appointed by the president president elected by popular vote for a six-year term Legislative branch: is called the National Assembly

90% of money made on exports comes from oil 4 major seaports Other exports: bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals, agricultural products tourism

Largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world Coast along the Caribbean Sea polluted with oil Oil spills and tanker leaks have damaged environment High level of carbon dioxide in the air from burning fossil fuels- can cause breathing difficulties in children and elderly people