Ch. 7 - MEXICO

Landforms Physical Geography of Mexico Mexico, along with Central America, joins the continents of North America and South America with a physical feature called a land bridge. A land bridge is a strip of land that connects two larger landmasses, enabling migration of plants and animals to both areas. There are a variety of landforms in Mexico that support large communities of people. The western side of Mexico is part of the Ring of Fire, a hotspot of seismic activity.

Water Systems Physical Geography of Mexico Northern Mexico has a dry climate with few permanent waterways. The Lerma River is one of Mexico's most important rivers. The Gulf of Mexico, along Mexico's east coast, is home to a wide variety of sea life. The Gulf of California, on the western side of Mexico, supports marine life such as whales, sea turtles, and sharks.

Gulf of California Gulf of Mexico

Climate, Biomes, and Resources Physical Geography of Mexico Climate, Biomes, and Resources Three factors that influence Mexico's climates are regional high-pressure systems, northeast trade winds, and vertical climate zones. Vertical climate zones occur as elevations increases. Mexico has a variety of biomes that support various plant and animal life. Minerals, especially silver, are important to Mexico's economy. Mexico is a leading petroleum-producing country.

History and Government Human Geography of Mexico History and Government Regional distinctions from Maya, Aztec, and nomadic people developed Mexican cultures seen today. In 1821 Mexico became the first Spanish territory to win its independence. The current Mexican government is a federal republic with power divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Over the past few decades, drug cartels have come to control different regions of Mexico, leading to internal warfare.

Population Patterns Human Geography of Mexico The Spanish used Catholic missions to spread Christian ideas and to expand communities in Mexico. Spanish landowners took advantage of indigenous communities, paying them little to work on their estates, known as haciendas. Rural-to-urban migration over time has greatly altered Mexico’s population distribution; today 78 percent of Mexican citizens live in urban areas. Mexico City is the political capital of Mexico, as well as the cultural and economic center of Mexico.

Panish mission in Mexico typical Spanish mission in Mexico Panish mission in Mexico

typical hacienda in Mexica

Population Density by State, Mexico

Historic Center – Mexico, D.F. (Mexico City)

Outlying Suburbs – Mexico, D.F. (Mexico City)

Society and Culture Today Human Geography of Mexico Society and Culture Today Mexican culture values family with many Mexican homes holding three to four generations. In Mexico, men dominate while women's primary obligation is the family. Mexico's arts are influenced by both the indigenous cultures of their ancient history and the new Spanish cultures. Murals are an important art form in Mexico with Diego Rivera being one of Mexico's most famous muralists.

Mexican society is built upon the family

Economic Activities Human Geography of Mexico Mexico has a higher standard of living than many Latin American countries, yet industry, transportation, and communication remain challenges. Mexico, the United States, and Canada signed NAFTA in 1992, improving Mexico's economy, yet keeping it reliant on foreign countries. The illegal drug trade remains an influential part of the Mexican economy.

Managing Resources People and Their Environment: Mexico Mexico has many natural resources, yet obtaining these resources has led to environmental destruction. The growing population of Mexico demands more food and water resources, which in turn causes forests to be cut down and water to be in high demand. Today, 50 percent of Mexico's population lives in poverty as they struggle to find basic resources like clean water, electricity, and garbage removal.

slash-and-burn deforestation

poverty in Mexico

poverty in Mexico

Human Impact People and Their Environment: Mexico Rapid growth in urban areas has created a challenge for Mexico to keep up with basic infrastructures such as proper waste disposal and pollution. Toxic carbon emissions from cars has led to serious pollution problems in Mexico City, often leaving it in a gray haze. The government has made emissions regulations a priority, but air pollution remains a serious health concern in Mexico.

air pollution in Mexico City

Addressing the Issues People and Their Environment: Mexico Recently, the citizens of Mexico have become more politically active, wanting better living conditions and environmental protection policies. New government regulations have slowed the destruction of natural resources, while supporting farms and local businesses. The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation program reduces greenhouse gases. Muévete en Bici reduces pollution by encouraging the use of bicycles.