1. Latin America

2. Mexico

3. Physical Geography of Mexico Landforms 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.

4. Physical Geography of Mexico Water Systems 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.

5. 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 elevation 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.

6. 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.

7. Human Geography of Mexico Population Patterns 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.

8. 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.

9. Human Geography of Mexico Economic Activities 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.

10. People and Their Environment: Mexico Managing Resources 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.

11. People and Their Environment: Mexico Human Impact 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.

12. People and Their Environment: Mexico Addressing the Issues 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 program protects the environment and reduces pollution by encouraging the use of bicycles.

14. Physical Geography of Central America and the Caribbean Landforms Central America has three distinct belts: the Pacific Lowlands, the Caribbean Lowlands, and the Central Highlands. The Isthmus of Panama is another distinctive feature of Central America. More than 7,000 islands are considered part of the mainland's Central Highlands. Central America

15. Physical Geography of Central America and the Caribbean Water Systems Inland lakes and waterways are important to Central America's growth and development, providing transportation, drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. One of the world's most important human-made waterways, the Panama Canal, allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without having to travel around South America's Cape Horn. Commercial fishing and the use of other marine resources in the Caribbean Sea have increased international trade.

16. Physical Geography of Central America and the Caribbean Climates, Biomes, and Resources Much of Central America has a tropical wet climate with rainforests found in many of the regions. A tropical dry climate is found on many of the Caribbean islands. The climates and ecosystems of some parts of Central America are affected by elevation, resulting in vertical climate zones. Nickel, iron ore, fish, timber, and petroleum are important natural resources found and used throughout Central America.

17. Human Geography of Central America and the Caribbean European Conquests to Independence Christopher Columbus's voyages from 1492 to 1504 brought Spanish colonization. Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Portugal also established colonies, wiping out much of the Native American population. During the 1800s, the fight for independence from European rulers began, resulting in new countries. Today, many Central Americans have demanded positive change in an effort to improve their economies and living conditions.

18. Human Geography of Central America and the Caribbean Population Patterns Populations in this region blend many ethnic groups. Since 1900, the number of people migrating away from this region has risen because of the need to escape civil wars, poor economies, and instability. A majority of the Central American population lives in highland cities and towns, while the population density of the Caribbean is among the highest in Latin America. Despite economic difficulties and low life expectancy, Central America has one of the highest population growth rates in the world.

19. Human Geography of Central America and the Caribbean Society and Culture Today A blending of language, traditions, and art is found in Central America and the Caribbean. A majority of people are Roman Catholic, although other religions also exist, such as Protestantism, Hinduism, and Islam. The quality of education and health care varies greatly from country to country and from urban to rural areas. Artwork, music, and dance reflect the history of both native and European cultures.

20. Human Geography of Central America and the Caribbean Economic Activities Wealth is unevenly distributed in Central America and the Caribbean, with agriculture employing many of the workers. Many countries in the region are still considered developing countries. Recently, service and technology industries along with ecotourism have grown rapidly.