Latin America Human Geography

Mexico

History and Government

Mexican History Regional distinctions from developed Mexican cultures seen today. Maya Aztec Nomadic In 1821 Mexico became the first Spanish territory to win its independence.

Government The current Mexican government is a federal republic with power divided into three branches: Legislative Executive Judicial Over the past few decades, drug cartels have come to control different regions of Mexico, leading to internal warfare

Population

Population Catholic Missions Haciendas The Spanish used to spread Christian ideas and to expand communities in Mexico. Haciendas Spanish landowners took advantage of indigenous communities, paying them little to work on their estates.

Catholic Spanish Mission Hacienda

Population 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 political capital of Mexico cultural and economic center of Mexico.

Society

Society 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.

Art 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

Diego Rivera being one of Mexico's most famous muralists Dream of a Sunday Afternoon, 1947

Economy

Economy Mexico has a higher standard of living than many Latin American countries, still remaining challenges: Industry Transportation communication 1992- Mexico, the United States, and Canada signed NAFTA improving Mexico's economy keeping it reliant on foreign countries. The illegal drug trade remains an influential part of the Mexican economy.

Central America and Caribbean

History

History Christopher Columbus's voyages from 1492 to 1504 brought Spanish colonization. The establishment of colonies wiping out much of the Native American population: Great Britain France Netherlands Portugal

Government 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.

Population

Population Populations in this region blend many ethnic groups. Since 1900, the numbers of people migrating away from this region has risen due: escape civil wars poor economies instability

A majority of the Central America population lives in highland cities and towns. Caribbean population is highest in Latin America. Despite economic difficulties and low life expectancy, Central America has one of the highest population growth rates in the world.

Society and Culture

Society A blending of language, traditions, and art is found in Central America and the Caribbean. Religions: Majority- Roman Catholic Protestant Hinduism 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

Economy

Economy 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.

South America

History The Inca Empire’s wealth and highly developed infrastructure attracted Spanish conquistadors. Indigenous population reduced because of European settlers: Portuguese British French Dutch

Government In the 1800s, independence movements led by Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín emerged. Dictatorships dominated the postcolonial period. Today, democratically elected governments struggle with economic and social justice issues.

Population

Population The once-high population growth has moderated. Most people live in cities in the coastal regions because: favorable climate fertile land access to transportation.

Highly populated urban areas make finding jobs and affordable housing difficult for migrants. Brain Drain- South America is the losing many highly educated and skilled workers North America and Europe.

Society and Culture

Language and Tradition South America is a blend of: native European Asian African

Religion The majority of people are Roman Catholic, though less common religions include Protestantism Buddhism Hinduism Judaism Shinto Islam Eastern Orthodox Christianity

The quality of education and health care varies greatly from country to country and from urban to rural areas. Indigenous crafts, art, and architecture reflect the history of the native cultures.

Economy

South America’s economic development resources: Oil resources Agriculture mining of the abundant natural resources. Manufacturing is growing rapidly, but physical geography influences commercial activity.

Many countries in the region are still considered developing countries. Increased cooperation between countries through trade partnerships and infrastructure is improving economic growth.