Global History & Geography Br. Siraj February 28, 2019 What are the Physical, Economic and Cultural Geography of Latin America? Global History & Geography Br. Siraj February 28, 2019

Physical Geography of L. America Map of Latin America

Topography Mountains Highlands & Plateaus Andes in South America: 2nd highest mountain range in the world Sierra Madres: Mexico Sierra Madre del Sur: Central America Highlands & Plateaus Central Plateau between Sierra Madres Guiana Highlands & Brazilian Highlands

Topography Desert: Atacama, Driest Desert in the world Sechura desert Tropical Rainforest: Amazonia – the largest rainforest in the world. Bodies of Water - Rivers Amazon Orinoco Rio de la Plata Lakes: Maracaibo Titicaca Texcoco Chapala

Economic Characteristics Mostly Dependent on Europe Very Rich in all Sorts of Natural Resources Remained mostly Agricultural until the 20th Century - Latifundio Agricultural Products: Banana, Cacao, Coffee, Corn, Cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, fish, wheat. Cattle/Beef

Economy of Latin America Industry Some countries are becoming industrialized Brazil – Most industrialized Mexico & Venezuela – petroleum producer Argentina – Dairy products and Beef Chile – Textile Part of Regional Cooperation [NAFTA]

What are the Cultural Characteristics of Latin America? Global History & Geography Br. Siraj 28 February 2019

Population Concentration There is a very uneven distribution of population in Latin America. Most people live in more temperate coastal plains and highland plateaus. The Amazon Basin, southern Patagonia desert and desert wasteland of Northern Mexico are not well populated.

Cultural Geography of Latin America Population Diversity Mixed (Native Americans and Europeans and African): Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, and Brazil Mainly European: Argentina, Uruguay and Costa Rica Mostly Native American: Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador Mostly African: The Caribbean

Social Structure of Latin America It is very hierarchical Wealthy upper class include landowners, industrialists, bankers, and businesspeople. Their number is small, but they control important political, economic and social institutions. A middle class of professionals, government officials, and military officers began to develop here in some countries. Majority are lower class comprising of Native Americans, Africans, Mestizos and Mulattoes.

Cultural Geography of Latin America Urbanization Many new Cities are growing Crime and Health Hazard (pollution) High growth of population Internal migration is high Pressure on Natural resources – creates tension between authorities and Native tribes.

Cultural Geography of Latin America Religion: The first people of Latin America were polytheistic. Today mostly Catholic There are Muslim, Jewish and Protestant minorities Languages – Mostly Romance [Latin] Spanish Portuguese French Others: English, Dutch, etc.

Homework Describe the pattern of population settlement in Latin America and its social characteristics.