Most people in Latin America live in cities The major cities have grown up along rivers and coasts because early on they provided a good means of transportation from one place to another As a result, larger populations and industries exist in cities along rivers that provide access to travel and trade.
Extremely mountainous and isolated regions, such as that of the Andes, tend to have smaller populations
Mexico The capital is Mexico City and the majority of the people in Mexico live in urban areas. Many of Mexico’s cities lie within the Central Plateau of Mexico which covers much of northern and central Mexico. Although there are farms in this region, most of the people live in urban areas and have manufacturing jobs. (75% urban and 25% rural) Many farmers struggle because of little rain and unproductive soil
Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. Mexico’s location between the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea allows them the opportunity to trade all over the world. Mexico is also located close to the United States which makes trade easier (3/4 trade done with the U.S.)
Mexico Natural Resources Oil is one of the most important natural resources of Mexico. Mexico is also one of the leading producers of silver.
Climate The climate of Mexico varies according to location with some tropical areas as well as desert areas.
Venezuela Caracas is the capital
Venezuela Venezuela lies in the tropics and is just north of the equator which means it has a hot tropical climate all year long except high in the Andes. 88% of the people in Venezuela live in urban areas along the coast in the northern part of the country.
Venezuela Natural Resources Venezuela is the 6 th largest exporter of oil in the world. It makes up almost 90% of the money received from trade. Venezuela also has the largest lake in South America for fishing There is little arable land in Venezuela
Brazil Brazil is the largest country in South America and the 5th largest in the world. The capital is Brasilia Two of the world’s largest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are located in Brazil The coastline is over 4500 miles long (that is longer than from Georgia to California) 80% of Brazilians live within 200 miles of the ocean
Climate Brazil’s location on the equator gives it the climate needed to support one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests. It is mostly hot and tropical but in the south the climate is temperate
Natural Resources Only a small percentage of land in Brazil is arable. 20% of workers are farmers Brazil produce 1/3 of the world’s coffee Soybeans, oranges, papayas, and sugar cane are also important resources exported to other countries
Amazon Rainforest Facts About 20% of earth's oxygen is produced by the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon rainforest gets its name from the Amazon River Scientists believe that the canopy may contain half of the world's species. Over 500 mammals, 175 lizards and over 300 other reptiles species, and one third of the world's birds live in the Amazon. It is estimated that almost 30 million insects can be found in the Amazon. The “loveable” sloth can be found in the Amazon which spends 80% of its time resting.
Amazon River The Amazon River runs through several countries It is the world’s largest river in terms of volume of water flow and is important for travel and trade for the people of South America
Cuba is an island nation located 90 miles south of Florida It is the largest island in the West Indies running 700 miles long The majority of Cubans live in Urban areas with 20% living in Havana Cuba’s location on ocean trading routes has been an important influence on its history and economy
Natural Resources Almost 30% of Cuba’s land is arable Sugar Cane is the most important export Coffee, fish, fruit, and tobacco are also resources that are exported
Cuba is a communist country and this impacts the economy because trade with other countries do not bring in enough money to meet the needs of its people. Venezuela sells oil to Cuba at a reduced price in order to help the country