1. Mexico
Section 1 pages

2. Land of Mexico Part of a land bridge between two continents.
Only 140 miles wide at it’s narrowest point – the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

3. West Coast of Mexico Bordered by the Pacific Ocean.
Baja California is a long peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean.
The Gulf of California between mainland Mexico and Baja California.

4. East Coast of Mexico
Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Yucatan Peninsula is between the 2 bodies of water.
Yucatan Peninsula is home to many tourist and vacation spots.

5. Mountains of Mexico
Sierra Madre consists of 3 separate mountain ranges.
Rich in resources, though sparse in population.
Many are volcanic, and erupt fairly often.
Earthquakes are also a danger.

6. Plateau of Mexico Surrounded by the Sierra Madre.
Deserts and grassy plains.
Most of the population of Mexico lives in the central valleys.

7. Coastal Lowlands Squeezed between the mountains and the sea.
Northern coastal lowlands are drier and more desert-like.
Southern coastal lowlands are good farming lands.

8. Climate of Mexico
Variety of climates due to it’s length – many latitudes.
Areas north of the Tropic of Cancer are cooler in the winter, warmer in the summer.
Areas south of the Tropic of Cancer are warm all year round.

9. Altitude & Climate Altitude is the height above sea level.
There are 3 main altitude levels that affect temperatures and climate.
Tierra Caliente: near sea level, warmest temperatures.
Tierra Templada: more moderate temperatures, higher elevation.
Tierra Fria: Cold, highest elevation.

10. Mexico’s Economic Regions
Three economic regions: North, Central & South.
Divided by the climate & geography

11. Economic Region - North
Farming with intensive irrigation.
Cotton, fruits, grains, and vegetables
Cattle raising
Vaqueros are cowhands that rope, herd, and brand the cattle.
Industry
Monterrey produces cement & steel
Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana are the major manufacturing centers.
Maquiladoras are factories that provide the assembly for parts made in other countries by outside companies.

12. Economic Region - Central
Mexico’s heartland.
Extensive farming and ranching due to the temperate climate and rich volcanic soil.
Mexico City and Guadalajara are the major cities with large populations and dense industry.

13. Economic Region - South
Poorest area of Mexico.
Mountainous areas utilize subsistence farming.
In the Coastal lowlands, plantation owners own large farms that grow bananas and sugarcane.
Beautiful beaches and a warm climate make a perfect tourist destination.