1. Mexico
Our Southern Friend

2. Lesson 1

3. Mexico is on the continent of North America.
Location
Mexico is on the continent of North America.
The U.S. forms Mexico’s northern border.

4. The Pacific Ocean forms the western border.
The Gulf of Mexico forms the eastern border.

5. Guatemala and Belize form the southern border.
The Tropic of Cancer runs through Mexico.

6. --is the cultural, economic, and political center of Mexico
Mexico’s Regions
Greater Mexico City
--is the cultural, economic, and political center of Mexico
--Mexico City suffers from bad air pollution because of its location.

7. Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city, is located in this region.
Central Mexico
Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city, is located in this region.
Small and medium sized farms grow a number of cash crops in this region.

8. Gulf Lowlands and Southern Mexico
Area is very lightly populated
Veracruz is an important seaport and communications center

9. Has become one of the most prosperous parts of the country
Northern Mexico
Has become one of the most prosperous parts of the country
Monterrey is the great industrial city of the region

10. Some border towns resemble American cities.

11. The Sierra Madre Oriental and Occidental are extensions of the Rocky Mountains.

12. Assignment 1
Illustrate how the Rocky Mountains connect through all of North America

13. Lesson 2

14. Crops grown in climate zones
Tierra Caliente – bananas, cacao, sugar cane, rice
Tierra Templada – coffee, corn, citrus fruit

15. Tierra Fria – potatoes, wheat, apples
Tierra Helada – snow area; may be used for grazing depending on elevation.

16. The Aztec Empire arose in Central Mexico.
Mexico’s History
The Aztec Empire arose in Central Mexico.
They ruled from their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City.

17. Conquistador Hernan Cortes and his men conquered the Aztec and took the wealth of Mexico’s gold and silver resources.

18. Spanish landowners began growing cash crops in Mexico and sending them to Spain.

19. In 1821, Mexico became the first Spanish territory to win its independence.
Intermarriage between Spanish and indigenous people resulted in a mestizo population.

20. The Spanish established the Catholic Church creating syncretism.
Spanish culture established the tradition of machismo, or male dominance, in Mexico.

21. Assignment 2
Illustrate major points in Mexico’s history. Be as detailed as possible.

22. Lesson 3

23. Mexico’s Government
Mexico is a federal republic – group of states with a democratic government
Has 3 branches

24. includes the Senate and Chamber of Deputies
1. Legislative
includes the Senate and Chamber of Deputies

25. includes the President of Mexico
2. Executive
includes the President of Mexico

26. Includes the Supreme Court of Justice
3. Judicial
Includes the Supreme Court of Justice

27. Use a graphic organizer to display Mexico’s government
Assignment 3
Use a graphic organizer to display Mexico’s government

28. Mexico Today

29. 89% of Christians are Roman Catholic

30. Spanish is the official language. 92% of Mexicans are Christians.
Mexico Today
Spanish is the official language.
92% of Mexicans are Christians.

31. 1. Statutory – observed nationwide and jobs and schools are closed
Types of Holidays
1. Statutory – observed nationwide and jobs and schools are closed

32. 2. civil holidays – observed nationwide but there is still work and school

33. 3. festivities – traditional holidays to honor religious events or public celebrations

34. Drug cartels have put fear in many people.
Challenges in Mexico
Drug cartels have put fear in many people.
Corruption among government officials.
The poverty rate is still high.

35. Mexico is part of NAFTA and has many maquiladoras.
Many maquiladoras are located in the free trade zone.

36. Mexico is the world’s leading producer of silver.
Mexico City is both a megacity and primate city.

37. 1. tostadas – corn tortillas fried in boiling oil
Foods in Mexico
1. tostadas – corn tortillas fried in boiling oil

38. 2. guacamole – one of Mexico’s most popular dishes
--made of mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, and chili peppers

39. 3. tamales – pockets of corn dough with a filling wrapped in banana leaves or cornhuskers and steamed

40. 4. enchiladas – corn or flour tortillas filled with meat, cheese, seafood, beans and veggies then covered with a chili sauce

41. 5. ceviche – seafood mixed with chopped onions, salt and cilantro

42. Compare the governments of Canada and Mexico
Assignment 4
Compare the governments of Canada and Mexico

43. Compare the governments of Canada and Mexico.
Assignment 5
Compare the governments of Canada and Mexico.
Be sure to show the similarities AND the differences.