CENTRAL AMERICA MEXICO Mexico The geography is very

CENTRAL AMERICA MEXICO

Mexico The geography is very diverse � Includes Mountains, Tropical Beaches and Deserts � Mexico covers 780, 000 sq. Miles (8 th largest nation) � US Mexican Border is 1, 947 Mi. long � Contains 31 states � Capitol – Mexico City pop. 20. 5 million (3 rd largest)

Geography Two Prominent Mountain Ranges � Sierra Madre Occidental � Sierra Madre Oriental Between the two ranges is the high plains (Mexican altiplano) The High Plains are an extension of the Great basin of the US and the SM Oriental is an extension of the Rocky Mountains Highest point is Volcan Pico de Orizaba (5, 700 M)

Deserts � Chihuahua – 176, 000 miles. Between the two mountain ranges � Sonora – 86, 000 sq miles. Northern Mexico and Baja California Mexico has over 150 rivers 5 rivers contain over 52% of the water in Mexico � Grijalva � Papaoapán � Coatzacoalcos � Pánuco Baja California peninsula is separated by the Sea of Cortez � Usumacinta

Seismic Activity Mexico sit upon 3 tectonic plates making it one of the most seismically active areas on earth � Mexico experiences many volcano eruptions and earthquakes

Climate Inland Mexico is Hot and Dry in the summer and cold and windy in the winter Mountain areas are temperate year round and can include freezing temperatures in the winter months Along the Tropic of Cancer it is hot and humid year around

History Mexico was inhabited by Mesoamerican cultures � Maya, Aztecs These cultures were complex and studied, mathematics, astronomy, and medicines � Created calendars and practiced Human sacrifice Mesoamericans were nearly wiped out by Spaniards (Cortez) during the 1500’s – small pox Ruled by Spain from 1500’s to 1800’s Became independent in 1821

People Population over 111 million (11 th most populated) Migration rat -3. 61 (what does this mean) Nationality – 60%Mestizo (Amerindian. Spanish) 30% Amerindian, 9% White Religion - 76. 5% Roman Catholic Language – 92. 7% Spanish

Government Federal Republic Contains a Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branch President – Felipe de Jesus Calderon Hinojsa (single 6 year term)

Economy & Natural Resources Currency - Mexican Peso Average income: $13, 200 Predominantly a service based work force (63%) Agriculture exports: corn, wheat, beans, coffee, fruit Industry: tobacco, steel, petroleum, clothing, tourism Imports: predominantly parts for electrical, car, airplane and metal work industry Petroleum, Copper, Gold, Lead, Zinc, Timber, Natural Gas

Problems Major drug exportation � 68 metric tons of heroine � 16 metric tons of Marijuana Serves as a distribution center from South America to U. S. � 90% of Cocaine trafficked in the U. S. comes through Mexico Creates drug lords, money laundering violent climates Child trafficking has also become a significant problem in recent years