Mexico Population Patterns Native Americans were the first

Mexico

Population Patterns Native Americans were the first people to settle the region. - These Native Americans are now known as indigenous people. • The People – First inhabitants came from Asia 40, 000 to 60, 000 years ago. • These groups thrived in different areas, but the majority lived in the southern portion of the Mexican Plateau. – When the European settlers began to arrive, they blended with the natives and created a new ethnic group. • Called the mestizo, they now make up the largest part of the population. • Density and Distribution – Mexico is the world’s most populous Spanish- speaking country with 107 million people. – It has a population density of 142 people per square mile. • Despite this number, Mexico is not an overcrowded country. • Mexico City has a population of 19 million people and a population density of 30, 150.

Population Patterns – Mexico’s population has been shaped by migration. • Desire for job opportunities and improved economic conditions drives external migration. • The population distribution has been greatly changed by internal migration. – 75 percent of the population now lives in cities. – People to move to cites because of the shortage of farm land lack of access to social services. • Mexico City is the primary destination for those who move within the country, but cities along the U. S- Mexican border are also popular. • Urban Areas – Cities that have grown to absorb surrounding cities and suburbs are referred to as megacities. • These cities have more than 10 million people. • Mexico City is the regions largest megacity. – Mexico City is also considered a primate city because it dominates the regions economy, culture and political affairs.

History and Government • Native American Empires – There were two Native American groups that flourished in this region. • The Maya and the Aztec left enduring marks on history and culture. – Maya • From 250 A. D. to 900, the Maya dominated southern Mexico and northern Central America. • Priests and nobles ruled the cities and surrounding areas. • Built terraces, courts and temples and established many cities. • Economy and trade was the basis of their economy. • The Maya were very skilled in mathematics. – Developed accurate calendars and used astronomical observations. • To honor their gods and record history, the Maya made glyphs. – Picture writings carved in stone • For unknown reasons, the Maya eventually abandoned their cities, however there are descendants who live in Mexico and Central America.

History and Government – Aztec • Arose in central Mexico around 1300. • Their capital, Tenochtitlan, was built on an island in the middle of a large lake. – The site of present day Mexico City. • Aztec farmers cultivated all available land, in order to feed their growing population. – Even grew crops on floating “islands” called chinampas. – Large rafts covered with mud from the lake bottom. • Had a highly structured class system that was headed by an emperor and military officials. – To win the favor of the gods, high- ranking priests performed rituals. – Farmers, laborers and soldiers were at the bottom of society.

History and Government • An Independent Nation – The Aztec Empire was still expanding when the Spanish arrived in 1519. – They landed on the Yucatan Peninsula in search of silver and gold. • By 1521, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes had defeated the Aztec Empire. • Cortes claimed Mexico for Spain. • For the next three centuries, Mexico was part of viceroyalty of New Spain. – Governed by royal appointed officials known as viceroys. – Resentment against European rule spread throughout Mexico in the late 1700 s. • Mexico was the first Spanish ruled Latin American country to win its independence. • In 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo led the Mexican independence movement. • Mexico achieved its independence in 1821.

History and Government • An Independent Nation – Small groups of wealthy landowners, army officers and clergy controlled the economic powers of Mexico despite its independence. • The new republic was in a chaotic situation because of the power struggles, public dissatisfaction and revolts. • Caudillo or dictators, emerged as the kind of leader during this time. – Became absolute rulers with the backing of the military and landowners. – Was established as a federal republic in 1917 when a new constitution was issued. • Separated powers into three branches- executive, legislative and judiciary. • Established presidency as a single six year term. • The Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) party dominated the presidency for 70 years, beginning in 1929. • Vicente Fox of the Partido Accion Nacional (PAN) party ended the PRI’s control. • The PAN party secured its controlled when Felipe Fox was declared the president- elect.

Culture • Language and Religion – Spanish is the official language of Mexico. • Spoken by over 95 percent of the population. – Roman Catholicism is the dominate religion in the region. • Practiced by 90 percent of the population. • Many indigenous religious beliefs have been retained and are blended with Roman Catholicism. This blending is called syncretism. • Education and Health Care – Education varies greatly in Mexico • Majority of public schools are found in rural areas, but lack funding and teachers. • The Mexican Government has promoted adult literacy and funding for education which has created gains. – Health problems such as poverty, lack of sanitation and malnutrition have decreased as education and employment improves. • Health care is available to all citizens because of federal subsidizes. • However, many people seek treatment in cities or other countries because of the poor quality of public medicine.

Culture • Arts – Mexico’s are greatly influenced by indigenous cultures and the Spanish colonial period. • Maya pyramids and Aztec temples are examples of Native American architecture. – They are decorated with murals and mosaics. • Churches and other building reflecting classic European architecture were built by the Spanish. – The twentieth century brought about a renewed interest in pre-colonial history and culture. • Diego Rivera was one of many artists who used this time period as their inspiration. • Family Life – The family is highly valued in Mexican culture, and each person is part of an extended family that consists of several generations. – Compadres are selected by the parents to watch over their new baby’s upbringing. – The Mexico displays elements of a society dominated by males.

Culture • Sports and Leisure – Bullfighting is Mexico’s national sport. – Soccer is also a national passion. • Baseball and Jaialai also have a large following. – Celebrating maybe the most popular leisure activities Mexicans participate in. • From friendly gatherings to religious feasts, almost any special occasion is a festival.

Central America and the Caribbean

Population Patterns • The People – Indigenous people were the first inhabitants of this region. • In some parts, such as Guatemala, Maya descent make up a large portion of the population. • However, in places such as Costa Rica, 2/3 of the population is from European descent. • Mestizos make up more than 2/3 of the total population in Central America. – Africans first arrived as enslaved people, brought forcibly by Europeans. • Although slavery ended in the late 1800’s, many Africans remained in here. The majority of the populations in the Bahamas is of African descent. • People of mixed African and European descent form a large part of the population.

Population Patterns • Density and Distribution – The highlands along the Pacific coast are where the majority of the population in Central America resides. – Population density of Central America contrasts sharply with that of the Caribbean. • The Caribbean countries are some of the most densely populated in Latin America because of there small areas and large populations. – People seeking economic opportunities and an escape from war have increased external migration for the region. – There has been an urban growth due primarily to the internal migration throughout the region • Approximately 60 percent of the population now lives in cities, the majority of which live in capital and port cities.

Population Patterns • Urban Challenges – Due to the rapid population growth in cities, many of the regions cities resources have been exhausted. • Housing and jobs have become scarce as people flock to cities to find a better life. The intense pressure can cause city’s vital infrastructure to collapse leaving people without electricity and drinking water. • However, many people are forced to remain in the cities because they are too poor to return to their villages. • European Conquest – Spanish exploration and colonization of the Caribbean Islands followed the voyages of Christopher Columbus. • It was the island of Hispaniola that the European first settled in 1493. • The Spanish arrived in large numbers seeking gold. – After quickly and easily defeating the Native Americans, the Spanish put them to work in their gold mines. – The Spanish were forced to find a new source of labor as the native population quickly disappeared. To meet this labor shortage, the European colonists imported enslaved Africans.

History and Government • European Conquest – Columbian Exchange • This was the movement of plants, animals and infectious disease from Europe to the Americas. – Europeans brought goods in an attempt to “Europeanize” the region. However, the Europeans also took crops back across the Atlantic. – Passage Through Panama • Balboa was the first to discover the unique features of what would become Panama. He discovered there was another body of water as vast as the Atlantic. • Centuries later nearly 75, 000 workers constructed the Panama Canal. • The final construction began in 1904 on this engineering wonder.

History and Government • Gaining Independence – By the late 1700 s, Native Americans and Africans wanted their freedom. • 1804, following a revolt of enslaved Africans led by Francois Toussaint. Louverture, Haiti gained its independence from France. • Despite the success of Haiti, the Caribbean countries were the last territories in the region to gain its independence. – After gain its freedom from Spain in 1898, Cuba remained under the United States until 1902. – It wasn’t until late into the 1900 s that the British- rules islands achieved their independence. – Spain continued to rule in Central America until the 19 th century. – There are islands that still have not achieved their full independence. • These struggles for independence brought a period of political and economical instability. • The United Provinces of Central America was formed in 1823 by a group of independent provinces. • However, the powerful elites opposed this federation so the United Provinces broke up into five separate countries. – Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

History and Government • Movements for Change – Central America and the Caribbean experienced political, social and economic change during the 1900 s. – The U. S. and Panama signed a treaty that created the Panama Canal Zone following Panama’s independence in 1903. – The upper classes gained new wealth with the formation of industries, building or railroads and the expansion of trade. • However, for the majority progress was limited and demands were often ignored. – In Cuba reform did occur, when a communist state was set up in 1959 under Fidel Castro. – In 1990 s several countries got rid of there military dictatorships and established democratically elected governments. – Many Central America and Caribbean countries are still fighting to bring an end to corrupt politics and violence.

South America

Population Patterns With over 373 million people, South America is the world’s fourth- largest continent. • The People – Region is home to an ethnically diverse population. – Many parts are inhabited by various indigenous cultures. • There are more than 350 indigenous groups in the region, the majority of which live in the Andes mountains. – Spanish and Portuguese were first Europeans. • Enslaved Africans were brought along with the arrival of other European nations. – Vast amounts of Asian immigrants have also settled the area. • Density and Distribution – Most of the population lives of the continent’s edges, an area that is referred to as the “populated rim. ” • The challenges presented by the continent's interior geography make it difficult to settle anywhere else.

Population Patterns – People are drawn to the coastal regions because of their climates, fertile lands and easy transportation. • Brazil moved its capital to the interior city of Brasilia, In an effort to encourage migration away from the coasts. – With their large land masses, most South American countries have low population densities. • Ecuador is the most densely populated country with an average of 119 people. • Brazil has a population of 184 million, but only has a population density of 56 people. – Many people are motivated to leave the region to escape violence and find a better way of life. – South America has experienced a shift to urbanization, with more than 80 percent of the population living in cities. • However, the flow of immigrants to the U. S. is relatively small compared to that of Mexico’s. • Some countries are experiencing a “brain drain” – the loss of their skilled workers and highly educated citizens.

• Urban Challenges – South America has 3 megacities that rank in the top 15 in the world in total population. • Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina. – All three cities experience extreme discrepancies between the wealthy and poor. • For example, 20 percent of Sao Paulo’s population lives in slums on the outskirts of the city. – Housing, employment, maintaining infrastructure, crime and traffic are some of the major challenges these megacities face. History and Government • Early Cultures – The Moche, Mapuche and Aymara developed societies based primarily on agriculture. – The Inca’s would later establish a highly developed civilization in the Andes Mountains. • Their empire stretched from Ecuador to Chile at its height. • Their capital city was Cuzco, which they built in what is now Peru. • They ruled through a central government which was headed by emperor.

History and Government • Early Cultures – In this hierarchical society the emperor, high priest and army had complete authority. – They used their engineering skills to build temples, fortresses and lay a network of roads. • They also cut terraces in the mountains and built irrigation systems. – Despite their other skills, they had no written language to communicate. • Used storytelling to pass knowledge on to the next generation. • Also used quipu to keep financial and historical records. – Their great wealth came with their vast supply of gold and silver. • However, it was this great wealth that led the Europeans to their shores.

History and Government • European Conquests – As Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro set sail for Peru, the Inca had been already weakened by civil war. • The Spanish quickly destroyed the Inca and expanded into other parts of South America. • Meanwhile the Portuguese, British, French and Dutch also began settling parts of South America. – These conquerors established highly structured political systems, and used Catholicism as a unifying force. • These colonies became a source of wealth for the home countries • The Spanish prospered from the mining of gold and silver, while the Portuguese from precious metals and Brazilian wood. • They also established plantations where they grew coffee, sugarcane and cotton to export back to Europe. – The Native American population was greatly reduced by epidemic diseases and the hardships from physical labor. • The colonists began importing enslaved Africans to meet the new shortage of labor.

History and Government • Independence – Many South American countries began seeking their own independence after the success of the American and French Revolution. – Many of these countries achieved their goal by the mid- 1800’s. • Simon Bolivar and Jose da San Martin led Venezuela and Argentina respectively to independence. • However, Brazil was the only one who achieved independence without a violent upheaval. • Such countries as French Guiana have yet to gain their freedom. – Although they achieved independence, many countries experienced political and economical turmoil. • They lacked the tradition of self- government, and they power usually remained in the hands of the elite. • Movements for Change – Democratically elected governments replaced dictatorships in many countries. • However, these countries still struggle to stop violence and end corrupt politics.

– The gap between the rich and the poor, create jobs and indigenous rights are other issues these governments are dealing with. – South Americans have expressed their demands through their right to vote. • Chile elected their first female president and Bolivia elected an Aymara Indian as their first indigenous president. Culture South America is one of the most cultural diverse areas in the world. • Language and Religion – Throughout the region, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and French are all spoken. • Many people in the region are even bilingual. – Native American languages blended with European languages to form a new language. – Many native languages have survived and are still spoken today. – Catholicism is the primary language in the region, but many practice religions that are mixed between West African religions and Catholicism.

Culture • Education and Health Care – The education in South America varies greatly throughout the region. – Many countries in the region have began devoting more funds to public schools. • Some universities offer higher education for little or no cost. – In some countries, education is seen as a luxury for the wealthy. • Many poor children dropout of school to help support their families. – In the countries with stable economies and higher standards of living, the health care is better and people are living longer. • Poverty, lack of sanitation, disease and malnutrition continue to create problems in the rural areas of the region. • These issues also create problems in the slums in large cities. • The Arts – The mastery of stone and engineering and traditional crafts such as weaving, ceramics and metalwork are forms of Native American arts that still survive today.

– Music is another area that has ancient ties. • Panpipes is one form of pre- Columbian musical instruments in the region. • The Brazilian samba and the Argentine tango are musical traditions that are a mixture of Native American, African and European styles. – The Spanish inspired various art forms including painting and architecture. • Spanish and Portuguese Catholic churches still stand in the area. – Many South American writers have won substantial international recognition. • Family Life and Leisure – In the urban upper and middle classes, families usually consist of a nuclear household. • However, extended families remain very strong and important. – Soccer is the passion for most people in South America – People in South America spend their leisure time celebrating with family and recognizing religious feast days. • They celebrate carnival in the week before Lent • Rio de Janeiro is home to one of the world’s largest Carnival celebrations.

The Economy

Economic Activities • Agriculture – Although a large portion of the Latin American population lives in cities, there is still a large dependency on agriculture to supply incomes. • Much of what their farms produce is exported to other countries. Such things as bananas, sugarcane and coffee. – Latifundia and Minifundia • Latin American farmland is unevenly distributed between wealthy landowners and much larger group of campesinos- rural farmers or workers. • Most latifundia are highly mechanized commercial operations. They have low labor investment, but maintain high yield returns. • The remainder of the farmland is referred to as minifundia, and these small plots are farmed by campesinos. – They rarely own these plots of land, instead, they are usually held by wealthy landowners or the government. • Government laws to distribute land more fairly and farmhands leaving to find work else were, has caused this system to gradually breakdown. • Agricultural cooperatives are becoming more common as campesinos combine their farmland into large, jointly run farms.

Economic Activities • Agriculture – Cash Crops and Livestock • This region’s physical geography makes it very easy to grow cash crops. – Among the worlds leading coffee producers are Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. – Central American countries are also the leading producers of bananas, sugarcane and soybeans. • In some Latin American countries large ranches raise cattle for export. • However, it is very risk for countries to depend on just one or two export products. – Droughts, floods or other natural disasters can destroy a country’s cash crop. – This can destroy a country’s economy and create hardship for the population. – Honduras’s main export, bananas, was wiped out by Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

Economic Activities • Industry – Many Latin American countries are developing countries that are working towards greater manufacturing and technology use. • The region is able to industrialize more rapidly because of its skilled workforce, energy supplies, transportation networks and abundant resources. – The service industries have grown rapidly in most of Latin American. • Tourism is crucial to this regions economy, especially in the Caribbean. • Many have expanded and diversified their service industries to include telecommunications and information technology. – Industrial Growth • There are several factors that have limited the growth of industry in Latin America. – The Amazon rain forest and the high Andes mountains are two physical features that have restricted access to resources. – The link between Latin America and more developed regions has also limited growth because they drain local resources and profits. – Investors have also been wary to invest because of the political instability of the region.

Economic Activities • Industry – Industrial Growth • By combining the necessary resources with a stable government a few Latin American countries have been able to grow. – Maquiladoras • A manufacturing plant that is established by a foreign firm in Mexico. – Most are established along the U. S. - Mexico border mainly by American or Japanese firms. The cities of Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez are especially popular for maquiladors. – There are over 3, 200 maquiladors in Mexico and they employ more than a million people. • These plants are located in free trade zones. – Benefit foreign corporations because it allows them to pay low wages and produce exports that are duty free. • One benefit to the host country is that they offer employment and investment opportunities. • However, maquiladors often ignore labor and environmental protection laws.

Transportation and Communications The physical geography of Latin America often makes transportation and communication very difficult. • Transportation – Rugged mountains, dense rain forests and arid deserts are obstacles that the regions roads and railroads have to cross. – Despite these difficulties, the region does boast many good roads. • Pan- American Highway is the region’s major road system. It stretches from northern Mexico to southern Chile. • More than a dozen of the regions capital cities are connect by this system. • Are several other smaller road systems throughout the region that have been developed. • Brazil has built one major highway, and is in the process of developing another that will allow them to get their products to the world market. – Mexico, Panama, Argentina and Brazil have established well developed rail systems despite any physical barriers. • However, many other countries railroads have fallen into disrepair. – The Amazon River, Parana- Paraguay Rivers and the Panama Canal are just a few of the inland waterways that are important for the region.

Transportation and Communications – Air travel is becoming more affordable and more popular, as all the capital cities and other major cities receive international and domestic flights. • Private and military landing strips do provide air travel for remote locations. • Communication – Include: newspaper, radio and television – They are usually censored by the government during times of political unrest. – Very few have telephones in their homes, but millions do have access to them and use them. • Countries cannot afford the necessary equipment for residential phone service. • However, in most of the larger cities a large portion of the population does use cellular phones. – As technology advances so does the amount of communication in Latin America. – A new hub in the Dominican Republic is expected to create a rapid growth in internet use in the region. – It will provide faster more reliable access.

Trade and Independence • In order to obtain the natural resources, manufactured goods and food that are needed, the Latin American countries depend on trade. • NAFTA and CAFTA • NAFTA was created in 1992 and went in to effect in 1994. • Trade restrictions were gradually decreased as goods, services and people began to flow into the region. • Trade between the three countries has increased annually by 10 to 15 percent. • However, the overall impact on employment and GDP has been small. • This agreement has been controversial in both countries. – Loss of jobs and investment for Americans – The Mexican government feels that the agreement has boosted exports, increased international investment and created new jobs. – However, some Mexican citizens feel that they have not benefitted like they should have, and poor are not seeing any of the benefits.

Trade and Independence • NAFTA and CAFTA • CAFTA was signed between the U. S. , Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic in 2005. • Its purpose is to lower trade barriers between the U. S. and these 6 Central American countries. • Representatives hope that other countries will also join the agreement. • There are many critics of the agreement. – Fear job losses for Americans, and there is a fear that exploitation of the lower- paid workers. » Especially in the textile and sugar industries.

Trade and Independence • Foreign Debt – In order to finance their industrial development in the 1960 s and 70 s, many Latin American countries borrowed funds from foreign banks. – An economic slowdown in the 1980 s, drastically diminished the need for Latin American goods. – As their incomes fell, many Latin American governments threatened to default on their loans. – In response, the lenders rescheduled these countries loans. They lengthened the amount of time they had to pay them back and reduced the monthly payments. – As a result to their large foreign debts, many countries have halted some domestic programs. – International agencies are exploring ways to offer debt relief – However, there are Latin American countries that have been able to pay back their debts and been able to fund improvements in social services.

People and Their Environment

Managing Resources • Many of Latin America’s rain forests are disappearing due to deforestation. – The strategies for preserving these forests are hotly debatable. • Farm Versus Forests – The Amazon basin is an area where it is common for rain forests to be cleared for more farm land. – The slash and burn farming technique is the process most commonly practiced to remove the trees. – Unfortunately, after only a few years, the soil loses its fertility and farmers move on to clear new parts of the forest. – Deforestation has been accelerated in recent years because of the pressure from large corporation farms. • Want to expand their farm land to meet global needs for soybeans. – Commercial logging operations also contribute to deforestation. • Harvest the wood for timber and other products. • However, it is estimated that 2/3 of tree is not used or burned.

Managing Resources • Biodiversity at Risk – Over half of all animal and plant species on earth live in rain forests – However, these biologically rich ecosystems are being severely threatened by deforestation. – Brazil harbors the largest remaining rain forests on the plant. • Nearly 20 percent of the Amazon rain forest has already been destroyed. • Brazil’s other rain forest, the Atlantic forest, now covers less than 7 percent of its original area. • This forest is one of the planet’s richest, but it is also one of the most threatened. • Scientist are working to find ways to prevent the extinction of this forest. – Deforestation also threatens the rain forests resources. • Key medicines that may have the potential to treat cancer and other diseases. – This can also speed up the process of global warming as less carbon dioxide is being absorbed by the rain forests.

Managing Resources • Planting for the Future – Brazil, Costa Rica and other countries with forests must listen to the advice of environmentalists, but must also be aware of the social and economic realities. – With time rainforests will regenerate on their own. – Reforestation laws will also help. – New farming, mining and logging methods are being developed to help conserve the methods.

Human Impact • Rapid Urban Growth – Latin American cities are experiencing environmental challenges due to rapid urban growth. – As more workers migrate to the cities, the population is exceeding the available resources. • Many are not able to find adequate housing and are forced to live in slums or shantytowns. • Usually located on dangerous slopes or wetlands that can be destroyed by natural disasters. • Widespread disease is common because of the lack of running water and underground sewage. – People who live in cities without adequate clean-air laws are often effected by air pollution. • Vehicle exhaust combined with industrial smokestacks release large amounts of pollution into the air. – The needs of Latin America’s urban areas are beginning to be addressed by governments, agencies and grassroots groups.

Human Impact – Industrial Pollution • Environmental laws have not kept pace with the rapid industrial growth in the region. – Risks of pollution that is associated with industrial growth has increased. • Runoff from chemical fertilizers and pesticides used on farms may damage health or endanger lives. • Future Challenges – Disputed Borders • Over the past 150 years, Latin America has faced several territorial conflicts. – Occur for strategic locations and rights to valuable natural resources. – Many resources that could have been used for development are diverted to focus on border wars. – However, countries can be encouraged to resolve differences due to economic incentives. » Peru and Ecuador are a prime example. The two countries ended a 60 year old border dispute. » International investors offered over 3 billion in aid to help develop the area.

Future Challenges • Disaster Preparedness – Latin America is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its physical geography. • During 2005, Central America and the Caribbean experienced several devastating hurricanes. – Latin American governments are working together to forecast the direction and severity of hurricanes. • They are using sophisticated technology such as satellite imaging and computer modeling. – Volcanic eruptions in the Caribbean are being studied to gather detailed information. • A series of volcanic eruptions began in 1995 and destroyed twothirds of the island of Montserrat. • The volcano is being monitored for future activity. • Because this volcanoe is similar to many others around the world, these studies will help forecast and predict volcanoes world-wide.