Latin America is the large region in the Western Hemisphere south of the United States.

Latin America is the large region in the Western Hemisphere south of the United States

Compare how location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico and Venezuela affect where people live and how they trade.

Northern most Latin American country

Southern border of the United States Coasts on the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico

and Caribbean Sea Very mountainous with large central plateau Land varies from warm tropical beaches to

dry deserts. Little arable land. Earthquakes and volcanic activity Area is about 760,000 sq. miles

Inactive volcano Active volcano

Tends to be dry and warm, although varies by region

Hottest and wettest June and August

Petroleum, Natural gas, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, and timber

Population about 111,000,000 77% of people live in urban areas Nearly 20% of the people live near Mexico

Mexico is the second most populous country in Latin America

Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in world

Mix of old and new industries Recently expanded railroads, airports, and

electric generating plants Exports: manufactured goods, oil and oil

products, silver, fruits, vegetables, coffee, and cotton

Tourism is a big industry in Mexico. Most tourists are Americans.

Federal republic 31 states and 1 federal district President is chief executive and head of

state Legislative branch Judicial branch

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 91% literate

Known as one of the worst areas of air pollution

Children and older citizens are more likely to have breathing problems

Factories and cars send pollutants such as lead, sulfuric acid, and carbon monoxide in to the air

City is built in a bowl shaped crater, which helps trap pollutants

Government is working to reduce these pollutants

Smaller Latin American country than Mexico

Northeast part of South America Coasts on Caribbean Sea and Atlantic

Ocean Just north of equator Mountains in north, central plains, with

plateaus and low mountains in the south 3% arable. Better for pastures than crops

Arable land used for Arable land used for pasturepasture

Hot, tropical climate Cooler in the mountains Rain varies by region( 16 in. on coast, over

100 in. in mountains)

Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, hydro power, diamonds

Oil tanker

Population about 28,000,000 88% live in urban areas 12% live in rural areas Caracas largest city, and capital Most people in the northern highlands,

along the coast

Residential area in Caracas, Residential area in Caracas, Venezuela has many high Venezuela has many high rises.rises.

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93% total:

12 years of educationmale: 11 years female: 12 years

23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency

the president is both the chief executive and head of state

Council of Ministers appointed by the president president elected by popular vote for a six-year

term Legislative branch: is called the National

Assembly

90% of money made on exports comes from oil

4 major seaports Other exports: bauxite and aluminum, steel,

chemicals, agricultural products tourism

Largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world

Coast along the Caribbean Sea polluted with oil

Oil spills and tanker leaks have damaged environment

High level of carbon dioxide in the air from burning fossil fuels- can cause breathing difficulties in children and elderly people

Oil spill in the Caribbean Oil spill in the Caribbean SeaSea