Latin America Geography Study Guide
Name ______Period ____
Mapping Practice
Use the maps below to practice locating physical features and countries in Latin America.
Where do most people live in Mexico? Why?
Most people in Mexico live in the Valley of Mexico, a high plateau in central Mexico between the East and West Ranges of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This is where the majority of jobs and industry are, making it a pull factor.
What factors impact Mexico’s trade?
Oil production, location between 2 oceans, beaches and lack of rain can aid tourism industry, proximity to US and Central American countries, arable land on the Yucatan Peninsula
Where do most people live in Brazil? Why?
Most people in Brazil live in urban areas along the coastlines. These have the best climate and job opportunities. Interior parts are hard to navigate due to highlands or jungle.
What factors impact Brazil’s trade?
Many borders shared with other countries, many resources, arable land, adequate rainfall, borders the Atlantic, long growing seasons
Where do most people live in Cuba? Why?
Most Cubans live in urban areas along the coasts. Many (1/5) people live in or around Havana. Jobs, trade and industry draw people to the cities. The interior of the country is rugged and not as many people live there.
What factors impact Cuba’s trade?
Embargo with US hurts trade. Proximity to South and Central America helps trade. Still dependent on imports from other countries. Tropical climate helps agriculture (particularly tobacco) Communist government controls most industries but some open trade is showing signs of starting.
Explain which factors most contribute to Air pollution in Mexico City?
Millions of citizens, factories, cars, busses, trucks.
How does the area’s geography impact its pollution?
City is located in a bowl shared crater/basin on a high plateau between mountain ranges. No regular winds to dissipate smoke from factories/cars/trucks. High elevation makes air thinner. Pollution gets trapped and hangs in the air.
Who is impacted most by air pollution?
Children, elderly and people with respiratory issues.
Which human activity contributes most to Deforestation in Brazil?
Cattle ranching
Why are trees so important to human survival?
Trees and plants provide the oxygen humans need to breathe.
List ways that people can stop deforestation.
Replant trees once they have been harvested. Recycle paper products (that come from trees).