Chapter 6: Mexico

Mexico forms part of a land bridge that connects North and South America. It is made up of three mountain ranges, a large central plateau, and coastal lowlands. Earthquakes and volcanic activity affect the land and people of Mexico. Due to differences in latitude and altitude there are a variety of climate zones in Mexico. Landforms and climate combine to create three economic zones.

Mexico's Native American and European heritage shapes the country's culture. The Mayan and Aztec civilizations were the best known of Mexico's early people. A Spanish colony, Mexico won its independence in 1821. Today Mexico's government is a federal republic.

More than 70 percent of Mexicans live in urban areas. Beautiful plazas and important buildings are located in the center of these cities. In the poorer sections, people make houses out of whatever material they can find. Farming is still important in Mexico, but manufacturing, service industries, and oil refining play larger roles in the economy. Mexico must find ways to handle its growing population, pollution, and foreign debt.