Geography and Culture of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the geography and cultural aspects of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands.

isthmus

A narrow piece of land that connects two larger land masses.

Tierra Caliente

'Hot Land' - The warmest climate zone, located at lower elevations.

Tierra Templada

'Temperate Land' - A temperate climate zone, located at mid-level elevations.

Tierra Fria

'Cold Land' - A colder climate zone, located at higher elevations.

bauxite

It is the mineral ore used to make aluminum.

extinct

A volcano that is no longer able to erupt.

dormant

A volcano that can still erupt but shows no signs of activity.

staple foods

Foods that are eaten regularly, such as corn, squash, chilies, and avocado.

surplus

More than needed to survive.

conquistador

An explorer who conquers land.

colonialism

One nation takes control of an area and dominates its government, economy, and society.

revolution

A period of violent social and political change.

plantation

Large farms.

cash crop

Crops sold for profit.

Columbian Exchange

Transfer of plants and animals between Europe, Asia, and Africa on one side and the Americas on the other.

caudillo

Military strongmen who often ruled a Latin American country as a dictator.

maquiladora

Factories where parts made elsewhere are assembled into products.

mural

Large paintings on walls.

dependence

Too much reliance.

free-trade zone

A zone that lowers trade barriers between countries.

remittance

Money sent back to the homeland by people who migrated to find work.

reggae

A traditional Jamaican style of music that uses complex drum rhythms.