Geography and Economy of Mexico

Migration Patterns in Mexico

• Urban Migration: Many rural Mexicans migrate to cities like Mexico City in search of better opportunities.
• Underemployment: New arrivals often end up working in jobs that pay little and have limited prospects for advancement.
• Living conditions: Poor newcomers often reside in slums characterized by inadequate access to clean water and sewage facilities.
• Legal Status: Historically illegal squatters, many of these individuals can now take legal ownership of small land parcels after living on them for five years.

Coastal Regions

• Contrast in Geography: Mexico's coastal plains exhibit significant variation in terms of geography and climate.
• Northern Pacific Coast:
  • Description: Arid and hot, thinly populated with some of the country’s best farmland due to irrigation.
  • Irrigation: Dams on rivers like the Colorado, Sonora, and Yaqui support agriculture, allowing crops like wheat and cotton to thrive.
  • Tijuana: A rapidly growing city near the California border, exemplifying urban growth in the region.
• Baja California Peninsula:
  • Description: A long, thin region with mountainous deserts, often uninhabitable due to extreme heat and dry conditions.
• Southern Pacific Coast:
  • Tourism: Known for its beautiful beaches and resort towns like Acapulco, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

Physical Geography

• Mountain Ranges:
  • Sierra Madre Occidental: The major mountain range along the western coast.
  • Sierra Madre Oriental: Runs parallel to the eastern coast.
• Central Plateau:
  • Significance: Most populous and agriculturally rich region of Mexico.
  • Natural Hazards: Located at the intersection of four tectonic plates, leading to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
• Elevation:
  • Impact: The high elevation (averaging 7,000 feet) results in a mild and pleasant climate, especially in Mexico City (7,340 feet).

Climate and Economic Activity

• Rainfall Patterns:
  • Effect of Sierra Madres: Mountains block rainfall, creating arid conditions in the north.
  • Southward Variation: Southern regions experience more rainfall, fostering agriculture.
• Temperature: Mexico City enjoys moderate temperatures (74°F in July, 70°F in January) due to its elevation.

Gulf Coastal Plain

• Economic Significance:
  • Rich deposits of petroleum and natural gas contribute to Mexico’s economy, making the region crucial for energy production.
• Yucatán Peninsula:
  • Geography: Generally flat with porous limestone bedrock leading to sinkholes, which feature in the landscape.
  • Sinkholes: Formed due to limestone erosion; used historically by the Maya for water.
• Tourism in Yucatán:
  • Rapid economic growth driven by tourism, with cities like Cancún featuring luxurious resorts and ancient Mayan ruins attracting visitors.

Economic Analysis

• Trade Data:
  • Total Exports: $136.8 billion
  • Total Imports: $142.1 billion
  • Trade Balance: -$5.3 billion
• Comparative Imports: The U.S. has a significantly higher total import figure compared to Mexico, indicating dependency and economic dynamics in trade relationships.