Latin America & The Caribbean

1. Physical Characteristics

A. Major Regions

1. Mexico & Central America

   • Countries: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

2. South America

   • Countries: Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile

3. The Caribbean

   • Countries: Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico

   • Hispaniola: The island shared by Haiti & the Dominican Republic.

   • Archipelago: A group of islands (e.g., the Caribbean).

B. Major Cities

• Caracas (Venezuela)

• São Paulo (Brazil)

• Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

• Mexico City (Mexico)

• Lima (Peru)

• Santiago (Chile)

C. Landforms & Physical Features

• Andes Mountains – Longest mountain range in the world.

• Sierra Madre Mountains – Mountain ranges in Mexico.

• Panama Canal – Connects the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans.

• Amazon Rainforest – Largest rainforest in the world (over 30% of the world’s animal population).

• Atacama Desert – Driest desert in the world, found in Chile.

• Amazon River Basin – Largest river by volume in the world.

• Altiplano – High plateau in Peru & Bolivia.

• Grasslands:

  • Pampas (Argentina) – Used for cattle ranching.

  • Llanos (Venezuela) – Fertile plains used for farming.

• Major Rivers:

  • Orinoco River (Venezuela).

  • Paraguay/Paraná Rivers (South America).

D. Climate & Environmental Factors

• Tropical Climates dominate.

• Vertical Zonation:

  • Tierra Caliente (Hot Land) – Low elevations, tropical crops (bananas, sugarcane).

  • Tierra Templada (Mild Land) – Mid-altitude, coffee, and corn.

  • Tierra Fria (Cold Land) – High altitude, potatoes, and wheat.

• Reversed Seasons – Winter in the U.S. = Summer in Brazil.

• Natural Disasters – Earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanoes.

E. Human Impact on the Environment

• Itaipu Dam (Brazil-Paraguay) – One of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants.

• Deforestation – The Amazon has lost 20% of its area due to fires and logging.

• Pollution – Mexico City suffers from severe air pollution (smog).

2. Cultural Characteristics

A. Indigenous Civilizations

• Aztecs (Mexico)

• Incas (Peru/Andes)

• Mayans (Central America/Mexico)

B. European Influence

• Colonization led to:

  • Rigid social structures (Spanish/Portuguese rule).

  • Spread of Christianity (Roman Catholicism).

  • Architectural influences (cathedrals).

  • Spanish & Portuguese languages.

C. Cultural Heritage

• Music & Dance:

  • Reggae (Jamaica).

  • Calypso (Trinidad & Tobago).

  • Salsa & Mambo (Caribbean & Latin America).

  • Steel Drum Bands.

• Languages:

  • Spanish is dominant.

  • Portuguese is spoken in Brazil.

D. Settlement Patterns & Urbanization

• Major coastal cities due to early European colonization.

• Megacities (populations over 10 million).

• Squatter Settlements (Favelas/shantytowns) due to rapid urban growth & poverty.

• Out-migration – Many leave for job opportunities abroad.

E. Cultural Landmarks

• Machu Picchu (Peru) – Incan citadel.

• Tikal (Guatemala) – Ancient Mayan city.

• Christ the Redeemer (Brazil) – Symbol of Christianity.

3. Economic Characteristics

A. Diverse Economies

• Oil Producers – Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico.

• Mining – Copper (Chile), Iron (Brazil & Venezuela).

• Agriculture – Cattle ranching, plantations, fishing.

• Subsistence Farming – Small-scale farming for survival.

• Plantation Agriculture – Large-scale farming of cash crops (e.g., coffee, sugar).

• Hacienda System – Large estates run by landowners.

• Slash-and-Burn Agriculture – A farming method that clears forests for planting.

B. Economic Challenges

• Income Inequality – Large gap between rich & poor.

• Deforestation – Loss of land for farming & urban growth.

• Capital Relocation – Brazil moved its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília in 1960 to encourage inland development.

4. Trade & Political Organizations

A. Regional Trade Agreements

• NAFTA (Now USMCA) – Trade between U.S., Mexico, and Canada (1994, revised in 2020).

• OAS (Organization of American States) – Political & economic cooperation among Latin American nations.

B. Political Cooperation & Challenges

• Many countries struggle with corruption, political instability, and economic disparity.

• Governments balance economic growth & environmental sustainability.

Key Terms to Remember