Central America And Mexico :Central America And Mexico By: Joe Strycharz and John Panaccio


Mexico- Geography :Mexico- Geography Borders- Belize, Guatemala, US; A little smaller than Texas. Climate- Varies from tropical to desert. Terrain- High mountains, low coastal plains, and deserts Imports- Agriculture machinery, and Industrial machinery. Exports- Silver, cotton, oil, coffee Arable Land-12.66%


Mexican Connections to Geography :Mexican Connections to Geography Tourism- 3rd largest factor in the economy Agriculture- 20% of jobs farm related, while only 1/5 of the land is arable Most farmers are subsistence farmers This together with the fact that over half the population in Mexico lives in poverty there have, historically, been many issues regarding food in Mexico


Guatemala- Geography :Guatemala- Geography Borders- Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico; a little smaller than Tennessee Climate- tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands Terrain- most of the country mountainous with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateaus Imports- fuels, machinery, construction materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity Exports- coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, Arable Land- 12.54%


Panama- Geography :Panama- Geography Borders- Columbia, Costa Rica; A little smaller than South Carolina Climate- Tropical, hot and humid. Long rainy season, short dry season. Terrain- mountainous, coastal areas, many plains and rolling hills Imports- food, consumer goods, chemicals Exports- bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee Arable Land-7.26%


Panamanian Connections to Geography :Panamanian Connections to Geography Isthmus of Panama- Created by tectonic plates Affected the earths geography by changing the oceans flow which also changed the climate The location of the Panama Canal More than 14,000 ships pass through each year, resulting in many people visiting Panama A large factor in the country’s economy


El Salvador- Geography :El Salvador- Geography Borders- Guatemala, Honduras; a little smaller than Massachusetts Climate- tropical rainy season and tropical on coast; temperate in uplands Terrain- mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau Imports- raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods, fuels, petroleum, electricity Exports- coffee, sugar, shrimp, textiles, chemicals, electricity Arable Land- 31.85%


Costa Rica- Geography :Costa Rica- Geography Borders- Nicaragua, Panama; A little smaller than West Virginia Climate- Tropical and subtropical; cooler in highlands Terrain- Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains and many volcanoes Imports- raw materials, consumer goods, petroleum Exports- coffee, bananas, sugar; pineapples; textiles, medical equipment, electronics Arable Land- 4.41%


Costa Rican Connections to Geography :Costa Rican Connections to Geography Due to the fact that the country is located in the Central American isthmus Costa Rica is provided with easy access to markets in North and South America and ocean access to the European and Asian continents. Because of its location on the globe Costa Rica has two distinct seasons each with its own agricultural advantage, as different crops can be grown at different times One-fourth of Costa Rican land has been set aside as national forests, often with adjoining beaches, which has made the country a popular tourist spot for retirees and ecotourists.


Honduras- Geography :Honduras- Geography Borders- Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua; a little bit bigger than Tennessee Climate- lowlands subtropical, mountains temperate Terrain- mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains Imports- machinery, industrial raw materials, chemical products, fuels, Exports- coffee, bananas, shrimp, lobster, meat; zinc, lumber Arable Land- 15.15%


Belize- Geography :Belize- Geography Borders- Guatemala, Mexico; a little smaller than Massachusetts Climate- tropical; very hot and humid Terrain- flat, swampy; many coastal plains; low mountains in the south Imports- machinery, manufactured goods; fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; tobacco Exports- sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood Arable Land- 2.85%


Belizean Connections to Geography :Belizean Connections to Geography Tourism- A combination of natural factors support the extensive tourist industry Warm Climate The Belize Barrier Reef Numerous islands Excellent fishing Jungle wildlife Forestry- Due to Belize's climate and terrain many species of valuable timber were produced in Belize and were the staple of the economy until the mid 1900’s The most important varieties of timber included logwood, and mahogany


Nicaragua- Geography :Nicaragua- Geography Borders- Honduras, Costa Rica; a little smaller than the state of New York Climate- tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands Terrain- coastal plains rising to mountains; often interrupted by volcanoes Imports- machinery, raw materials, petroleum Exports- beef, coffee, shrimp and lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold, peanuts Arable Land- 14.81%


Central America And Mexico :Central America And Mexico By: Joe Strycharz and John Panaccio