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Mexico and Central America

Mexico and Central American Countries

Mexico and Central American Countries Interactivity

Mexico is a North American country located south of the United States. Central America is located southwest of Mexico, on a narrow isthmus that connects the continents of North and South America. In this interactivity, you will explore the country of Mexico, as well as the seven countries that form Central America. Click the player to begin.

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Cultural Influences of Mexico and Central America

Cultural Influences of Mexico and Central America Interactivity

There are two major aspects to consider when studying the cultural influences of Mexico and Central America. The first is the region’s indigenous roots. The second is the European colonization of the region, primarily by the Spanish. In this interactivity, you will learn more about these cultural influences. Click the player to begin.

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Roman Catholicism in Latin America

Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico City, Mexico

There are several religions practiced throughout Latin America. Roman Catholicism is the predominant one in most countries. For example, in Mexico, more than 80% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic.

The prevalence of this religion is the result of Spanish and Portuguese colonization. In the sixteenth century, Spain and Portugal were deeply religious nations. They had close ties to the Roman Catholic Church. When the Spanish and Portuguese Empires established colonies in the Americas, missionaries also came to spread Christianity. These missionaries wanted to convert the indigenous population. Ornate Catholic Cathedrals are common landmarks in most major Latin American cities.

Economic Characteristics of Mexico and Central America

Fruits and vegetables displayed at a market in Mexico

Mexico has a diverse economy. It has become increasingly developed in recent years. Historically, farming has been an important part of the Mexican economy. Subsistence farming remains a common practice among the indigenous population. Large scale commercial agriculture produces goods for export. These exports include food crops like fruits and vegetables, as well as cash crops like coffee and cotton. Mexico also has access to valuable natural resources like oil and minerals. In fact, it is the largest producer of silver in the world.

The Mexican economy has seen major growth since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect in 1994. NAFTA removed tariffs on goods traded among Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This led many U.S. companies to capitalize on cheaper labor by building factories in Mexico. Various goods are now manufactured in Mexico, and then shipped back to the United States. Tourism also accounts for a significant part of the country’s GDP.

Coffee plantation in Central America

Many Central American economies depend on the export of cash crops like coffee and sugar. In some of these countries, plantation agriculture began under Spanish colonial rule. It has remained relatively unchanged for many years. This created a huge disparity of wealth between a minority of landowners and an impoverished majority. The extreme inequality caused violent civil wars in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

In comparison, the economies of Costa Rica and Panama are much more developed. Costa Rica has a diverse economy with industries in technology and tourism. Panama has a large service sector associated with the operation of the Panama Canal.

 

Mexico and Central America Review

Mexico and Central America Review Interactivity

Now that you have learned about the major regions, cultural influences, and economic characteristics of Mexico and Central America, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player to get started.