Mexico's Location, Climate, & Natural Resources

Mexico is located south of the United States. It is east of the Pacific Ocean and west of the Gulf of Mexico & the Caribbean Sea. The country has a variety of different geographic features and climates.

Northern Mexico

Northern Mexico has a hot, dry climate and receives little rainfall. This region is a high desert plateau with mountains on each side. Agricultural activities are difficult and most people choose to live in other areas of Mexico instead of in this region.

Central Mexico

Central Mexico has a more temperate climate with plenty of rainfall. The region has many natural resources and fertile soil suitable for agriculture. The majority of Mexico’s population lives in this region, particularly in the capital Mexico City. Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world.

Southern Mexico 

Southern Mexico has a humid, tropical climate. This region is covered in dense forests. The majority of people in southern Mexico are indigenous farmers.

​Mexico does not have much farmland; only 12% of the land is arable. There is an abundance of minerals in northern Mexico, such as silver, copper, zinc, and iron. Mexico’s most valuable resource is oil, which is found along the Gulf of Mexico coast. Tourism is also a major industry in several Mexican towns like Cancun and Acapulco.

Population

About 75% of Mexico’s population lives in urban areas in central Mexico. Many Mexicans live in Mexico City and the surrounding area because of the jobs available in factories there. Others have settled in towns near the US border to work in factories (called maquiladoras) owned by US, Japanese, and European companies.

Mexico is located right next to the United States and sends about 80% of its exports to the US. Key exports, including many fruits and vegetables, cotton, and coffee, are grown in Mexico’s warm climate and then shipped all over the US. Petroleum from Mexico’s oil reserves is also shipped to the US, as well as to many other countries.