3.6 Living in Mexico and Central America - Lesson Version

The most densely populated area is the Central Plateau. the rich soils here promote farming. Much of Mexico is arid or semiarid, making farming difficult. Mexico's first cities developed to serve farming populations, so that is where most people live today.

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Many Cities along the United States-Mexico border have grown rapidly in recent years. Many jobs have become available in this region. This is a major pull factor.

Urban areas are more modern and reflect the influence of global culture. Rural areas remain more isolated and traditional.

Most of the largest cities in Central American countries are in the highland areas.

Due to being near the equator, the climate is tropical and very hot. The higher elevations or altitudes make it a more tolerable climate.

Panama is the exception to this - most people live near the Panama Canal because of the job opportunities.​

Many immigrants leave their homelands in search of jobs to provide a better life for their families. Some take their families to new places for safety or to escape corrupt governments.

When people move from other lands to new places, they bring their culture with them. This can create blended cultures. Mexico's culture combines elements from Spanish and Mexican Indian cultures.

Most people in Mexico speak Spanish, but many speak Nahuatl or other Native American languages as well. This reflects the blending of their two cultures (Spain and Native Americans like the Aztec).

Central American countries mainly speak Spanish with the exception of Belize, which was a British colony. Most Guatemalans speak a Mayan language at home, but learn Spanish in school.

Most people practice the Roman Catholic faith (which is also the most common in Spain), a few are beginning to practice Protestant Christianity. Many also blend pre-Christian traditions with their religion.

The art of Mexico and Central America contains influences from pre-Spanish civilizations, Spanish styles, and art styles from the many African slaves that entered their civilization during colonization.

Foods also blended with colonization and can be seen in cultural foods today