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=Describe the climate, major physical characteristics, and major natural resources of Mexico and explain their relationship to the Mexican economy.=




 * See World History I.13 for historical background on the Mayan civilizations in Central America.**

** Climate **

 * Mexico's climate can range from desert to tropical depending on the area
 * The coasts are typically very hot and humid
 * Inland Mexico consists of a lot of mountains and is typically colder and drier
 * Northwest Mexico is desert-like, very similar to New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California
 * Click here for a more detailed look at the Mexican climate

**Major Physical Characteristics**

 * Mexico geography varies from place to place
 * Mexico contains many mountains and volcanoes
 * Highest point is Volcan Pico de Orizaba, at a total of 18,700 feet[[image:resourcesforhistoryteachers/800px-CactusonPeñamiller2.JPG width="480" height="320" align="right" caption="Desert of Mexico, Northeast Mexico"]]
 * Also contains lowlands and deserts
 * Lowest point is Laguna Salada, which is -32 feet
 * Click here for more info

** Natural Resources **

 * Petroleum and natural gas
 * Silver
 * Gold
 * Copper
 * Arsenic
 * Lead
 * Graphite
 * Fish
 * Corn
 * Wheat
 * Soybean
 * Rice [[image:coba.jpg width="480" height="384" align="right" caption="Jungle of Mexico, Southeastern Mexico"]]
 * Beans
 * Click here or here for more

**The Economy**

 * GDP: $1.153 trillion
 * Click here for an article that explains Mexico's struggle to utilize its many natural resources
 * Although Mexico is located between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it is not the world trading partner it should be
 * Small farmers struggle to compete with large agriculture
 * Drug cartels take power from the government