Mexico's Location, Climate, & Natural Resources

Mexico's Location, Climate, & Natural Resources

by Mrs. Wilcox

​Locations and Climates

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.

Multiple Choice

This region receives little rainfall. It's climate is hot and dry. Agriculture is difficult and most people choose to live in other regions.

• Northern Mexico

• Central Mexico

• Southern Mexico

Multiple Choice

This region is covered in dense forests. Majority of its people are indigenous farmers. The climate is humid and tropical?

• Northern Mexico

• Central Mexico

• Southern Mexico

Multiple Choice

This region's climate is more temperate with plenty of rainfall. Has many natural resources and fertile soil. Majority of Mexico's population lives here.

• Northern Mexico

• Central Mexico

• Southern Mexico

​Resources

​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.

Multiple Choice

Why have some of the Mexican residents decided to live along the US border?

• more land

• better climate

• to work in factories

• less populated

Multiple Choice

How much of Mexico's land is arable?

• 25%

• 12%

• 70%

• 5%

Multiple Choice

What is Mexico's most valuable resource?

• minerals

• oil

• fishing

• gold

Multiple Choice

What is a major industry in towns like Cancun and Acapulco?

• farming

• deep sea fishing

• tourism

• service

​Foreign Trade

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.

Multiple Choice

What percentage of exports the US receives from Mexico?

• 30%

• 80%

• 100%

• 50%

Open Ended

What are some of the key exports that are grown in Mexico and shipped all over the world?