3.6 Living in Mexico and Central America

For what purpose did Mexican cities and towns first develop?

• to serve farming populations

• to provide for industries

• to create more products

• to provide apartments

Answer explanation

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.

What has helped lead to the recent rise in the population of Mexican cities near the U.S. border?

• conflict at the border

• lack of food sources at the border

• job opportunities in this area

• Mexico City is located there

Answer explanation

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.

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and is located in the central plateau. It is the most _ city in the world.

• advanced

• technological

• urban

• populous

Answer explanation

Mexico City is considered a Mega City - having a population of more than 10 million people.

Why do people live at higher altitudes (elevations) in Central America?

• The like snow

• They are cooler than the tropical coast

• High elevations mean more jobs

• There is less oxygen

Answer explanation

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.

Why do some people in Mexico and Central America migrate to other places?

• Poverty

• Job opportunities

• Violence

• Crime

Answer explanation

Diaspora - movement of people from their homeland to other places.

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.

What causes cultural diffusion?

• People moving from one place to another, bringing their traditions with them

• People staying in their home country and focusing on their traditions

Answer explanation

Cultural diffusion - the spread of cultural traits.

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.

What languages do most Mexican's speak that reflects their cultural backgrounds?

• Portuguese

• Spanish

• Nahuatl

• English

Answer explanation

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.

The most commonly practiced religion in Mexico and Central America is...

• Protestant Christianity

• Judaism

• Buddhism

• Roman Catholic Christianity

Answer explanation

Most people practice the Roman Catholic faith, a few are beginning to practice Protestant Christianity. Many also blend pre-Christian traditions with their religion.

For example - The Day of the Dead, or el dia de los muertos, a Mexican holiday.

Cultural diffusion can be seen in

• art

• food

• language

• clothing

Answer explanation

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.