The geographical position of Mexico can safely be called advantageous. The fact is that this country occupies almost a third of the territory of North America. It borders the United States in the north, eastern Mexico is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and western by the Pacific Ocean. A huge number of different-sized islands, which are located off the coast of the country in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, are also part of Mexico. Despite the fact that most of the country’s territory is occupied by mountains and plateaus, the locals have learned to use them to their advantage.
Mexico’s economic and geographical position is unlikely to be briefly described, since it is considered a developed state that plays an important role in Latin America. Naturally, this was not always the case. In the old days, Mexico was considered a third world country, that is, it belonged to developing countries. But today the situation has changed dramatically, because there is already absolutely everything for a comfortable life, and technology is developing at a tremendous speed.
Administrative device
To make it convenient to lead the country's economic development, it was administratively divided into 31 states and one federal district. Each state has its own governor and its own laws. Separately, it is worth stopping in the federal district, since it is organized a little differently than the states.
In the central part of Mexico is its capital - Mexico City. She is the only district in the country, that is, a special political entity, which includes the central part of the metropolitan metropolis. Its residents themselves elect representatives of the executive and legislative branches. But what is interesting is that the head of the county is endowed with less authority than state governors.
Climatic conditions and economic development
The physical and geographical position of Mexico contributes to the development of many industries. First of all, you should carefully study the climate. The country is dominated by four climatic zones. Mexicans themselves define them like this:
- Sultry. It includes all areas of the country located along the coast and directly at the foot of the mountains. It is always hot here, regardless of the time of year, which is why local residents actively use these areas for the development of resorts. Also, in the autumn there is a lot of rainfall, so there is also enough moisture for the rainforests.
- The warm belt is located at an altitude of 1,500 m above sea level. A huge number of rare trees grow here, which are actively used in the woodworking industry.
- This is followed by a cool belt, which is located at an altitude of more than 1600 m and occupies the largest space in the country. Oak and pine forests grow here, and where precipitation rarely occurs, desert plateaus form.
- The last belt is considered frosty. It includes the mountains themselves, therefore it is located at an altitude of 2700 m. Here are suitable conditions for agriculture, because it is the population of the country who lives in this belt that is engaged in it.
A good location makes Mexico a great place for a spa holiday, which brings additional and quite substantial income to the state treasury. All beaches are located either on the Pacific or on the Atlantic coast. As for the holiday seasons, here they last year-round, since the air temperature on the coast does not drop below 20 degrees.
In Mexico, any traveler can find something to their liking. For example, you can snorkel, explore the caves and admire the national parks, which are many. All this and much more all year round attracts tourists to the country.
Natural resources and their use
If you describe the geographical location of Mexico briefly, we can safely say that it is more than favorable. Its territory is rich in various minerals. Mexico is rightfully considered one of the leaders among Latin American countries for ore mining. And this is true, because the ore belt passes through its territory. Here, the development of copper and iron ore deposits is constantly ongoing, as well as small deposits of uranium.
The peculiarities of the geographical position of Mexico make it possible to mine and export silver, zinc, magnesium, cadmium, etc. to other countries. The richest region is considered to be the southern part of the country, since there are oil and gas in the shelfs of the Gulf of Mexico. There are many mineral reserves in Mexico, so their extraction will be carried out for more than one hundred years.
Of course, not everything is as smooth as it seems at first glance. There are many rivers in Mexico, but almost all of them are near the coast, therefore, in the center of the country, the population suffers from a large water shortage, which naturally affects the development of agriculture. However, the local population has long learned to cope with this problem.
General overview of the country's economy
Mexico is one of the first places in economic development among the countries of Latin America. Naturally, the important geographical position of Mexico plays an important role in this, because it borders on the USA, which invests a lot of money in its industry. The country is considered the largest exporter of silver, because the so-called silver belt passes through its territory.
Today, gold, zinc, lead and mercury deposits are also being developed, which is why Mexico has a huge number of metal processing plants. One of the largest oil refineries is located in the country, and a system of pipelines runs through the entire territory that supplies black gold and gas to the USA. Naturally, if there is oil, then there are plants for its refining, which provides local residents with permanent work, and the government has fewer problems with the employment of citizens.
The economic and geographical position of Mexico enables it to occupy a leading role in the industry of Latin America. Developed infrastructure and a large labor market determine the presence on the territory of the country of a huge number of different factories, for example, producing agricultural machinery, electrical goods. There are also metallurgical enterprises and car assembly plants.
Major industrial and agricultural areas
The entire territory of the country can be divided into three industrial regions:
- The first is located on the Gulf of Mexico and at the foot of the mountains. Coffee, sugarcane, bananas, papaya and other tropical fruits are grown here. Cocoa beans are also harvested, which are then shipped to the domestic market.
- The second region stretches along the Pacific coast. Here, cotton and wheat are grown, which is enough to provide the entire population of the country.
- The central region is famous for producing vegetables such as tomatoes or lettuce. Cereals, peanuts, strawberries and legumes are also grown here. Many vegetables are then exported to other countries.
Northern Mexico is famous for its developed livestock. Here, cattle are often fed, in order to later overtake them in the United States.
Industry of the country
The advantageous geographical position of Mexico allows it to actively develop and constantly achieve high rates. There is an automotive industry that works in accordance with international standards. The factories collect cars, buses and trucks. In addition, many well-known automotive companies order unique parts that are only available here.
Mexico has the largest cement plant in the world. There are also many enterprises that produce alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, for example, beer and Coca-Cola, which is well-known to everyone. The Mexicans also achieved great success in the food industry. The country already has trademarks that have gained worldwide recognition.
Constantly developing industries for the production of spare parts for aircraft, which are acquired by many well-known airlines.
Features of agriculture
Half of the population is involved in agriculture, which is facilitated by the geographical position of Mexico, because there are many fertile soils. Mexicans have even developed their own land cultivation system. Where the climate allows, they grow wheat, barley and even rice. Fruits and vegetables are exported. Most in demand are tomatoes, oranges and coffee, as well as some exotic fruits.
Thanks to access to the sea and the ocean, commercial fishing is developing. Today, the products of the fishing industry are also exported to other countries, only half of it is consumed by the Mexicans themselves.
Forestry development
The economic and geographical position of Mexico allows the supply of wood to neighboring states. Previously, it was mainly used for fuel, but today the situation has changed somewhat. In addition to pine, the country grows a huge number of trees of other valuable species, such as oak and red cedar. Mexico is also famous for the fact that there is bitumen and charcoal.
Transport
The geographical position of the country of Mexico was initially not very favorable for the creation of transport communications, and all because its territory has certain terrain features. But with the advent of new technologies in the transport sector, this problem was resolved.
First of all, highways connected the most economically significant regions of the country. In addition, roads paved to the border with the United States. Of course, today the main transport hub of the country is Mexico City. It connects all areas with the capital of the state.
For a closer development of economic ties, it was necessary to lay 26,623 km of the railway. And this task was successfully solved, despite the fact that the geographical position of Mexico complicated it.
Today, the capital, Mexico City, even has its own metro, and the public transport system is at a high level compared to other countries, including even Canada. If you add the length of all the roads, they will result in a large figure, which will be approximately 247,450 km.
The geographical position of Mexico and Canada allows their residents to travel to neighboring countries not only by bus or car. You can also take a plane or train. In Mexico, there are two large airlines that provide flights not only to the United States, but also to Europe. You can also go to another country using sea transport sailing from Mexican ports.
Comparative characteristics
The economic and geographical position of Mexico and Canada is different. Below are not only the main differences, but also the similarities between the two countries:
- Mexico and Canada border on the United States, which allows them to export their products there without any problems. However, the advantageous position of countries does not end there. Both of them also have access to the sea. If Mexico has access to the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic through the Caribbean, then Canada borders on almost three oceans: the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic.
- To find out which country is in more favorable conditions, compare the physical and geographical position of Mexico and Canada. The answer will be obvious. The Canadian shield does not allow adverse climatic conditions to affect vegetation, therefore, agriculture is more developed here than in Mexico. In most of Canada there are minerals, which means that industry is as well developed here as in Mexico. In addition, Canada’s temperate climate and fertile soils favor agricultural development in the country.
- As for the natural resource potential, in this area both states are practically at the same level. Of course, the amount of minerals extracted in them is different, however, both countries receive almost the same income from them. If Mexico has developed the extraction of oil, non-ferrous metals and iron, then Canada produces more coal, uranium, and natural gas. And yet, given the economic and geographical situation of Mexico and Canada, we can say that both countries are sufficiently provided with water and forest resources.
- Mexico is considered a densely populated state. In comparison with Canada, more people live here, which directly affects the amount of labor resources in the country. At the same time, Canada is short of labor.
- On the economic side, in most cases, the volume of GDP in both countries is approximately the same. However, given the difference in population, it must be recognized that in Canada, GDP per person will be significantly higher than in Mexico.
- Both of these countries are considered developed, especially with regard to industry, agriculture, and the service sector. Nevertheless, due to the fact that Canada's labor productivity is higher, this country is actually richer than Mexico.
Recently, a noticeable rivalry has been observed between the two states. Since Mexico and Canada border the United States, both countries are trying to take the most advantageous positions in trade with a promising neighbor.
To become an economically developed country, Mexico had to work hard. Today, the country's population has the opportunity to find their own business in various industries: industrial production, agriculture, construction, services and tourism.
The ultimate goal of Mexico is to become a country where there is no pronounced border between the rich and the poor. Thanks to the resources available on the territory of the country and their proper use, it can be said that Mexicans are close to realizing their goal.
Many experts say that soon the level of development of the country will reach unprecedented heights, since the mineral deposits in its territory are really huge. Mexicans themselves know how to use them correctly to their advantage. In addition, in recent years, agriculture has also been actively developing.