Mexico is an intriguing nation with an eclectic culture and extraordinary geographical position. Although commonly associated with Latin America, technically, Mexico belongs to North America.
A continent is one of Earth’s seven mainland divisions, comprising Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America – Mexicans also consider themselves part of America.
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North America
Mexico’s varied geography combines an arid northern desert, densely populated central valley, and tropical south into one vastly diverse country of extremes. A rich culture influenced by ancient traditions and Spanish colonization is mixed with an ever-evolving natural environment to form its unique identity – giving rise to an amalgamation of beliefs that give Mexico its distinctive character.
Mexico lies mainly within North America but extends into Central America and the Caribbean Islands. It forms part of the American continent, encompassing Canada and the United States, stretching to Panama’s Isthmus in South America.
Latin America is often used to distinguish itself from other regions in the Western hemisphere. Although this term makes linguistic and cultural sense to most Mexicans, from a geographical standpoint, it doesn’t truly fit.
Mexicans view themselves as part of the Americas. This continent spans from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in South America and encompasses Mexico and countries located within Central America and Caribbean Islands.
Mexico’s location on the edge of the American Plate is both the source of intense earthquakes that have long plagued its history, as well as creating its stunning mountains and deep canyons. Furthermore, interactions between the Pacific, Cocos, and Caribbean plates create forces that have produced active volcanoes throughout Mexico’s territory.
Mexico has nine major physiographic regions: Baja California, the Mexican Plateau, Sierra Madre Oriental and Occidental Mountains, Cordillera Neo-Volcanica Mountains, Gulf Coastal Plain, Southern Highlands, and Yucatan Peninsula.
Mexico is now one of the world’s most developed economies and most populous nations, home to nearly four-fifths of its population living in urban areas; Mexico City stands out as an urban mecca boasting numerous skyscrapers, museums, and cultural centers. Mexico leads in automobile production and electronics assembly and has an ever-evolving tourism sector. Besides bustling cities, its beaches boast gorgeous natural splendor that rivals any global destination.
South America
South America is home to some of Earth’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Dominated by the Andes mountain range spanning Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, as well as one of the world’s largest drainage systems in the Amazon Basin, and featuring shaded relief to help identify country borders and major cities while showing significant rivers, oceans seas gulfs on a map created using Robinson Projection technology that offers zoom capabilities so that more detail can be seen by using the zoom feature.
Many people consider Mexico part of Latin America due to some cultural similarities with other countries in that region. However, Mexico belongs to North America, divided by the Isthmus of Tehuantepec into two sections, with Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, Panama making up Central America on one half and North America making up another.
North America comprises the northern part of the continent and includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, and several island nations, including Jamaica and the Bahamas. North America is considered to be the third-largest continent worldwide.
South America is an intriguing and varied continent, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cities, and some of the most striking natural features imaginable such as the Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest. This fantastic map of Mexico and South America includes shaded contours to easily distinguish country borders and major rivers, oceans, seas, gulfs, and sandbars.
This political map of Mexico and Central America created by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) shows all countries, capitals, major cities, islands, mountains, rivers, and other geographical features of this exciting and varied continent. Based on Robinson’s projection, you can zoom in for more significant details – perfect for students, travelers, or anyone wanting to learn more about Mexico and Central America!
Europe
Our globe has seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, and Europe. Each has distinct cultural traditions and geographical features; Mexico stands out as an example with its rich history and vibrant culture that is sure to please. Additionally, its location makes Mexico an attractive tourist destination and investment opportunity.
Mexico often confuses which continent it resides on, with many thinking it belongs in Latin America or South America when it belongs in North America, Canada, and the US. Although its cultural traditions and language lean more toward Latin American, that doesn’t change its location in North America.
North America comprises four countries – the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Central America. It covers much of the western side of America with diverse climates and landscapes that span from deserts to mountains; Mexico’s climate varies between tropical to temperate depending on where one lives in Mexico; deforestation, erosion, and agricultural land degradation have all become major issues, while lack of clean water, pollution caused by industrial waste or raw sewage disposal, are polluting rivers and streams in urban areas.
Mexico faces several other issues that require attention beyond its environment, including population growth and food demand growth. To combat these problems, its government invests in agriculture and education and diversifies its economy to address them effectively.
Mexico’s economy has experienced steady growth over the last decade, yet it remains a developing nation. Therefore, investment should be made in education and technology and in building infrastructure to help safeguard future generations’ economic security. Furthermore, Mexico needs to increase energy production and enhance transportation and communication systems to enhance the overall sustainability of economic development in Mexico.
Asia
Mexican is often considered one of Latin America’s premier countries, bordering North and Central America, Belize, and Guatemala to its southeast. Mexico boasts a beautiful, diverse landscape and climate and hosts many natural and cultural treasures such as historical monuments, pre-Columbian ruins, and beaches, attracting millions yearly. Furthermore, its economy remains diverse and is expanding quickly.
Mexico stands as an industrialized nation and a significant agricultural producer. The climate ranges from tropical in the south to temperate in the north; therefore, its population consists of wealthier individuals and mass poverty. Yet Mexico remains one of Latin America’s premier economic and political forces, boasting dynamic industry sectors and vast mineral reserves.
Asia is the world’s largest continent, covering 31% of Earth’s surface area. Divided into six regions shown on the map below, it is home to most people. It boasts many ancient civilizations, such as China, India, and Japan, giving rise to significant religions like Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Tibet is an active tectonic region and part of the Circum-Pacific “Ring of Fire.” It features mountainous terrain with volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes; Mount Everest stands tall among them, as do tropical rainforest and snow-capped peaks – a land full of contrasts!
Visit our Blue Ocean Laminated Map of the World to learn more about this captivating country! This exquisite and detailed world map combines political and physical features into one stunning educational tool that’s great for students, schools, offices, or homes – featuring country boundaries, major cities, and mountain peaks in shaded relief with ocean depth gradient in blue color gradient, plus more! Give this gift today and surprise someone special. Get yours now!
