Mexico is not called South America. Mexico is part of North America, located in the southernmost region of the continent.
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Mexico is not called South America. In fact, it is located in the southernmost region of North America. Let’s delve into the details and explore why Mexico is often mistakenly associated with South America.
Geographically, North America consists of several countries, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. On the other hand, South America comprises countries located further south, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. In this context, Mexico’s inclusion in North America is based on its geographical location rather than being part of South America.
Quoting the acclaimed geographer and anthropologist Jared Diamond, he highlights the distinction between North and South America, stating, “Mexico is politically and culturally a part of North America.”
Several interesting facts contribute to a better understanding of Mexico’s classification as part of North America:
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Geographical Features: Mexico shares its northern border with the United States, and it is separated from Central America by the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. These geographical features firmly place Mexico within the North American continent.
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Cultural Influences: Mexican culture exhibits a significant blend of Native American, European, and African influences. This cultural richness has deep roots in the history of North America, as early civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans inhabited this region.
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Colonial History: Mexico’s history is intricately linked to European colonization, particularly by Spain. The Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and historical aspects of the country. This colonization was a part of Spain’s broader quest for power and wealth in the Americas, which predominantly focused on areas within North America.
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Language: Spanish is the official language of Mexico, similar to most countries in Central and South America. However, the presence of Spanish as the primary language does not automatically categorize Mexico as part of South America. It is important to recognize that Spanish was brought to Latin America by the Spanish colonizers, originating from southern Europe.
To provide a clearer overview, let’s illustrate a simple table outlining the continental divisions within the Americas:
| Continent | Major Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | Canada, United States, Mexico |
| Central America | Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama |
| South America | Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia |
In conclusion, Mexico’s classification as part of North America is based on its geographical location, historical context, and cultural influences. Despite certain shared characteristics with countries in Central and South America, Mexico remains distinctively part of the North American continent. As we explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories of the Americas, understanding these regional distinctions enhances our appreciation for the richness and complexity of our world.
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The Latin American region has been historically rich with vast natural resources and geographical advantages, but it has failed to live up to its economic potential due to disparities in wealth, political instability, and corruption. The video highlights how Spanish conquistadors exploited the indigenous populations in South America and how their actions destroyed the economic potential of the region. In contrast, English colonies in North America incentivized their citizens to work hard and invest, leading to the foundation of democracy and capitalism that fueled the US’s fast experience of the Industrial Revolution. The video also discusses how the resource curse has plagued most Latin American countries, where the abundance of natural resources mostly enriched a small group of elites in charge at the time, causing significant wealth inequality and little growth in more important sectors. Political instability and corruption have resulted in weak central governments that are unable to maintain law and order, making it difficult for the average person to invest and build businesses.
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South America and North America are named after Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci, who was the first European to suggest that the Americas were not part of the East Indies, but an entirely separate landmass. The portions of the landmass that lie south of the Isthmus of Panama became known as South America.
South America is called so because it is the southern part of the Americas. The term "South America" was coined to differentiate the southern part of the New World landmass from the northern part, which became known as North America. The term "South America" is commonly used to describe South America, Central America, Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean.
Those portions of the New World landmass that widen out north of the narrow land bridge of the Isthmus of Panama became known as North America, and those that broaden to the south became known as South America.
The term was coined in France in the mid-nineteenth century to refer to regions in the Americas that were ruled by the Spanish, Portuguese and French empires. The term does not have a precise definition, but it is "commonly used to describe South America, Central America, Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean."
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