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World Geography
Chapter 10
The Region Today, Latin America
Name_____________________
I. The Economy
1. Although Latin America has a rich agricultural tradition, why is this creating modernday challenges with respect to economic development?
2. Why is the latifundia/minifundia system an impediment to economic development?
What are the roots of this system?
3. What are the disadvantages of relying on a number of cash crops for export?
4. What industries in Mexico have gained more prominence in the last twenty years?
5. What factors have contributed to limited industrial growth in Latin America?
6. What is a maquiladoras? Where are they located? What are the advantages to
Americans – to Mexicans? What are the disadvantages?
7. Why are transportations and communications systems not fully interconnected
throughout Latin America?
8. What does NAFTA stand for? What countries are members?
What does CAFTA Stand for? What countries are members?
9. List the advantages and disadvantages to NAFTA and CAFTA.
Advantages
Disadvantages
10. Why is borrowing large amounts of money for development projects such a risky
proposition for Latin American countries? Give examples.
II. People and their Environment
1. What is the definition of sustainable development? Why is this critical in the face of
deforestation?
2.What percent of the Amazon rainforest has been cut, and why is this an important issue
for global warming and biodiversity? How has Costa Rica responded to this challenge?
3. Describe the types of environmental and social problems rapid urban growth creates?