How do the climate regions impact where people live in Latin America?

Question

Written response, no multiple choice.

Answer 1

Latin America is incredibly diverse. Just as it is diverse in cultures and biodiversity, it is also diverse in climate regions. To answer this question, we have to ask ourselves what constitutes a "good place to live." Let's use an ancient group of people to illustrate this example. The Maya people had vast civilizations throughout Central America. Let's look at one of the Mayan cities that lasted the longest: Lamanai in Northern Belize. (Fun fact: that is where my profile picture was taken!) Lamanai itself was occupied over 3000 years! Why? Lamanai sits on the edge of the largest freshwater body in Belize: the New River Lagoon. Due to its proximity to freshwater, Lamanai was able to thrive, even in times of intense drought. Let's apply this to all of Latin America. Where do people live? Where there are resources and ease of life. If we were to look at a map of population density in Latin America, we can see that populations are concentrated around coasts where there is access to trading goods, near rivers and lakes where fresh water would be available, or in areas of fertile soil where food can be grown. Now, let's apply that to climate regions. What climate regions provide the most resources? For example, in Latin America, more people live in the tropical climates then in high mountain ranges or arid climates.