Latin America Physical and Political Features

Caribbean Sea

body of water located south of the Gulf of Mexico; located north of South America, east of Mexico and Central America and south of many islands such as Cuba and the Bahamas

Pacific Ocean

body of water that is located on the western side of Mexico and stretches down the entire western side of Central and South America

Panama Canal

located at the narrowest point in Central America; This provides a shortcut for ships travelling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Gulf of Mexico

located north of the Caribbean Sea; it touches both the United States and Mexico

Sierra Madre

the chief mountain range of Mexico

Atacama Desert

the second driest place on earth caused by the process of the Andes Mountains blocking wind and rain from this area; located on the Pacific side of South America

Andes Mountains

these mountains run the length of the western side of South America

Amazon River

worlds second largest river; runs across the widest part of South America