National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics)
             The country will generally experience a wet season that begins in June and ends in September, and a dry season that begins in October and ends in April. The interior and northern region of Mexico normally experiences low rainfall, while the east coast and southern part of Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula, experience plentiful rainfall. The annual average rainfall by region is shown in Figure x.3 below.
             Figure x.3: Illustration of Mexico's Total Annual Rainfall.
             Natural Advantages and Disadvantages
             Perhaps the greatest natural advantage possessed by Mexico is the close proximity to the United States of America. It is precisely this aspect of geography that provides Mexico with a competitive advantage when compared to most other nations in the world. This statement does consider and accept that there are limits to this competitive advantage, limits that may be imposed by natural, demographic and economic constraints. Complimenting this major natural advantage is Mexico's maritime system, although slightly hampered by local political corruption.
             Mexico's natural resources include crude oil, precious metals such as silver and gold, as well as metals required by industry such as copper, lead and zinc. Mexico also has claim to a large deposit of natural gas and timber. Mexico has natural disadvantages, including vulnerability to hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes and droughts. These natural disasters are present in almost any country; however, these are highlighted in a developing nation lacking the infrastructure controlling the drainage of these natural, yet destructive events.
             Finally, the growth rate of Mexico's major cities poses a pseudo-natural problem. The high numbers migrating from the rural areas of Mexico into industrial regions has created a problem that most cities cannot readily handle. For example, it is estimated tha...