Question

grade 6 social studies - biggs / unit 3: geography of mexico, central america, and the caribbean / topic 19: econ...
maquiladora employment
in the mexico-united states
border zone, 2000

• railway
• road

location near the united states for easy export
the presence of abundant natural resources.
strong environmental regulations.
access to ports for water transportation.

1. what challenge has been created by maquiladoras in mexican border towns?

a decrease in job opportunities
a decrease in manufacturing jobs in central america
an increase in tourism
housing shortages and strain on infrastructure

Explanation:

For the first question: Maquiladoras are foreign-owned factories in Mexico that produce goods for export to the U.S. Their key advantage is proximity to the U.S. for low-cost, quick export. Abundant natural resources are not their focus, strong environmental rules would deter them, and most are inland border sites not dependent on ports.
For the second question: Maquiladoras draw large numbers of workers to border towns quickly. This sudden population growth outpaces local housing and infrastructure development, causing shortages and strain. They increase, not decrease, local jobs; they don't impact Central American manufacturing jobs directly; and they are not linked to increased tourism.

Answer:

1. Location near the United States for easy export.
2. Housing shortages and strain on infrastructure