Geography 321- Chicago : Ch. 10 The Coastal South

The Coastal South is growing rapidity even though it's prone to many natural disasters. You can find people from Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. The region is composed of Florida, parts of Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The place has a great amount of water, which has resulted in many swamps, lakes, and marshes. The Coastal South is very prone to thunderstorms, which sadly kills around 200 people annually. This region is also vulnerable to hurricanes, and the most known was Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It has long, hot raining summers, while winters being mild and wet.

This part of North America has so much diversity in its people, just like Chicago. The culture has been greatly influenced by various ethnic groups, such as African Americans in Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. African American music has influenced much parts of New Orleans, where jazz and blues is favored.

The lands’ soil is not well suited for agriculture due to poor drainage. Yet, the weather has allowed Tropical fruits, as well as vegetables to be grown. Florida produces a great amount of oranges, and grapefruits, yet the international competition has caused a decrease in production. Another production in the Coastal South is sugar, which is produced in Louisiana and Florida. The economy also thrives due to their mineral productions of petroleum and natural gas. Tourism is an important contributor to the region's economy. The most known attraction is Disney World, in Orlando, Florida. Beaches along the Coastal South also bring a great number of tourists yearly. A famous celebration is Madri Gras, which is a major tourism attraction in New Orleans. Miami is very diverse and influenced by Haitians, Jamaicans, Dominicans, and Cubans. Despite being prone to natural disasters the Coastal South is a place many people enjoy living and visiting.

Book Used:

Hardwick,Shelley, Susan Wiley. The Geography of North America 2nd Edition. Pearson College Div. 2012.