South West Region of America
States
The Southern half of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Major Cities
Los Angeles and San Diego (California); Phoenix (Arizona); Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, Austin (All in Texas); Las Vegas (Nevada); and Phoenix (Arizona).
Geographical Layout
The overall geography of this region is dry desert although there are areas of exception where the red desert canyons meet tree and snow covered mountains to one extreme and the pacific and gulf coast to the other extremes. Some areas within this region boast lush green valleys which has laid course to some of the best golfing the U.S. has to offer. The eastern parts of the region receive more summer moisture and have a slightly more verdant terrain. Sagebrush grows everywhere and some rivers and streams break the desert terrain.
Climate
The climate throughout this region is mostly semi-arid to arid characterized by mild winters and hot summers, with a few exceptions which mostly lie in Eastern Texas and the higher altitudes within California. Temperatures can rise in excess of 100°F (38°C) for several weeks at a time in the summer months. The Southwest’s thirsty land gets an annual dose of rain and thunderstorms from the monsoon, which comes in via the Gulf of California from July-September annually. Precipitation in this region is very low with the exception of eastern Texas.
Business & Industry
Cattle ranching, Legalized Gambling, Tourism, Federal Government Projects, Aerospace Manufacturing, Electronic Manufacturing, Technology, Mining, Oil, Solar & Wind Mining,
Beyond Business
Golfing, hiking, camping, and hand gliding. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular Parks in the U.S.
Culture
The Southwest is ethnically varied, with significant Spanish American, Mexican American, and American Indian populations. The population density of the region is less than three people per square mile. The Southwestern portion of the U.S. has maintained that Old West feel often depicted in ‘Hollywood Westerns’ like Bonanza. Country music dominates the music scene, Native-American art dominates the art scene, and Tex Mex rules the cuisine scene.