A geografical context for demographic research on the northern border zone

Abstract

Before commencing a demographic study of the northern border zone, it is essential to define the geographical sphere that will be the objete of measurement and analysis. In this article, the authors treat this subject, proposing that the geographical context of the border zone be defined by taking the Mexican municipalities contiguous to the United States as the unit of analysis. In order to substantiate this proposal, they discuss the comparative advantages of favoring municipalities over states as the unit for analysis; they point out the heterogeneity of the levels of development observable in the border zone; and they delve deeply into an examination of demographic phenomena.