title: [A geographical context for demographic research on the northern border zone].
abstract: Before commencing a demographic study of the northern border zone of Mexico, it is essential to define the geographical sphere that will be the object of measurement and analysis.  In this article, the authors propose that the geographical context of the border be defined by taking the Mexican municipalities contiguous to the US as the unit of analysis.  In order to substantiate this proposal, they discuss the comparative advantages of favoring municipalities over states as the units 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.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Zenteno Quintero
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cruz Pineiro
mesh_terms: D000569:Americas; D003710:Demography; D003906:Developing Countries; D004467:Economics; D005843:Geography; D007843:Latin America; D008800:Mexico; D009656:North America; D011153:Population; D011154:Population Characteristics; D012106:Research; D012942:Social Sciences; D013223:Statistics as Topic
keywords: Americas; Area Analysis; Data Analysis; Demographic Factors; Demography; Developing Countries; Economic Development; Economic Factors; Geographic Factors; Heterogeneity; Latin America; Mexico; North America; Population; Population Characteristics; Research Methodology; Social Sciences