Mexico: Difference between revisions
Administrative divisions are political creations |
I understand you're trying to trim it, but I'm putting back important infoboxes and removing some unnecesary links like dates. -I'm half way through, I'll continue later- |
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{{otheruses4|the country in North America}}{{redirect|Mexican}} |
{{otheruses4|the country in North America}}{{redirect|Mexican}} |
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{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}} |
{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}} |
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{{Infobox Country |
{{Infobox Country |
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|native_name=''Estados Unidos Mexicanos'' |
|native_name = ''Estados Unidos Mexicanos'' |
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|conventional_long_name=United Mexican States |
|conventional_long_name = United Mexican States |
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|common_name=Mexico |
|common_name = Mexico |
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|image_flag=Flag_of_Mexico.svg |
|image_flag = Flag_of_Mexico.svg |
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|image_coat=Coat of arms of Mexico.svg |
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Mexico.svg |
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|symbol_type=Coat of arms |
|symbol_type = Coat of arms |
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|map_width=220px |
|map_width = 220px |
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|image_map=Mexico (orthographic projection).svg |
|image_map = Mexico (orthographic projection).svg |
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|national_anthem="[[Himno Nacional Mexicano]]"<br />Mexican National Anthem |
|national_anthem = "[[Himno Nacional Mexicano]]"<br />Mexican National Anthem |
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|national_motto= |
|national_motto = |
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|other_symbol_type=[[Seal (device)|National seal]]: |
|other_symbol_type = [[Seal (device)|National seal]]: |
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|other_symbol=[[Seal of the United Mexican States]] [[File:Seal of the Government of Mexico.svg|18px]] |
|other_symbol = [[Seal of the United Mexican States]] [[File:Seal of the Government of Mexico.svg|18px]] |
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|official_languages=None at federal level.<br /> [[Spanish language|Spanish]] (''de facto'') |
|official_languages = None at federal level.<br /> [[Spanish language|Spanish]] (''de facto'') |
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|languages_type=[[National language]] |
|languages_type = [[National language]] |
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|languages=Spanish, and 62 [[Languages of Mexico|Indigenous Amerindian languages]]<ref name="ofc_lang">There is no official language stipulated in the constitution. However, the General Law of Linguistic Rights for the Indigenous Peoples recognizes all Amerindian minority languages, along with Spanish, as national languages and equally valid in territories where spoken. The government recognizes 62 indigenous languages, and more variants which are mutually unintelligible.[http://www.cdi.gob.mx/index.php?id_seccion=90 Comision Nacional para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indigenas. CDI. México]</ref> |
|languages = Spanish, and 62 [[Languages of Mexico|Indigenous Amerindian languages]]<ref name="ofc_lang">There is no official language stipulated in the constitution. However, the General Law of Linguistic Rights for the Indigenous Peoples recognizes all Amerindian minority languages, along with Spanish, as national languages and equally valid in territories where spoken. The government recognizes 62 indigenous languages, and more variants which are mutually unintelligible.[http://www.cdi.gob.mx/index.php?id_seccion=90 Comision Nacional para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indigenas. CDI. México]</ref> |
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|demonym=Mexican |
|demonym = Mexican |
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|capital=[[Mexico City]] |
|capital = [[Mexico City]] |
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|latd=19|latm=03|latNS=N|longd=99|longm=22|longEW=W |
|latd=19 |latm=03 |latNS=N |longd=99 |longm=22 |longEW=W |
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|government_type=[[Federal republic|Federal]] [[presidential system|presidential republic]] |
|government_type = [[Federal republic|Federal]] [[presidential system|presidential republic]] |
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|leader_title1=[[President of Mexico|President]] |
|leader_title1 = [[President of Mexico|President]] |
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|leader_name1=[[Felipe Calderón]]<br />([[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]]) |
|leader_name1 = [[Felipe Calderón]]<br />([[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]]) |
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|legislature=[[Congress of Mexico|Congress]] |
|legislature = [[Congress of Mexico|Congress]] |
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|upper_house=[[Senate (Mexico)|Senate]] |
|upper_house = [[Senate (Mexico)|Senate]] |
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|lower_house=[[Chamber of Deputies (Mexico)|Chamber of Deputies]] |
|lower_house = [[Chamber of Deputies (Mexico)|Chamber of Deputies]] |
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|largest_city=Mexico City |
|largest_city = Mexico City |
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|area_km2=1,972,550 <!-- see http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/mx.htm --> |
|area_km2 = 1,972,550 <!-- see http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/mx.htm --> |
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|area_sq_mi=761,606 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
|area_sq_mi = 761,606 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
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|area_rank=15th |
|area_rank = 15th |
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|area_magnitude=1 E12 |
|area_magnitude = 1 E12 |
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|percent_water=2.5 |
|percent_water = 2.5 |
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|population_estimate=111,211,789 (July 2009)<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/MX.html</ref> |
|population_estimate = 111,211,789 (July 2009)<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/MX.html</ref> |
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|population_estimate_year=mid-2008 |
|population_estimate_year = mid-2008 |
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|population_estimate_rank=11th |
|population_estimate_rank = 11th |
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|population_census=103,263,388 |
|population_census = 103,263,388 |
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|population_census_year=2005 |
|population_census_year = 2005 |
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|population_density_km2=55 |
|population_density_km2 = 55 |
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|population_density_sq_mi=142 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
|population_density_sq_mi = 142 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
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|population_density_rank=142nd |
|population_density_rank = 142nd |
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|GDP_PPP_year=2008 |
|GDP_PPP_year = 2008 |
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|GDP_PPP=$1,559 billion<ref name="CIA World Factbook GDP PPP">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html CIA World Factbook GDP PPP]</ref> |
|GDP_PPP = $1,559 billion<ref name="CIA World Factbook GDP PPP">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html CIA World Factbook GDP PPP]</ref> |
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|GDP_PPP_rank=11 |
|GDP_PPP_rank = 11 |
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita=$14,560<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2009&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=273&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=32&pr.y=4|title=Mexico|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2009-04-22}}</ref> |
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $14,560<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2009&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=273&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=32&pr.y=4 |title=Mexico|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2009-04-22}}</ref> |
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank= |
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = |
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|GDP_nominal=$ 1,143 billion<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2195.html Field listing - GDP (official exchange rate)], CIA World Factbook</ref> |
|GDP_nominal = $ 1,143 billion<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2195.html Field listing - GDP (official exchange rate)], CIA World Factbook</ref> |
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|GDP_nominal_rank=13 |
|GDP_nominal_rank = 13 |
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|GDP_nominal_year=2008 |
|GDP_nominal_year = 2008 |
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita=$10,235<ref name=imf2/> |
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $10,235<ref name=imf2/> |
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank= |
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = |
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|HDI_year=2008 |
|HDI_year = 2008 |
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|HDI={{increase}} 0.842 |
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.842 |
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|HDI_rank=51st |
|HDI_rank = 51st |
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|HDI_category=<font color="#009900">high</font> |
|HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font> |
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|Gini=<span style="color: #0c0; font-size: larger;">▼</span> 46.1<ref>[http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/hdr_20072008_en_complete.pdf Human Development Report 2007/2008]</ref> |
|Gini = <span style="color: #0c0; font-size: larger;">▼</span> 46.1<ref>[http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/hdr_20072008_en_complete.pdf Human Development Report 2007/2008]</ref> |
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|Gini_year=2008 |
|Gini_year = 2008 |
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|Gini_category=<font color="#e0584e">high</font> |
|Gini_category = <font color="#e0584e">high</font> |
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|sovereignty_type=[[Mexican War of Independence|Independence]] |
|sovereignty_type = [[Mexican War of Independence|Independence]] |
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|sovereignty_note=from [[Spain]] |
|sovereignty_note = from [[Spain]] |
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|established_event1=Declared |
|established_event1 = Declared |
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|established_event2=Recognized |
|established_event2 = Recognized |
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|established_date1=September 15, 1810 |
|established_date1 = September 15, 1810 |
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|established_date2=September 27, 1821 |
|established_date2 = September 27, 1821 |
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|currency=[[Mexican peso|Peso]] |
|currency = [[Mexican peso|Peso]] |
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|currency_code=MXN |
|currency_code = MXN |
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|time_zone=[[Time in Mexico|Official Mexican Timezones]] |
|time_zone = [[Time in Mexico|Official Mexican Timezones]] |
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|utc_offset=-8 to -6 |
|utc_offset = -8 to -6 |
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|time_zone_DST=varies |
|time_zone_DST = varies |
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|utc_offset_DST=-7 to -5 |
|utc_offset_DST = -7 to -5 |
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|drives_on=right |
|drives_on = right |
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|cctld=[[.mx]] |
|cctld = [[.mx]] |
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|calling_code=52 |
|calling_code = 52 |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''United Mexican States'''<ref>The alternative translation '''Mexican United States''' is occasionally used. [http://historical.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=661&Lot_No=56012&src=pr The Federal Constitution of the Mexican United States].</ref> ({{Audio-es|Estados Unidos Mexicanos|Es-mx-Estados Unidos Mexicanos.ogg}}), commonly known as '''Mexico''' ({{IPA-en|ˈmɛksɪkoʊ|lang}}) ({{Audio-es|México|Es-mx-México.ogg}} {{IPA-es|ˈmexiko|}}), is a [[federalism|federal]] [[constitutionalism|constitutional]] republic in [[North America]]. It is bordered on the north by the [[United States]]; on the south and west by the [[Pacific Ocean]]; on the southeast by [[Guatemala]], [[Belize]], and the [[Caribbean Sea]]; and on the east by the [[Gulf of Mexico]].<ref>''Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary'', 3rd ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.; p. 733</ref><ref>"[http://www.bartleby.com/65/me/Mexico.html Mexico]". ''[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ The Columbia Encyclopedia]'', 6th ed. 2001–6. New York: Columbia University Press.</ref> Covering almost 2 million [[square kilometre]]s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico — Geography|work=CIA The World Factbook|publisher=CIA|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#Geo|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> Mexico is the fifth-largest country in the [[Americas]] by total area and the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|14th largest independent nation in the world]]. With an estimated population of 109 million,<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico — People|work=CIA The World Factbook|publisher=CIA|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#People|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> it is the [[List of countries by population|11th most populous country]]. Mexico is a [[federation]] comprising [[Administrative divisions of Mexico|thirty-one states]] and a Federal District, the capital city. |
The '''United Mexican States'''<ref>The alternative translation '''Mexican United States''' is occasionally used. [http://historical.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=661&Lot_No=56012&src=pr The Federal Constitution of the Mexican United States].</ref> ({{Audio-es|Estados Unidos Mexicanos|Es-mx-Estados Unidos Mexicanos.ogg}}), commonly known as '''Mexico''' ({{IPA-en|ˈmɛksɪkoʊ|lang}}) ({{Audio-es|México|Es-mx-México.ogg}} {{IPA-es|ˈmexiko|}}), is a [[federalism|federal]] [[constitutionalism|constitutional]] republic in [[North America]]. It is bordered on the north by the [[United States]]; on the south and west by the [[Pacific Ocean]]; on the southeast by [[Guatemala]], [[Belize]], and the [[Caribbean Sea]]; and on the east by the [[Gulf of Mexico]].<ref>''Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary'', 3rd ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.; p. 733</ref><ref>"[http://www.bartleby.com/65/me/Mexico.html Mexico]". ''[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ The Columbia Encyclopedia]'', 6th ed. 2001–6. New York: Columbia University Press.</ref> Covering almost 2 million [[square kilometre]]s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico — Geography|work=CIA The World Factbook|publisher=CIA|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#Geo|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> Mexico is the fifth-largest country in the [[Americas]] by total area and the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|14th largest independent nation in the world]]. With an estimated population of 109 million,<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico — People|work=CIA The World Factbook|publisher=CIA|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#People|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> it is the [[List of countries by population|11th most populous country]]. Mexico is a [[federation]] comprising [[Administrative divisions of Mexico|thirty-one states]] and a [[Mexico City|Federal District]], the [[capital city]]. |
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In [[Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica]] many cultures matured into advanced civilizations such as the [[Olmec]], the [[Toltec]], the [[Teotihuacan]], the [[Maya civilization|Maya]] and the [[Aztec]] before the first contact with |
In [[Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica]] many cultures matured into advanced civilizations such as the [[Olmec]], the [[Toltec]], the [[Teotihuacan]], the [[Maya civilization|Maya]] and the [[Aztec]] before the first contact with [[Europe]]ans. In 1521, [[Spain]] created the [[New Spain]] which would eventually become Mexico as the colony gained [[Mexican War of Independence|independence]] in 1821. The post-independence period was characterized by [[Economic history of Mexico#Independence|economic instability]], [[History of Mexico#War with the United States|territorial secession]] and [[Reform War|civil war]], including [[foreign intervention]], [[List of Emperors of Mexico|two empires]] and [[List of Presidents of Mexico|two long domestic dictatorships]]. The latter led to the [[Mexican Revolution]] in 1910, which culminated with the promulgation of the [[Constitution of Mexico|1917 Constitution]] and the emergence of the country's current [[Politics of Mexico|political system]]. [[Mexican general election, 2000|Elections held in July 2000]] marked the first time that an opposition party won the presidency from the [[Institutional Revolutionary Party]] ({{lang-es|Partido Revolucionario Institucional}}, PRI). |
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As a [[regional power]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Japan's Regional Diplomacy, Latin America and the Caribbean|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2006/05.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Latin America:Region is losing ground to competitors|publisher=Oxford Analytica|url=http://www.oxanstore.com/displayfree.php?NewsItemID=130098|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref> and the only [[Latin America]]n member of the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] (OECD) since 1994, Mexico is firmly established as an upper middle-income country,<ref name="World Bank">{{cite web|title=List of upper middle-income countries|publisher=The World Bank|url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20421402~pagePK:64133150~piPK:64133175~theSitePK:239419,00.html#Upper_middle_income|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> considered as a [[newly industrialized country]]<ref name=Globalization>{{cite book|title=Globalization and the Transformation of Foreign Economic Policy|author=Paweł Bożyk|chapter=Newly Industrialized Countries|publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd|year=2006|isbn=0-75-464638-6|page=164}}</ref><ref name=Limits>{{cite book|title=The Limits of Convergence|author=Mauro F. Guillén|chapter=Multinationals, Ideology, and Organized Labor|pages=126 (Table 5.1)|publisher=Princeton University Press|year=2003|isbn=0-69-111633-4}}</ref><ref name=AIA>{{cite book|title=Geography, An Integrated Approach|author=David Waugh|chapter=Manufacturing industries (chapter 19), World development (chapter 22)|pages=563, 576–579, 633, and 640|publisher=Nelson Thornes Ltd.|year=3rd edition 2000|isbn=0-17-444706-X}}</ref><ref name=Principles>{{cite book|title=Principles of Economics|author=N. Gregory Mankiw|year=4th Edition 2007|isbn=0-32-422472-9|publisher=Thomson/South-Western|location=Mason, Ohio}}</ref> and has the [[list of countries by GDP (PPP)|11th largest economy in the world]] by [[gross domestic product|GDP]] by [[purchasing power parity]], and also the largest [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|GDP per capita]] in Latin America according to the [[International Monetary Fund]]<ref name="IMF2009">[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=22&pr.y=6&sy=2008&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%2C218%2C943%2C963%2C686%2C616%2C688%2C223%2C518%2C516%2C728%2C918%2C558%2C748%2C138%2C618%2C196%2C522%2C278%2C622%2C692%2C156%2C694%2C624%2C142%2C626%2C449%2C628%2C564%2C228%2C283%2C924%2C853%2C233%2C288%2C632%2C293%2C636%2C566%2C634%2C964%2C238%2C182%2C662%2C453%2C960%2C968%2C423%2C922%2C935%2C714%2C128%2C862%2C611%2C716%2C321%2C456%2C243%2C722%2C248%2C942%2C469%2C718%2C253%2C724%2C642%2C576%2C643%2C936%2C939%2C961%2C644%2C813%2C819%2C199%2C172%2C184%2C132%2C524%2C646%2C361%2C648%2C362%2C915%2C364%2C134%2C732%2C652%2C366%2C174%2C734%2C328%2C144%2C258%2C146%2C656%2C463%2C654%2C528%2C336%2C923%2C263%2C738%2C268%2C578%2C532%2C537%2C944%2C742%2C176%2C866%2C534%2C369%2C536%2C744%2C429%2C186%2C433%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a=International Monetary Fund, Report April 2009]</ref>. The [[Economy of Mexico|economy]] is strongly linked to those of its [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA) partners. Despite being considered an [[world power|emerging power]],<ref>[http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38056 G8: Despite Differences, Mexico Comfortable as G5 Emerging Power<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> the uneven [[income distribution]] and the increase in [[Mexican Drug War|drug-related violence]] are issues of concern.<ref name=Cartel/> |
As a [[regional power]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Japan's Regional Diplomacy, Latin America and the Caribbean|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2006/05.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Latin America:Region is losing ground to competitors|publisher=Oxford Analytica|url=http://www.oxanstore.com/displayfree.php?NewsItemID=130098|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref> and the only [[Latin America]]n member of the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] (OECD) since 1994, Mexico is firmly established as an upper middle-income country,<ref name="World Bank">{{cite web|title=List of upper middle-income countries|publisher=The World Bank|url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20421402~pagePK:64133150~piPK:64133175~theSitePK:239419,00.html#Upper_middle_income|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> considered as a [[newly industrialized country]]<ref name=Globalization>{{cite book|title=Globalization and the Transformation of Foreign Economic Policy|author=Paweł Bożyk|chapter=Newly Industrialized Countries|publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd|year=2006|isbn=0-75-464638-6|page=164}}</ref><ref name=Limits>{{cite book|title=The Limits of Convergence|author=Mauro F. Guillén|chapter=Multinationals, Ideology, and Organized Labor|pages=126 (Table 5.1)|publisher=Princeton University Press|year=2003|isbn=0-69-111633-4}}</ref><ref name=AIA>{{cite book|title=Geography, An Integrated Approach|author=David Waugh|chapter=Manufacturing industries (chapter 19), World development (chapter 22)|pages=563, 576–579, 633, and 640|publisher=Nelson Thornes Ltd.|year=3rd edition 2000|isbn=0-17-444706-X}}</ref><ref name=Principles>{{cite book|title=Principles of Economics|author=N. Gregory Mankiw|year=4th Edition 2007|isbn=0-32-422472-9|publisher=Thomson/South-Western|location=Mason, Ohio}}</ref> and has the [[list of countries by GDP (PPP)|11th largest economy in the world]] by [[gross domestic product|GDP]] by [[purchasing power parity]], and also the largest [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|GDP per capita]] in Latin America according to the [[International Monetary Fund]]<ref name="IMF2009">[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=22&pr.y=6&sy=2008&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%2C218%2C943%2C963%2C686%2C616%2C688%2C223%2C518%2C516%2C728%2C918%2C558%2C748%2C138%2C618%2C196%2C522%2C278%2C622%2C692%2C156%2C694%2C624%2C142%2C626%2C449%2C628%2C564%2C228%2C283%2C924%2C853%2C233%2C288%2C632%2C293%2C636%2C566%2C634%2C964%2C238%2C182%2C662%2C453%2C960%2C968%2C423%2C922%2C935%2C714%2C128%2C862%2C611%2C716%2C321%2C456%2C243%2C722%2C248%2C942%2C469%2C718%2C253%2C724%2C642%2C576%2C643%2C936%2C939%2C961%2C644%2C813%2C819%2C199%2C172%2C184%2C132%2C524%2C646%2C361%2C648%2C362%2C915%2C364%2C134%2C732%2C652%2C366%2C174%2C734%2C328%2C144%2C258%2C146%2C656%2C463%2C654%2C528%2C336%2C923%2C263%2C738%2C268%2C578%2C532%2C537%2C944%2C742%2C176%2C866%2C534%2C369%2C536%2C744%2C429%2C186%2C433%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a= International Monetary Fund, Report April 2009]</ref>. The [[Economy of Mexico|economy]] is strongly linked to those of its [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA) partners. Despite being considered an [[world power|emerging power]],<ref>[http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38056 G8: Despite Differences, Mexico Comfortable as G5 Emerging Power<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> the uneven [[income distribution]] and the increase in [[Mexican Drug War|drug-related violence]] are issues of concern.<ref name=Cartel/> |
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==Etymology== |
== Etymology == |
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{{main|Toponymy of Mexico}} |
{{main|Toponymy of Mexico}} |
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[[File:CodexMendoza01.jpg|thumb|Image of Mexico-Tenochtitlan from the |
[[File:CodexMendoza01.jpg|thumb|left|Image of Mexico-Tenochtitlan from the Codex Mendoza]] |
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After [[Viceroyalty of New Spain|New Spain]] won independence from Spain, it was decided that the new country would be named after its capital, Mexico City, which was founded in 1524 on top of the ancient Aztec capital of [[Tenochtitlan|México-Tenochtitlan]]. The origin of the name of the city comes from the [[Nahuatl]] language, where ''[[Mextli]]'' or ''Mēxihtli'', a secret name for the god of war and patron of the Aztecs, [[Huitzilopochtli]], in which case ''Mēxihco'' means "Place where ''Mēxihtli'' lives". Another hypothesis is that the word ''Mēxihco'' derives from the ''mētztli'' ("moon"), ''xictli'' ("navel", "center" or "son"), and the suffix ''-co'' (place), in which case it means "Place at the center of the moon" or "Place at the center of the Lake Moon", in reference to [[Lake Texcoco]]. The system of interconnected lakes, of which Texcoco was at the center, had the form of a rabbit, the same image that the Aztecs saw in the moon. Tenochtitlan was located at the center (or navel) of the lake (or rabbit/moon).<ref name="edomex">{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Nombre del Estado de México|publisher=Government of the State of Mexico|url=http://www.edomexico.gob.mx/identidad/civica/htm/NomMexico.htm|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> Still another hypothesis suggests that it is derived from ''Mēctli,'' the goddess of [[Agave americana|maguey]]. |
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After [[Viceroyalty of New Spain|New Spain]] won independence from [[Spain]], it was decided that the new country would be named after its capital, Mexico City, which was founded in 1524 on top of the ancient Aztec capital of [[Tenochtitlan|México-Tenochtitlan]]. The origin of the name of the city comes from the [[Nahuatl]] language, where ''[[Mextli]]'' or ''Mēxihtli'', a secret name for the god of war and patron of the Aztecs, [[Huitzilopochtli]], in which case ''Mēxihco'' means "Place where ''Mēxihtli'' lives". Another hypothesis is that the word ''Mēxihco'' derives from the ''mētztli'' ("moon"), ''xictli'' ("navel", "center" or "son"), and the suffix ''-co'' (place), in which case it means "Place at the center of the moon" or "Place at the center of the Lake Moon", in reference to [[Lake Texcoco]]. The system of interconnected lakes, of which Texcoco was at the center, had the form of a rabbit, the same image that the Aztecs saw in the moon. Tenochtitlan was located at the center (or navel) of the lake (or rabbit/moon).<ref name="edomex">{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Nombre del Estado de México|publisher=Government of the State of Mexico|url=http://www.edomexico.gob.mx/identidad/civica/htm/NomMexico.htm|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> Still another hypothesis suggests that it is derived from ''Mēctli,'' the goddess of [[Agave americana|maguey]]. |
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The name of the city was transliterated to Spanish as ''México'' with the phonetic value of the ''x'' in Medieval Spanish, which represented the [[voiceless postalveolar fricative]] {{IPA|/ʃ/}}. This sound, as well as the [[voiced postalveolar fricative]] {{IPA|/ʒ/}}, represented by a ''j'', evolved into a [[voiceless velar fricative]] {{IPA|/x/}} during the sixteenth century.<ref>{{cite web|title=Evolution of the pronunciation of "x"|publisher=Real Academia Española|url=http://buscon.rae.es/dpdI/SrvltGUIBusDPD?lema=x}}</ref> This led to the use of the variant ''Méjico'' in many publications in Spanish, most notably in Spain, whereas in Mexico and some other Spanish–speaking countries ''México'' was the preferred spelling. In recent years the ''[[Real Academia Española]]'', which regulates the Spanish language, determined that both variants are acceptable in Spanish but that the normative recommended [[spelling]] is ''México''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diccionario Panhispánico de Dudas|publisher=Real Academia Española|url=http://buscon.rae.es/dpdI/SrvltGUIBusDPD?lema=M%E9xico}}</ref> The majority of publications in all Spanish-speaking countries now adhere to the new norm, even though the alternative variant is still occasionally used.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico|work=Online Dictionary|publisher=Merriam-Webster|url=http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/Mexico}}</ref> In English, the ''x'' in Mexico represents neither the original nor the current sound, but the consonant cluster {{IPA|/ks/}}. The official name of the country has had some changes since its creation, starting as the [[First Mexican Empire]] (1821–1823), United Mexican States (1824–1836), [[Mexican Republic]] (1836–1863) followed by the [[Second Mexican Empire]] (1863–1867) and finally since the Constitution of 1917 as the United Mexican States.<ref>http://ierd.prd.org.mx/coy128/hlb.htm</ref> |
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The name of the city was transliterated to Spanish as ''México'' with the phonetic value of the ''x'' in Medieval Spanish, which represented the [[voiceless postalveolar fricative]] {{IPA|/ʃ/}}. This sound, as well as the [[voiced postalveolar fricative]] {{IPA|/ʒ/}}, represented by a ''j'', evolved into a [[voiceless velar fricative]] {{IPA|/x/}} during the sixteenth century.<ref>{{cite web|title=Evolution of the pronunciation of "x"|publisher=Real Academia Española|url=http://buscon.rae.es/dpdI/SrvltGUIBusDPD?lema=x}}</ref> This led to the use of the variant ''Méjico'' in many publications in Spanish, most notably in Spain, whereas in Mexico and some other Spanish–speaking countries ''México'' was the preferred spelling. In recent years the ''[[Real Academia Española]]'', which regulates the [[Spanish language]], determined that both variants are acceptable in Spanish but that the normative recommended [[spelling]] is ''México''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diccionario Panhispánico de Dudas|publisher=Real Academia Española|url=http://buscon.rae.es/dpdI/SrvltGUIBusDPD?lema=M%E9xico}}</ref> The majority of publications in all Spanish-speaking countries now adhere to the new norm, even though the alternative variant is still occasionally used.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico|work=Online Dictionary|publisher=Merriam-Webster|url=http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/Mexico}}</ref> In English, the ''x'' in Mexico represents neither the original nor the current sound, but the consonant cluster {{IPA|/ks/}}. The official name of the country has had some changes since its creation, starting as the [[First Mexican Empire]] (1821–1823), United Mexican States (1824–1836), [[Mexican Republic]] (1836–1863) followed by the [[Second Mexican Empire]] (1863–1867) and finally since the [[Constitution of Mexico|Constitution of 1917]] as the United Mexican States.<ref>http://ierd.prd.org.mx/coy128/hlb.htm</ref> |
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==History== |
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== History == |
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{{main|History of Mexico}} |
{{main|History of Mexico}} |
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[[File:Chichen-Itza-Castillo-Seen-From-East.JPG|thumb|Archaeological sites of [[Chichen Itza|Chichén-Itzá]], one of the [[New Seven Wonders of the World|New Seven Wonders]]]] |
[[File:Chichen-Itza-Castillo-Seen-From-East.JPG|thumb|Archaeological sites of [[Chichen Itza|Chichén-Itzá]], one of the [[New Seven Wonders of the World|New Seven Wonders]]]] |
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Campfire remains in the [[Valley of Mexico]] have been radiocarbon-dated to 21,000 [[Common Era|BCE]], and a few chips of stone |
Campfire remains in the [[Valley of Mexico]] have been radiocarbon-dated to 21,000 [[Common Era|BCE]], and a few chips of [[stone tool]]s have been found near the hearths, indicating the presence of humans at that time.<ref>{{ cite web | title=Native Americans: Earliest Migrations | date=2009 | publisher=MSN Encarta | url=http://uk.encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761570777/Native_Americans.html#s76 }}</ref> Around 9,000 years ago, ancient [[indigenous peoples]] domesticated [[maize|corn]] and initiated an agricultural revolution, leading to the formation of many complex [[civilization]]s. Between 1,800 and 300 BCE, many matured into advanced [[pre-Columbian]] [[Mesoamerica]]n civilizations such as: the [[Olmec]], the [[Teotihuacan]], the [[Maya civilization|Maya]], the [[Zapotec civilization|Zapotec]], the [[Mixtec]], the [[Toltec]] and the [[Aztec]], which flourished for nearly 4,000 years before the first contact with [[Europe]]ans. These civilizations are credited with many inventions and advancements including [[pyramid|pyramid-temples]], mathematics, astronomy, medicine and theology. |
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In the early |
In the early 16th century, from the landing of [[Hernán Cortés]], the [[Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire|Aztec civilization was invaded and conquered by the Spaniards]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Anonymous Conqueror |first=the |year=1917 |origyear=1550 |title=[[Narrative of Some Things of New Spain and of the Great City of Temestitan]] |others=Marshall Saville (trans) |publisher=The Cortés Society |location=New York }}</ref> The territory became part of the [[Spanish Empire]] under the name of [[New Spain]], much of the identity, traditions and architecture of Mexico were created during the [[Colonial Mexico|colonial period]]. |
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[[File:Guanajuato30 guanajuato.jpg|thumb|left|The city of Guanajuato is a good example of colonial architecture]] |
[[File:Guanajuato30 guanajuato.jpg|thumb|left|The city of [[Guanajuato, Guanajuato|Guanajuato]] is a good example of colonial architecture]] |
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On [[September 16]], |
On [[September 16]], 1810, independence from Spain was declared by priest [[Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla]], in the small town of [[Dolores Hidalgo|Dolores]], [[Guanajuato]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Miguel Hidalgo Biography|publisher=Catholic Encyclopedia|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/16045a.htm Catholic Encyclopedia|accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> The first insurgent group was formed by Hidalgo, the Spanish [[viceregal]] army [[Captain (land)|captain]] [[Ignacio Allende]], the [[militia]] captain [[Juan Aldama]] and "La Corregidora" [[Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez]]. Hidalgo and some of his soldiers were captured and executed by [[firing squad]] in [[Chihuahua, Chihuahua|Chihuahua]], on July 31, 1811. Following his death, the leadership was assumed by priest [[José María Morelos]], who occupied key southern cities. In 1813, the [[Congress of Chilpancingo]] was convened and, on November 6, signed the "[[Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America]]". Morelos was captured and executed on December 22, [1815. In subsequent years, the insurgency was near collapse, but in 1820 [[Viceroy]] [[Juan Ruiz de Apodaca]] sent an army under the [[criollo]] general [[Agustín de Iturbide]] against the troops of [[Vicente Guerrero]]. Instead, Iturbide approached Guerrero to join forces, and in 1821 representatives of the [[Spanish Crown]] and Iturbide signed the "[[Treaty of Córdoba]]", which recognized the [[independence of Mexico]] under the terms of the "[[Plan of Iguala]]". |
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[[File:Mexico 1821.PNG|thumb|Map of Mexico after the First Mexican Empire]] |
[[File:Mexico 1821.PNG|thumb|Map of Mexico in after the First Mexican Empire]] |
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[[Agustin de Iturbide]] immediately proclaimed himself emperor of the First Mexican Empire. A revolt against him in |
[[Agustin de Iturbide]] immediately proclaimed himself emperor of the [[First Mexican Empire]]. A revolt against him in 1823 established the [[United Mexican States]]. In 1824, a [[Constitution of 1824|Republican Constitution]] was drafted and [[Guadalupe Victoria]] became the first president of the newly born country. The first decades of the post-independence period were marked by [[Economic history of Mexico|economic instability]], which led to the [[Pastry War]] in [[1836]], and a constant strife between ''liberales'', supporters of a [[federal republic|federal form of government]], and ''conservadores'', proposals of a [[Unitary state|hierarchical form of government]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Early Republic|work=Mexico|year=2007|publisher=Microsoft Encarta|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761576758&pn=14|accessdate=September 29, 2007}}</ref> General [[Antonio López de Santa Anna]], a centralist and two-time [[dictator]], approved the ''[[Siete Leyes]]'' in 1836, a radical amendment that institutionalized the centralized form of government. Suspended the 1824 Constitution, [[civil war]] spread across the country, and three new governments declared independence: the [[Republic of Texas]], the [[Republic of the Rio Grande]] and the [[Republic of Yucatán]]. Texas successfully achieved independence and was annexed by the [[United States]], a [[territorial dispute|border dispute]] led to the [[Mexican–American War]], which began in 1846 and lasted for two years, settled via the "[[Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo]]" forcing Mexico to give up nearly half of its land to the U.S., including [[California]] and [[New Mexico]]. Further transferred some of its territories, southern [[Arizona]] and [[New Mexico]], via the [[Gadsden Purchase]] in [[1854]]. The [[Caste War of Yucatán]], the [[Maya peoples|Mayan]] uprising that began in 1847,<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/98432/Caste-War Caste War (Central American history)]. Britannica Online Encyclopedia.</ref> was one of the most successful modern Native American revolts.<ref>The Caste War of Yucatan: Revised Edition, By Nelson Reed, Published by Stanford University Press, 2002 ISBN 0804740011, 9780804740012, 448 pages</ref> Maya rebels, or [[Cruzob]], maintained the Maya free state until the 1930s.<ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761588432/Caste_War_of_the_Yucat%C3%A1n.html Caste War of the Yucatán]. Encarta.msn.com.</ref> |
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[[File:CarranzaPostcard.jpg|thumb|left|Venustiano Carranza, one of the leaders of the Mexican Revolution and supporter of the 1917 Constitution]] |
[[File:CarranzaPostcard.jpg|thumb|left|[[Venustiano Carranza]], one of the leaders of the [[Mexican Revolution]] and supporter of the 1917 Constitution]] |
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Dissatisfaction with Santa Anna's return to power led to the |
Dissatisfaction with Santa Anna's return to power led to the liberal "[[Plan of Ayutla]]", initiating an era known as ''[[La Reforma]]'', after which [[Constitution of 1857|a new Constitution was drafted in 1857]] that established a [[secular state]], federalism as the [[form of government]] and several freedoms. As the ''conservadores'' refused to recognized, the [[War of Reform]] began in 1858, both groups had their own governments, but ended in 1861 with the liberal victory led by Amerindian President [[Benito Juárez]]. In the 1860s underwent a military occupation by France, which established the [[Second Mexican Empire]] under the rule of [[House of Habsburg|Habsburg]] [[Archduke]] [[Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico|Ferdinand Maximilian]] of [[Austrian Empire|Austria]] with support from the Roman Catholic clergy and the ''conservadores'', who later switched sides and joined the ''liberales''. Maximilian surrendered, was tried on [[June 14]] and was executed on June 19, 1867. |
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[[Porfirio Díaz]], a republican general during the [[French intervention in Mexico|French intervention]], ruled Mexico from 1876–1880 and then from 1884–1911 in five consecutive reelections, period known as the ''Porfiriato'', characterized by remarkable economic achievements, investments in [[arts]] and [[science]]s, but also of economic inequality and [[repression|political repression]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Díaz Years|work=Mexico|year=2007|publisher=Microsoft Encarta|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576758_15/Mexico.html|accessdate=September 30, 2007}}</ref> A likely electoral fraud that led to his fifth reelection sparked the 1910 Mexican Revolution, initially led by [[Francisco I. Madero]]. Díaz resigned in [[1911]] and Madero was elected president but [[Decena trágica|overthrown and murdered in a coup d'état two years later]] directed by conservative general [[Victoriano Huerta]].<!--reference?: after a secret council held with the U.S. ambassador [[Henry Lane Wilson]].--> Event that re-ignited the civil war, involving figures such as [[Francisco Villa]] and [[Emiliano Zapata]], who formed their own forces. A third force, the [[Ejército Constitucionalista|constitutional army]] led by [[Venustiano Carranza]], managed to bring an end to the war, and radically amended the 1857 Constitution to include many of the social premises and demands of the revolutionaries into what was eventually called the 1917 Constitution. It is estimated that the war killed 900,000 of the 1910 population of 15 million.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigations/505_mexicanrevolution.html The Mexican Revolution]. PBS.org.</ref><ref>[http://www.hist.umn.edu/~rmccaa/missmill/ Missing millions: the human cost of the Mexican Revolution]. Robert McCaa, University of Minnesota Population Center.</ref> Assassinated in |
[[Porfirio Díaz]], a republican general during the [[French intervention in Mexico|French intervention]], ruled Mexico from 1876–1880 and then from 1884–1911 in five consecutive reelections, period known as the ''[[Porfirio Díaz|Porfiriato]]'', characterized by remarkable economic achievements, investments in [[arts]] and [[science]]s, but also of [[income distribution|economic inequality]] and [[repression|political repression]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Díaz Years|work=Mexico|year=2007|publisher=Microsoft Encarta|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576758_15/Mexico.html|accessdate=September 30, 2007}}</ref> A likely electoral fraud that led to his fifth reelection sparked the [[Mexican Revolution|1910 Mexican Revolution]], initially led by [[Francisco I. Madero]]. Díaz resigned in [[1911]] and Madero was elected president but [[Decena trágica|overthrown and murdered in a coup d'état two years later]] directed by conservative general [[Victoriano Huerta]].<!--reference?: after a secret council held with the U.S. ambassador [[Henry Lane Wilson]].--> Event that re-ignited the civil war, involving figures such as [[Francisco Villa]] and [[Emiliano Zapata]], who formed their own forces. A third force, the [[Ejército Constitucionalista|constitutional army]] led by [[Venustiano Carranza]], managed to bring an end to the war, and radically amended the 1857 Constitution to include many of the social premises and demands of the revolutionaries into what was eventually called the [[Constitution of Mexico|1917 Constitution]]. It is estimated that the war killed 900,000 of the 1910 population of 15 million.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigations/505_mexicanrevolution.html The Mexican Revolution]. PBS.org.</ref><ref>[http://www.hist.umn.edu/~rmccaa/missmill/ Missing millions: the human cost of the Mexican Revolution]. Robert McCaa, University of Minnesota Population Center.</ref> Assassinated in 1920, Carranza was succeeded by another revolutionary hero, [[Álvaro Obregón]], who in turn was succeeded by [[Plutarco Elías Calles]]. Obregón was reelected in 1928 but assassinated before he could assume power. In [[1929]], Calles founded the [[National Revolutionary Party]] (PNR), later renamed the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and started a period known as the ''[[Maximato]]'', which ended with the election of [[Lázaro Cárdenas]], who implemented many economic and social reforms, and most significantly [[Mexican oil expropriation|expropriated the oil industry]] into [[Pemex|PEMEX]] on March 18, 1938, but sparked a diplomatic crisis with the countries whose [[citizen]]s had lost businesses by Cárdenas radical measure. |
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[[File:Nafta.jpg|thumb|NAFTA Initialing Ceremony, |
[[File:Nafta.jpg|thumb|NAFTA Initialing Ceremony, October 1992. From left to right (standing) President [[Carlos Salinas de Gortari]], President [[George H. W. Bush]], Prime Minister [[Brian Mulroney]]. (Seated) [[Jaime Serra Puche]], [[Carla Hills]], [[Michael Wilson]].]] |
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Between 1940 and 1980, Mexico experienced a substantial economic growth that some historians call the "[[Mexican Miracle]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Mexican Miracle: 1940-1968|work=World History from 1500|publisher=Emayzine|url=http://www.emayzine.com/lectures/mex9.html|accessdate=September 30, 2007}}</ref> Although the economy continued to flourish, [[distribution of wealth|social inequality]] remained a factor of discontent. Moreover, the PRI rule became increasingly authoritarian and at times oppressive<ref>{{web cite|last=Krauze|first=Enrique|title=Furthering Democracy in Mexico|date=January-February 2006|publisher=Foreign Affairs|url=http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20060101faessay85106/enrique-krauze/furthering-democracy-in-mexico.html|accessdate=October 7, 2007}}</ref> (i.e.: the [[Tlatelolco massacre|1968 Tlatelolco massacre]],<ref name=MMex>{{cite book|title=Massacre in Mexico (Original "La noche de Tlatelolco")|author=Elena Poniatowska|publisher=Viking, New York|year=1975|isbn=0-8262-0817-7}}</ref> which claimed the life of around 30–800 protesters).<ref>Duncan Kennedy [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7513651.stm Mexico's long forgotten dirty war] BBC News, Saturday, July 19, 2008</ref> Electoral reforms and high oil prices followed the administration of [[Luis Echeverría]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Schedler|first=Andreas|title=Electoral Authoritarianism: The Dynamics of Unfree Competition|year=2006|publisher=L. Rienner Publishers|isbn=1-5882-6440-8}}</ref><ref name="Crandall">{{cite book|last=Crandall|first=R.|coauthors=Paz and Roett|title=Mexico's Democracy at Work|chapter=Mexico's Domestic Economy: Policy Options and Choices|publisher=Lynne Reinner Publishers|year=2004|isbn=0-8018-5655-8|page=160 }}</ref> mismanagement of these revenues led to [[inflation]] and exacerbated the [[Latin American debt crisis|1982 Crisis]]. That year, [[1980s oil glut|oil prices plunged]], interest rates soared, and the government defaulted on its [[debt]]. [[Miguel de la Madrid|President Miguel de la Madrid]] resorted to currency devaluations which in turn sparked inflation. |
Between 1940 and 1980, Mexico experienced a substantial economic growth that some historians call the "[[Mexican Miracle]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Mexican Miracle: 1940-1968|work=World History from 1500|publisher=Emayzine|url=http://www.emayzine.com/lectures/mex9.html|accessdate=September 30, 2007}}</ref> Although the economy continued to flourish, [[distribution of wealth|social inequality]] remained a factor of discontent. Moreover, the PRI rule became increasingly authoritarian and at times oppressive<ref>{{web cite|last=Krauze|first=Enrique|title=Furthering Democracy in Mexico|date=January-February 2006|publisher=Foreign Affairs|url=http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20060101faessay85106/enrique-krauze/furthering-democracy-in-mexico.html|accessdate=October 7, 2007}}</ref> (i.e.: the [[Tlatelolco massacre|1968 Tlatelolco massacre]],<ref name=MMex>{{cite book|title=Massacre in Mexico (Original "La noche de Tlatelolco")|author=[[Elena Poniatowska]]|publisher=Viking, New York|year=1975|isbn=0-8262-0817-7}}</ref> which claimed the life of around 30–800 protesters).<ref>Duncan Kennedy [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7513651.stm Mexico's long forgotten dirty war] BBC News, Saturday, July 19, 2008</ref> Electoral reforms and high oil prices followed the administration of [[Luis Echeverría]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Schedler|first=Andreas|title=Electoral Authoritarianism: The Dynamics of Unfree Competition|year=2006|publisher=L. Rienner Publishers|isbn=1-5882-6440-8}}</ref><ref name="Crandall">{{cite book|last=Crandall|first=R.|coauthors= Paz and Roett|title=Mexico's Democracy at Work|chapter=Mexico's Domestic Economy: Policy Options and Choices|publisher=Lynne Reinner Publishers|year=2004|isbn=0-8018-5655-8|page=160 }}</ref> mismanagement of these revenues led to [[inflation]] and exacerbated the [[Latin American debt crisis|1982 Crisis]]. That year, [[1980s oil glut|oil prices plunged]], interest rates soared, and the government defaulted on its [[debt]]. [[Miguel de la Madrid|President Miguel de la Madrid]] resorted to currency devaluations which in turn sparked inflation. |
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In the 1980s, first cracks in the political monopolistic position of PRI were seen such as the election of [[Ernesto Ruffo Appel]] in [[Governor of Baja California|Baja California]] and the 1988 [[electoral fraud]], which prevented leftist candidate [[Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas]] from winning the national presidential elections, who lost to Carlos Salinas de Gortari, leading to massive protests in Mexico City.<ref>[http://www.photius.com/countries/mexico/government/mexico_government_the_1988_elections.html Photius Geographic.org, "Mexico The 1988 Elections", (Sources: The Library of the Congress Country Studies, CIA World Factbook)]</ref> Salinas embarked on a program of [[neoliberalism|neoliberal]] reforms which fixed the exchange rate, controlled inflation and culminated with the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which came into effect on [[January 1]], [[1994]]. The same day, the [[Zapatista Army of National Liberation]] (EZLN) started a two-week-lived armed rebellion against the federal government, and has continued as a non-violent opposition movement against neoliberalism and [[globalization]]. In [[December 1994]], a month after Salinas was succeeded by [[Ernesto Zedillo]], the [[1994 economic crisis in Mexico|Mexican economy collapsed]], with a rapid rescue packaged authorized by U.S. [[Bill Clinton|President Bill Clinton]] and major macroeconomic reforms started by president Zedillo, the economy rapidly recovered and growth peaked at almost 7% by the end of 1999.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|last=Cruz Vasconcelos|first=Gerardo|title=Desempeño Histórico 1914–2004|url=http://www.imef.org.mx/NR/rdonlyres/F722BEDD-A8DE-49BA-AF4F-1A00889CE618/1192/CAPITULOI1.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-02-17}}</ref> In [[2000]], after 71 years, the PRI lost a presidential election to [[Vicente Fox]] of the opposition National Action Party (PAN). In the subsequent presidential elections, Felipe Calderón from the PAN was declared the winner, with a razor-thin margin over leftist politician [[Andrés Manuel López Obrador]] of the [[Party of the Democratic Revolution]] (PRD). López Obrador, however, [[Mexican general election 2006 controversies|contested the election]] and pledged to create an "alternative government".<ref>{{es icon}} {{Harvard reference|last=Reséndiz|first=Francisco|title=Rinde AMLO protesta como "presidente legítimo"|journal=El Universal|year=2006|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/389114.html}}</ref> |
In the 1980s, first cracks in the political monopolistic position of PRI were seen such as the election of [[Ernesto Ruffo Appel]] in [[Governor of Baja California|Baja California]] and the 1988 [[electoral fraud]], which prevented leftist candidate [[Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas]] from winning the national presidential elections, who lost to [[Carlos Salinas de Gortari]], leading to massive protests in Mexico City.<ref>[http://www.photius.com/countries/mexico/government/mexico_government_the_1988_elections.html Photius Geographic.org, "Mexico The 1988 Elections", (Sources: The Library of the Congress Country Studies, CIA World Factbook)]</ref> Salinas embarked on a program of [[neoliberalism|neoliberal]] reforms which fixed the exchange rate, controlled inflation and culminated with the signing of the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA), which came into effect on [[January 1]], [[1994]]. The same day, the [[Zapatista Army of National Liberation]] (EZLN) started a two-week-lived armed rebellion against the federal government, and has continued as a non-violent opposition movement against [[neoliberalism]] and [[globalization]]. In [[December 1994]], a month after Salinas was succeeded by [[Ernesto Zedillo]], the [[1994 economic crisis in Mexico|Mexican economy collapsed]], with a rapid rescue packaged authorized by U.S. [[Bill Clinton|President Bill Clinton]] and major macroeconomic reforms started by president Zedillo, the economy rapidly recovered and growth peaked at almost 7% by the end of 1999.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web | last = Cruz Vasconcelos | first = Gerardo | title = Desempeño Histórico 1914–2004 | url= http://www.imef.org.mx/NR/rdonlyres/F722BEDD-A8DE-49BA-AF4F-1A00889CE618/1192/CAPITULOI1.pdf | format=PDF|accessdate = 2007-02-17}}</ref> In [[2000]], after 71 years, the PRI lost a presidential election to [[Vicente Fox]] of the opposition [[National Action Party (Mexico)|National Action Party]] (PAN). In the subsequent presidential elections, [[Felipe Calderón]] from the PAN was declared the winner, with a razor-thin margin over leftist politician [[Andrés Manuel López Obrador]] of the [[Party of the Democratic Revolution]] (PRD). López Obrador, however, [[Mexican general election 2006 controversies|contested the election]] and pledged to create an "alternative government".<ref>{{es icon}} {{Harvard reference| last=Reséndiz| first=Francisco| title=Rinde AMLO protesta como "presidente legítimo"| journal=El Universal|year=2006|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/389114.html}}</ref> |
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== Administrative divisions == |
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==Geography and climate== |
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{| float="right" class="infobox" |
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|{{Mexico labeled map}} |
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|} |
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{{main|Political divisions of Mexico|Mexican state name etymologies}} |
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The '''United Mexican States''' are a federation of [[Mexican state|thirty-one free and sovereign states]], which form a union that exercises jurisdiction over the [[Mexican Federal District|Federal District]] and other [[Territory (administrative division)|territories]]. Each state has its own Constitution and [[Congress]], as well as a judiciary, and its citizens elect by [[direct vote|direct voting]], a [[List of Mexican state governors|governor]] for a six-year term, as well as representatives to their respective state congresses, for three-year terms.<ref>{{cite web|title=Article 116|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> |
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The states are also divided into [[Municipalities of Mexico|municipalities]], the smallest official political entity in the country, governed by a [[mayor|mayor or "municipal president"]], elected by its residents by plurality.<ref>{{cite web|title=Article 115|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Municipalities can be further subdivided into non-autonomous [[boroughs of Mexico|boroughs]] or in semi-autonomous auxiliary presidencies. |
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Constitutionally, Mexico City, as the capital and seat of the federal powers, is the Federal District, a special political division that belongs to the federation as a whole and not to a particular state, and as such, has more limited local rule than the nation's states.<ref>{{cite web|title=Article 112|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Since [[1987]], it has progressively gained a greater degree of autonomy, and residents now elect a [[Head of Government of the Federal District|head of government]] and representatives of a [[Legislative Assembly]] directly. Unlike the states, the Federal District does not have a Constitution but a statute of government. Mexico City is ''conterminous'' and ''coextensive'' with the Federal District. |
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{| class="toc" border="0" style="width:100%; font-size:90%" |
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|- |
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! colspan="8" style="background:#629BAB; color:white; font-weight:bold" | Administrative Divisions of Mexico |
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|- align=center style="font-weight:bold" |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%" | State |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%" | Capital |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%" | State |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%" | Capital |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%" | State |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%" | Capital |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%" | State |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%" | Capital |
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|- |
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| {{flag|Aguascalientes}} |
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| [[Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes|Aguascalientes]] |
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| {{flagcountry|Mexican Federal District|name=Federal District}} |
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| [[Mexico City]] |
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| {{flag|Morelos}} |
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| [[Cuernavaca]] |
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| {{flag|Sinaloa}} |
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| [[Culiacán]] |
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|- |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Baja California}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Mexicali]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Durango}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Durango, Durango|Durango]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Nayarit}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Tepic]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Sonora}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Hermosillo]] |
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|- |
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| {{flag|Baja California Sur}} |
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| [[La Paz, Baja California Sur|La Paz]] |
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| {{flag|Guanajuato}} |
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| [[Guanajuato, Guanajuato|Guanajuato]] |
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| {{flag|Nuevo León}} |
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| [[Monterrey]] |
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| {{flag|Tabasco}} |
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| [[Villahermosa]] |
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|- |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Campeche}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Campeche, Campeche|Campeche]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Guerrero}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Chilpancingo]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Oaxaca}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Oaxaca, Oaxaca|Oaxaca]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Tamaulipas}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Ciudad Victoria]] |
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|- |
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| {{flag|Chiapas}} |
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| [[Tuxtla Gutiérrez]] |
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| {{flag|Hidalgo}} |
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| [[Pachuca, Hidalgo|Pachuca]] |
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| {{flag|Puebla}} |
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| [[Puebla, Puebla|Puebla]] |
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| {{flag|Tlaxcala}} |
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| [[Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala|Tlaxcala]] |
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|- |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Chihuahua}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Chihuahua, Chihuahua|Chihuahua]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Jalisco}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Guadalajara]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Querétaro}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Querétaro, Querétaro|Querétaro]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Veracruz}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Xalapa]] |
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|- |
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| {{flag|Coahuila}} |
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| [[Saltillo]] |
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| {{flagcountry|México (state)|name=Mexico State}} |
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| [[Toluca]] |
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| {{flag|Quintana Roo}} |
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| [[Chetumal]] |
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| {{flag|Yucatán}} |
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| [[Mérida, Yucatán|Mérida]] |
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|- |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Colima}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Colima, Colima|Colima]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Michoacán}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Morelia]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|San Luis Potosí}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]] |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | {{flag|Zacatecas}} |
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| style="background:#f0f0f0" | [[Zacatecas, Zacatecas|Zacatecas]] |
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|} |
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== Geography and climate == |
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{{main|Geography of Mexico}} |
{{main|Geography of Mexico}} |
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[[File:Mexfromspace.PNG|thumb|A picture of Mexico as seen from outer space]] |
[[File:Mexfromspace.PNG|thumb|left|A picture of Mexico as seen from outer space.]] |
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Mexico is located at about 23° N and 102° W<ref>Francaviglia, Richard V. [http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/prelude/geo_geography_and_climate.html "Geography and climate"], ''U.S. Mexican War, 1846-1848.'' March 14, 2006: PBS / KERA</ref> in the southern portion of North America.<ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/Mexico#Dictionary Mexico] ''[http://www.bartleby.com/am/ The American Heritage Reference Collection]'', et al.</ref><ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/69/71/M06671.html Mexico] ''[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ The Columbia Encyclopedia]''</ref> Almost all of Mexico lies in the [[North American Plate]], with small parts of the [[Baja California peninsula]] on the [[Pacific Plate|Pacific]] and [[Cocos Plate]]s. [[Geophysics|Geophysically]], some geographers include the territory east of the [[Isthmus of Tehuantepec]] (around 12% of the total) within [[Central America]].<ref>Nord-Amèrica, in ''[http://www.grec.cat Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana]</ref> [[Geopolitics|Geopolitically]], however, Mexico is entirely considered part of North America along with Canada and the United States.<ref>[http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/ites/0504/ijee/larson.htm "Geopolitics Oil and Natural Gas", by Alan Larson, US Undersecretary for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs]</ref><ref>[http://nacts.asu.edu/files/u1/NQRno6.pdf "Transportation and Security in North America", NACTS North American Center for Transborder Studies, University of Arizona]</ref> |
Mexico is located at about 23° N and 102° W<ref>Francaviglia, Richard V. [http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/prelude/geo_geography_and_climate.html "Geography and climate"], ''U.S. Mexican War, 1846-1848.'' March 14, 2006: PBS / KERA</ref> in the southern portion of North America.<ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/Mexico#Dictionary Mexico] ''[http://www.bartleby.com/am/ The American Heritage Reference Collection]'', et al.</ref><ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/69/71/M06671.html Mexico] ''[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ The Columbia Encyclopedia]''</ref> Almost all of Mexico lies in the [[North American Plate]], with small parts of the [[Baja California peninsula]] on the [[Pacific Plate|Pacific]] and [[Cocos Plate]]s. [[Geophysics|Geophysically]], some geographers include the territory east of the [[Isthmus of Tehuantepec]] (around 12% of the total) within [[Central America]].<ref>Nord-Amèrica, in ''[http://www.grec.cat Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana]</ref> [[Geopolitics|Geopolitically]], however, Mexico is entirely considered part of North America along with Canada and the United States.<ref>[http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/ites/0504/ijee/larson.htm "Geopolitics Oil and Natural Gas", by Alan Larson, US Undersecretary for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs]</ref><ref>[http://nacts.asu.edu/files/u1/NQRno6.pdf "Transportation and Security in North America", NACTS North American Center for Transborder Studies, University of Arizona]</ref> |
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Mexico's total area is 1,972,550 km², making it the world's 14th largest country by total area, and includes approximately 6,000 km² of islands in the Pacific Ocean (including the remote [[Guadalupe Island]] and the [[Revillagigedo Islands]]), Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and [[Gulf of California]]. On its north, [[Mexico–United States border|Mexico shares a 3,141 km border with the United States]]. The meandering Río Bravo del Norte (known as the [[Rio Grande]] in the United States) defines the border from [[Ciudad Juárez]] east to the Gulf of Mexico. A series of natural and artificial markers delineate the United States-Mexican border west from Ciudad Juárez to the Pacific Ocean. On its south, Mexico shares an 871 km border with Guatemala and a 251 km border with Belize. |
Mexico's total area is 1,972,550 km², making it the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|world's 14th largest country by total area]], and includes approximately 6,000 km² of islands in the [[Pacific Ocean]] (including the remote [[Guadalupe Island]] and the [[Revillagigedo Islands]]), [[Gulf of Mexico]], [[Caribbean Sea]], and [[Gulf of California]]. On its north, [[Mexico–United States border|Mexico shares a 3,141 km border with the United States]]. The meandering Río Bravo del Norte (known as the [[Rio Grande]] in the United States) defines the border from [[Ciudad Juárez]] east to the Gulf of Mexico. A series of natural and artificial markers delineate the United States-Mexican border west from Ciudad Juárez to the Pacific Ocean. On its south, Mexico shares an 871 km border with Guatemala and a 251 km border with Belize. |
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=== Topography === |
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[[File:SierraMadredelsur.jpg|thumb|left|Mountain range in south central Mexico.]] |
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Mexico is crossed from north to south by two mountain ranges known as [[Sierra Madre Oriental]] and [[Sierra Madre Occidental]], which are the extension of the [[Rocky Mountains]] from northern North America. From east to west at the center, the country is crossed by the [[Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt]] also known as the ''Sierra Nevada''. A fourth mountain range, the [[Sierra Madre del Sur]], runs from [[Michoacán]] to [[Oaxaca]]. As such, the majority of the Mexican central and northern territories are located at high altitudes, and the highest elevations are found at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt: [[Pico de Orizaba]] (5,700 m), [[Popocatépetl]] (5,462 m) and [[Iztaccíhuatl]] (5,286 m) and the [[Nevado de Toluca]] (4,577 m). Three major urban agglomerations are located in the valleys between these four elevations: [[Toluca]], [[Greater Mexico City]] and [[Puebla, Puebla|Puebla]]. <ref>http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Mexico-TOPOGRAPHY.html "Mexico Topography</ref> |
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=== Climate === |
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[[File: |
[[File:Tequila WHS.jpg|thumb|right|A field in the state of Jalisco]] |
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Mexico is crossed from north to south by two mountain ranges known as [[Sierra Madre Oriental]] and [[Sierra Madre Occidental]], which are the extension of the [[Rocky Mountains]] from northern North America. From east to west at the center, the country is crossed by the [[Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt]] also known as the ''Sierra Nevada''. A fourth mountain range, the [[Sierra Madre del Sur]], runs from [[Michoacán]] to [[Oaxaca]]. As such, the majority of the Mexican central and northern territories are located at high altitudes, and the highest elevations are found at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt: [[Pico de Orizaba]] (5,700 m), [[Popocatépetl]] (5,462 m) and [[Iztaccíhuatl]] (5,286 m) and the [[Nevado de Toluca]] (4,577 m). Three major urban agglomerations are located in the valleys between these four elevations: Toluca, [[Greater Mexico City]] and Puebla. <ref>http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Mexico-TOPOGRAPHY.html "Mexico Topography</ref> |
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[[File:Mexico Climate.png|thumb|left|240px|Updated Köppen-Geiger climate map<ref>{{cite journal | author=Peel, M. C. and Finlayson, B. L. and McMahon, T. A. | year=2007 | title= Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification | journal=Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. | volume=11 | pages=1633–1644 | url=http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.html | issn = 1027-5606}} ''<small>(direct: [http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf Final Revised Paper])</small>''</ref> |
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===Climate=== |
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[[File:Tequila WHS.jpg|thumb|A field in the state of Jalisco]] |
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[[File:Mexico Climate.png|thumb|240px|Updated Köppen-Geiger climate map<ref>{{cite journal|author=Peel, M. C. and Finlayson, B. L. and McMahon, T. A.|year=2007|title=Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification|journal=Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci.|volume=11|pages=1633–1644|url=http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.html|issn=1027-5606}} ''<small>(direct: [http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf Final Revised Paper])</small>''</ref> |
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{{legend|#0000FE|[[equatorial climate|Af]]}} |
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{{legend|#0077FF|[[monsoon climate|Am]]}} |
{{legend|#0077FF|[[monsoon climate|Am]]}} |
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{{legend|#46A9FA|[[tropical savanna climate|Aw]]}} |
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{{legend|#FE0000|[[desert climate|BWh]]}} |
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{{legend|#FE9695|[[desert climate|BWk]]}} |
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{{legend|#F5A301|[[semi-arid climate|BSh]]}} |
{{legend|#F5A301|[[semi-arid climate|BSh]]}} |
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{{legend|#FFDB63|[[semi-arid climate|BSk]]}} |
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{{legend|#FFFF00|[[Mediterranean climate|Csa]]}} |
{{legend|#FFFF00|[[Mediterranean climate|Csa]]}} |
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{{legend|#C6C700|[[Mediterranean climate|Csb]]}} |
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{{legend|#96FF96|[[humid subtropical climate|Cwa]]}} |
{{legend|#96FF96|[[humid subtropical climate|Cwa]]}} |
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{{legend|#63C764|[[oceanic climate|Cwb]]}} |
{{legend|#63C764|[[oceanic climate|Cwb]]}} |
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{{legend|#C6FF4E|Cfa}} |
{{legend|#C6FF4E|[[Humid subtropical climate|Cfa]]}} |
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{{legend|#66FF33|[[oceanic climate|Cfb]]}} |
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{{legend|#33C701|[[oceanic climate|Cfc]]}} |
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Many parts of Mexico, particularly the north, have a dry climate with sporadic rainfall while parts of the tropical lowlands in the south average more than 200 cm of annual precipitation. |
Many parts of Mexico, particularly the north, have a dry climate with sporadic rainfall while parts of the tropical lowlands in the south average more than 200 cm of annual precipitation. |
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===Biodiversity=== |
=== Biodiversity === |
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[[File:Standing jaguar.jpg|thumb|The [[jaguar]], a native mammal of Mexico]] |
[[File:Standing jaguar.jpg|thumb|The [[jaguar]], a native mammal of Mexico.]] |
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Mexico is one of the 18 [[megadiverse countries]] of the world. With over 200,000 different species, Mexico is home of 10–12% of the world's biodiversity.<ref name="SEMARNAT">{{cite web|title=Biodiversidad de México|publisher=SEMARNAT|url=http://cruzadabosquesagua.semarnat.gob.mx/iii.html|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Mexico ranks first in biodiversity in [[reptile]]s with 707 known species, second in mammals with 438 species, fourth in [[amphibian]]s with 290 species, and fourth in flora, with 26,000 different species.<ref>{{cite web|title=Biodiversidad en México|publisher=CONEVYT|url=http://oregon.conevyt.org.mx/actividades/diversidad/lectura_biodiversidad.htm|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Mexico is also considered the second country in the world in [[ecosystem]]s and fourth in overall species.<ref name="SNIB"/> Approximately 2,500 species are protected by Mexican legislations.<ref name="SNIB">{{cite web|title=Sistema Nacional sobre la Biodiversidad en México|publisher=CONABIO|url=http://www.conabio.gob.mx/institucion/snib/doctos/acerca.html|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> The Mexican government created the National System of Information about Biodiversity, in order to study and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems. |
Mexico is one of the 18 [[megadiverse countries]] of the world. With over 200,000 different species, Mexico is home of 10–12% of the world's biodiversity.<ref name="SEMARNAT">{{cite web|title=Biodiversidad de México|publisher=SEMARNAT|url=http://cruzadabosquesagua.semarnat.gob.mx/iii.html|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Mexico ranks first in biodiversity in [[reptile]]s with 707 known species, second in mammals with 438 species, fourth in [[amphibian]]s with 290 species, and fourth in flora, with 26,000 different species.<ref>{{cite web|title=Biodiversidad en México|publisher=CONEVYT|url=http://oregon.conevyt.org.mx/actividades/diversidad/lectura_biodiversidad.htm|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Mexico is also considered the second country in the world in [[ecosystem]]s and fourth in overall species.<ref name="SNIB"/> Approximately 2,500 species are protected by Mexican legislations.<ref name="SNIB">{{cite web|title=Sistema Nacional sobre la Biodiversidad en México|publisher=CONABIO|url=http://www.conabio.gob.mx/institucion/snib/doctos/acerca.html|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> The Mexican government created the National System of Information about Biodiversity, in order to study and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems. |
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In Mexico, 170,000 square kilometres are considered "Protected Natural Areas." These include 34 reserve biospheres (unaltered ecosystems), 64 national parks, 4 natural monuments (protected in perpetuity for their aesthetic, scientific or historical value), 26 areas of protected flora and fauna, 4 areas for natural resource protection (conservation of soil, hydrological basins and forests) and 17 sanctuaries (zones rich in diverse species).<ref name="SEMARNAT"/> |
In Mexico, 170,000 square kilometres are considered "Protected Natural Areas." These include 34 reserve biospheres (unaltered ecosystems), 64 national parks, 4 natural monuments (protected in perpetuity for their aesthetic, scientific or historical value), 26 areas of protected flora and fauna, 4 areas for natural resource protection (conservation of soil, hydrological basins and forests) and 17 sanctuaries (zones rich in diverse species).<ref name="SEMARNAT"/> |
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The discovery of the Americas brought to the rest of the world many widely used [[Agriculture|food crop]]s and [[edible plants]]. Some of Mexico's native [[Culinary art|culinary]] ingredients include: chocolate, tomato, maize, vanilla, avocado, guava, [[chayote]], [[Dysphania ambrosioides|epazote]], [[Sweet potato|camote]], [[jícama]], [[nopal]], [[Crataegus pubescens|tejocote]], [[Corn smut|huitlacoche]], [[sapote]], [[mamey sapote]], many varieties of |
The discovery of the Americas brought to the rest of the world many widely used [[Agriculture|food crop]]s and [[edible plants]]. Some of Mexico's native [[Culinary art|culinary]] ingredients include: [[chocolate]], [[tomato]], [[maize]], [[vanilla]], [[avocado]], [[guava]], [[chayote]], [[Dysphania ambrosioides|epazote]], [[Sweet potato|camote]], [[jícama]], [[nopal]], [[Crataegus pubescens|tejocote]], [[Corn smut|huitlacoche]], [[sapote]], [[mamey sapote]], many varieties of [[bean]]s, and an even greater variety of [[Chili pepper|chiles]], such as the [[Habanero]]. Most of these names come from indigenous languages like [[Nahuatl]]. |
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==Government and politics== |
== Government and politics == |
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{{Politics of Mexico}} |
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{{main|Politics of Mexico}}<!--Please add new information to relevant articles of the series--> |
{{main|Politics of Mexico}}<!--Please add new information to relevant articles of the series--> |
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[[File:MexCity-palacio.jpg|thumb|200px|The National palace, symbolic seat of the Executive]] |
[[File:MexCity-palacio.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The [[National Palace (Mexico)|National palace]], symbolic seat of the Executive]] |
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The United Mexican States are a federation whose government is |
The United Mexican States are a federation whose government is representative, democratic and republican based on a presidential system according to the 1917 Constitution. The constitution establishes three levels of government: the federal Union, the state governments and the municipal governments. All officials at the three levels are elected by voters through [[Plurality voting system|first-past-the-post]] [[Plurality (voting)|plurality]], [[proportional representation]] or are appointed by other elected officials. |
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The federal government is constituted by the Powers of the Union, the three separate branches of government: |
The federal government is constituted by the Powers of the Union, the three separate branches of government: |
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*[[Legislature|Legislative]]: the bicameral Congress of the Union, composed of a [[Senate of Mexico|Senate]] and a Chamber of Deputies, which makes federal law, declares war, imposes taxes, approves the national budget and international treaties, and ratifies diplomatic appointments.<ref name="congress">{{cite web|title=Articles 50 to 79|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> |
* [[Legislature|Legislative]]: the bicameral [[Congress of Mexico|Congress of the Union]], composed of a [[Senate of Mexico|Senate]] and a [[Chamber of Deputies (Mexico)|Chamber of Deputies]], which makes federal law, declares war, imposes taxes, approves the national budget and international treaties, and ratifies diplomatic appointments.<ref name="congress">{{cite web|title=Articles 50 to 79|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> |
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*[[Executive (government)|Executive]]: the President of the United Mexican States, who is the [[head of state]] and [[head of government|government]], as well as the [[commander-in-chief]] of the Mexican military forces. The President also appoints, with Senate approval, the [[Mexican Executive Cabinet|Cabinet]] and other officers. The President is responsible for executing and enforcing the law, and has the authority of vetoing bills.<ref>{{cite web|title=Articles 80 to 93|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> |
* [[Executive (government)|Executive]]: the [[President of Mexico|President of the United Mexican States]], who is the [[head of state]] and [[head of government|government]], as well as the [[commander-in-chief]] of the Mexican military forces. The President also appoints, with Senate approval, the [[Mexican Executive Cabinet|Cabinet]] and other officers. The President is responsible for executing and enforcing the law, and has the authority of vetoing bills.<ref>{{cite web|title=Articles 80 to 93|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> |
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*[[Judiciary]]: The [[Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation|Supreme Court of Justice]], comprised by eleven judges appointed by the President with Senate approval, who interpret laws and judge cases of federal competency. Other institutions of the judiciary are the Electoral Tribunal, collegiate, unitary and district tribunals, and the Council of the Federal Judiciary.<ref>{{cite web|title=Articles 90 to 107|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> |
* [[Judiciary]]: The [[Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation|Supreme Court of Justice]], comprised by eleven judges appointed by the President with Senate approval, who interpret laws and judge cases of federal competency. Other institutions of the judiciary are the Electoral Tribunal, collegiate, unitary and district tribunals, and the Council of the Federal Judiciary.<ref>{{cite web|title=Articles 90 to 107|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref>. |
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[[File:Vicente Fox Congreso.jpg|left|thumb |
[[File:Vicente Fox Congreso.jpg|left|thumb|Mexican Congress]] |
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All elected executive officials are elected by plurality (first-past-the-post). Seats to the legislature are elected by plurality and proportional representation at the federal and state level.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Third Title, First Chapter, About Electoral systems|work=Código Federal de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales (Federal Code of Electoral Institutions and Procedures)|date=1990-08-15|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://normateca.ife.org.mx/normanet/files_otros/COFIPE/cofipe.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> The Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of the Union is conformed by 300 deputies elected by plurality and 200 deputies by proportional representation with [[closed list|closed party lists]]<ref name="COFIPE_congreso">{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Third Title, First Chapter, About Electoral systems, Article 11-1|work=Código Federal de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales (Federal Code of Electoral Institutions and Procedures)|date=1990-08-15|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://normateca.ife.org.mx/normanet/files_otros/COFIPE/cofipe.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> for which the country is divided into 5 electoral constituencies or circumscriptions.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Fourth Title, Second Chapter, About coalitions, Article 59-1|work=Código Federal de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales (Federal Code of Electoral Institutions and Procedures)|date=1990-08-15|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://normateca.ife.org.mx/normanet/files_otros/COFIPE/cofipe.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> The Senate is conformed by a total of 128 senators: 64 senators, two per state and the Federal District elected by plurality in pairs; 32 senators assigned to the first minority or first-runner up (one per state and the Federal District), and 32 elected by proportional representation with closed party lists for which the country conforms a single electoral constituency.<ref name="COFIPE_congreso" /> |
All elected executive officials are elected by [[plurality voting system|plurality]] (first-past-the-post). Seats to the legislature are elected by plurality and [[proportional representation]] at the federal and state level.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Third Title, First Chapter, About Electoral systems|work=Código Federal de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales (Federal Code of Electoral Institutions and Procedures)|date=1990-08-15|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://normateca.ife.org.mx/normanet/files_otros/COFIPE/cofipe.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> The Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of the Union is conformed by 300 deputies elected by plurality and 200 deputies by proportional representation with [[closed list|closed party lists]]<ref name="COFIPE_congreso">{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Third Title, First Chapter, About Electoral systems, Article 11-1|work=Código Federal de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales (Federal Code of Electoral Institutions and Procedures)|date=1990-08-15|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://normateca.ife.org.mx/normanet/files_otros/COFIPE/cofipe.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> for which the country is divided into 5 electoral constituencies or circumscriptions.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Fourth Title, Second Chapter, About coalitions, Article 59-1|work=Código Federal de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales (Federal Code of Electoral Institutions and Procedures)|date=1990-08-15|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://normateca.ife.org.mx/normanet/files_otros/COFIPE/cofipe.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> The Senate is conformed by a total of 128 senators: 64 senators, two per state and the Federal District elected by plurality in pairs; 32 senators assigned to the first minority or first-runner up (one per state and the Federal District), and 32 elected by proportional representation with closed party lists for which the country conforms a single electoral constituency.<ref name="COFIPE_congreso" /> |
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According to the constitution, all constituent states must have a republican form of government composed of three branches: the executive, represented by a governor and an appointed cabinet, the legislative branch constituted by a unicameral congress and the judiciary, also called a Supreme Court of Justice. They also have their own civil and judicial codes. |
According to the constitution, all constituent states must have a republican form of government composed of three branches: the executive, represented by a governor and an appointed cabinet, the legislative branch constituted by a unicameral congress and the judiciary, also called a Supreme Court of Justice. They also have their own civil and judicial codes. |
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In the 2006–2009 Congress of the Union, eight parties are therein represented; five of them, however, have not received neither in this nor in previous congresses more than 4% of the national votes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parliamentary Groups Composition|date=2006-09-20|publisher=Chamber of Deputies of the Honorable Congress of the Union|url=http://www3.diputados.gob.mx/camara/001_diputados/005_grupos_|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> The other three parties have historically been the dominant parties in Mexican politics: |
In the 2006–2009 Congress of the Union, eight parties are therein represented; five of them, however, have not received neither in this nor in previous congresses more than 4% of the national votes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parliamentary Groups Composition|date=2006-09-20|publisher=Chamber of Deputies of the Honorable Congress of the Union|url=http://www3.diputados.gob.mx/camara/001_diputados/005_grupos_|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> The other three parties have historically been the dominant parties in Mexican politics: |
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*[[File:PAN party.png|18px]] National Action Party (''Partido Acción Nacional'', PAN): a center-right conservative party founded in 1939. The PAN became a plurality in the Mexican government through elections to ended about 70 years of non-majority rule in the late 1990s and 2000's. |
* [[File:PAN party.png|18px]] [[National Action Party (Mexico)|National Action Party]] (''Partido Acción Nacional'', PAN): a center-right conservative party founded in 1939. The PAN became a plurality in the Mexican government through elections to ended about 70 years of non-majority rule in the late 1990s and 2000's. |
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*[[File:PRI party.png|18px]] Institutional Revolutionary Party (''Partido Revolucionario Institucional'', PRI): a center-left party that ascribes to [[social democracy]], founded in 1929 to unite all the factions of the Mexican Revolution. Prominent left-wing Mexican politicians have been members of the party. It has some traits associated with center-right parties however. |
* [[File:PRI party.png|18px]] [[Institutional Revolutionary Party]] (''Partido Revolucionario Institucional'', PRI): a center-left party that ascribes to [[social democracy]], founded in 1929 to unite all the factions of the [[Mexican Revolution]]. Prominent left-wing Mexican politicians have been members of the party. It has some traits associated with center-right parties however. |
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*[[File:PRD party.png|18px]] Party of the Democratic Revolution (''Partido de la Revolución Democrática'', PRD): a center-left party founded in 1989 by the coalition of socialists and liberal parties, the [[National Democratic Front (Mexico)|National Democratic Front]] which had presented the candidacy of Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas in the 1988 elections. |
* [[File:PRD party.png|18px]] [[Party of the Democratic Revolution]] (''Partido de la Revolución Democrática'', PRD): a center-left party founded in 1989 by the coalition of socialists and liberal parties, the [[National Democratic Front (Mexico)|National Democratic Front]] which had presented the candidacy of [[Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas]] in the 1988 elections. |
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The PRI held an almost hegemonic power in Mexican politics since 1929. Since 1977 consecutive electoral reforms allowed opposition parties to win more posts at the local and federal level. This process culminated in the 2000 presidential elections in which Vicente Fox, candidate of the PAN, became the first non-PRI president to be elected in 71 years. |
The PRI held an almost hegemonic power in Mexican politics since 1929. Since 1977 consecutive electoral reforms allowed opposition parties to win more posts at the local and federal level. This process culminated in the 2000 presidential elections in which [[Vicente Fox]], candidate of the PAN, became the first non-PRI president to be elected in 71 years. |
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In 2006, Felipe Calderón of the PAN faced Andrés Manuel López Obrador of the PRD in a [[Mexican general election, 2006|very close election]] (0.58% difference), in a system without a second-ballot. On September 6, 2006, Felipe Calderón was declared [[President-elect]] by the electoral tribunal. His cabinet was sworn in at midnight on December 1, 2006 and Calderón was handed the presidential sash by outgoing Vicente Fox at [[Los Pinos]]. He was officially sworn as President on the morning of December 1, 2006 in Congress. |
In 2006, Felipe Calderón of the PAN faced [[Andrés Manuel López Obrador]] of the PRD in a [[Mexican general election, 2006|very close election]] (0.58% difference), in a system without a second-ballot. On September 6, 2006, [[Felipe Calderón]] was declared [[President-elect]] by the electoral tribunal. His cabinet was sworn in at midnight on December 1, 2006 and Calderón was handed the presidential sash by outgoing Vicente Fox at [[Los Pinos]]. He was officially sworn as President on the morning of December 1, 2006 in [[Congress of Mexico|Congress]]. |
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== Foreign relations and military == |
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==Administrative divisions== |
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{{main|Foreign relations of Mexico|Military of Mexico|Mexican Army|Mexican Air Force|Mexican Navy}} |
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[[File:North American Summit Calderon Harper.jpg|left|thumb|President [[Felipe Calderón|Calderón]] and Canadian Prime Minister [[Stephen Harper|Harper]] at the 2007 [[North American Leaders' Summit]].]] |
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|{{Mexico labeled map}} |
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The [[foreign policy]] of Mexico is directed by the [[President of Mexico|President]]<ref name="CPEUM89">{{cite web | author={{sp icon}} Political Constitution of the United Mexican States | title=Article 89, Section 10 | date=February 5, 1917 | publisher=Chamber of Deputies | url=http://www.cddhcu.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/1.pdf | accessdate=March 28, 2009}}</ref> and managed through the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mexico)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]],<ref name="SRE">{{cite web | author={{sp icon}} Internal Rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs | title=Article 2, Section 1 | date=August 10, 2001 | publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs | url=http://www.sre.gob.mx/acerca/marco_normativo/reglamento.htm#1 | accessdate=March 28, 2009}}</ref> whose constitutionally recognized principles are: respect for [[international law]] and [[Sovereign state|legal equality of states]], their [[sovereignty]] and [[independence]], [[non-intervention]], [[Dispute resolution|peaceful resolution of conflicts]] and promotion of [[international security|collective security]] through active participation in [[international organizations]].<ref name="CPEUM89"/> Since the 1930s, the [[Estrada Doctrine]] has served as a crucial complement to these principles.<ref name=estradadoctrine>{{sp icon}} {{cite web | last=Palacios Treviño | first=Jorge | title=La Doctrina Estrada y el Principio de la No-Intervención | url=http://www.diplomaticosescritores.org/obras/DOCTRINAESTRADA.pdf | accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> The [[Foreign policy|foreign relations]] of Mexico have been focused primarily on the [[United States]] and its historically tied neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the [[20th century]], Mexico developed a foreign policy based on [[regional power|hemispheric prestige]]. However, in the [[second millennium]], former President [[Vicente Fox]] adopted a [[Castañeda Doctrine|new foreign policy]] that called for an openness and an acceptance of criticism from the [[international community]] and the increase of Mexican involvement in [[foreign affairs]], as well as a further integration towards its northern neighbors.<ref name="politicalaffairs">{{cite web | author=Larry Birns and Michael Lettieri | title=Mexican President Fox Chooses U.S. Over Latin America | date=June 27, 2006 | publisher=Political Affairs | url=http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/view/3707/1/194/ | accessdate=March 28, 2009}}</ref> A greater priority to [[Latin America]] and the [[Caribbean]] has been given in the administration of President Felipe Calderón.<ref name="Calderon FP">{{cite web | author={{sp icon}} Dirección General de Coordinación Política | title=Se hará política exterior de Estado: Patricia Espinosa | date=December 2, 2008 | publisher=Senate of the Republic | url=http://www.senado.gob.mx/gace.php?sesion=2008/12/04/1&documento=4 | accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> |
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{{main|Political divisions of Mexico|Mexican state name etymologies}} |
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The '''United Mexican States''' are a federation of [[Mexican state|thirty-one free and sovereign states]], which form a union that exercises jurisdiction over the [[Federal District]] and other [[Territory (administrative division)|territories]]. Each state has its own [[Constitution]] and [[Congress]], as well as a judiciary, and its citizens elect by [[direct vote|direct voting]], a [[List of Mexican state governors|governor]] for a six-year term, as well as representatives to their respective state congresses, for three-year terms.<ref>{{cite web|title=Article 116|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> |
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Historically, Mexico has remained neutral in [[war|international conflicts]].<ref>{{sp icon}} {{cite web | author=Gustavo Iruegas | title=Adiós a la neutralidad | date=April 27, 2007 | publisher=La Jornada | url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/04/27/index.php?section=opinion&article=023a2pol | accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> However, in recent years some political parties have proposed an amendment of the [[Constitution of Mexico|Constitution]] in order to allow the [[Mexican army]], [[Mexican Air Force|air force]] or [[Mexican Navy|navy]] to collaborate with the [[United Nations]] in [[Peacekeeping|peacekeeping missions]], or to provide military help to countries that officially ask for it.<ref name="neutral">{{sp icon}} {{cite web | author=Ricardo Gómez & Andrea Merlos | title=Diputados, en Favor de Derogar Neutralidad en Guerras | date=April 20, 2007 | publisher=El Universal | url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/150273.html | accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> In addition, since the 1990s Mexico has sought a [[Reform of the United Nations Security Council|reform of the United Nations Security Council and its working methods]]<ref>Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2005), p. 215.</ref> with the support of [[Canada]], [[Italy]], [[Pakistan]] and other nine countries, which form a group informally called the [[Coffee Club]].<ref name="coffeeclub">{{cite web | author=Maggie Farley | title=Mexico, Canada Introduce Third Plan to Expand Security Council | date=July 22, 2005 | publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url=http://articles.latimes.com/2005/jul/22/world/fg-unreform22 | accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> As an [[regional power|regional]] and [[world power|emerging power]], Mexico has a significant global presence and is a member of several international organizations and forums such as the [[United Nations]], the [[Organization of American States]], the [[G8+5]], the [[G-20 major economies]], the [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]] and the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]]. |
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The states are also divided into [[Municipalities of Mexico|municipalities]], the smallest official political entity in the country, governed by a [[mayor|mayor or "municipal president"]], elected by its residents by plurality.<ref>{{cite web|title=Article 115|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Municipalities can be further subdivided into non-autonomous [[boroughs of Mexico|boroughs]] or in semi-autonomous auxiliary presidencies. |
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[[File:Marina Michoacán.jpg|thumb|Durango Class Corvettes of the [[Mexican Navy]].]] |
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Constitutionally, Mexico City, as the capital and seat of the federal powers, is the [[Mexican Federal District|Federal District]], a special [[political division]] that belongs to the federation as a whole and not to a particular state, and as such, has more limited local rule than the nation's states.<ref>{{cite web|title=Article 112|work=Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://constitucion.gob.mx/index.php?idseccion=12|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Since [[1987]], it has progressively gained a greater degree of autonomy, and residents now elect a [[Head of Government of the Federal District|head of government]] and representatives of a [[Legislative Assembly]] directly. Unlike the states, the Federal District does not have a Constitution but a statute of government. Mexico City is ''conterminous'' and ''coextensive'' with the Federal District. |
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{|class="toc" border="0" style="width:100%; font-size:90%" |
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|- |
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! colspan="8" style="background:#629BAB; color:white; font-weight:bold"|Administrative Divisions of Mexico |
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|- align=center style="font-weight:bold" |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%"|State |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%"|Capital |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%"|State |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%"|Capital |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%"|State |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%"|Capital |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%"|State |
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! style="background:lavender; width:12.5%"|Capital |
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|- |
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|{{flag|Aguascalientes}} |
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|[[Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes|Aguascalientes]] |
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|{{flagcountry|Mexican Federal District|name=Federal District}} |
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|[[Mexico City]] |
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|{{flag|Morelos}} |
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|[[Cuernavaca]] |
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|{{flag|Sinaloa}} |
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|[[Culiacán]] |
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|- |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Baja California}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Mexicali]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Durango}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Durango, Durango|Durango]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Nayarit}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Tepic]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Sonora}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Hermosillo]] |
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|- |
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|{{flag|Baja California Sur}} |
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|[[La Paz, Baja California Sur|La Paz]] |
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|{{flag|Guanajuato}} |
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|[[Guanajuato, Guanajuato|Guanajuato]] |
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|{{flag|Nuevo León}} |
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|[[Monterrey]] |
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|{{flag|Tabasco}} |
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|[[Villahermosa]] |
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|- |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Campeche}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Campeche, Campeche|Campeche]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Guerrero}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Chilpancingo]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Oaxaca}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Oaxaca, Oaxaca|Oaxaca]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Tamaulipas}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Ciudad Victoria]] |
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|- |
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|{{flag|Chiapas}} |
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|[[Tuxtla Gutiérrez]] |
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|{{flag|Hidalgo}} |
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|[[Pachuca, Hidalgo|Pachuca]] |
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|{{flag|Puebla}} |
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|[[Puebla, Puebla|Puebla]] |
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|{{flag|Tlaxcala}} |
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|[[Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala|Tlaxcala]] |
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|- |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Chihuahua}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Chihuahua, Chihuahua|Chihuahua]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Jalisco}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Guadalajara]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Querétaro}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Querétaro, Querétaro|Querétaro]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Veracruz}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Xalapa]] |
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|- |
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|{{flag|Coahuila}} |
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|[[Saltillo]] |
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|{{flagcountry|México (state)|name=Mexico State}} |
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|[[Toluca]] |
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|{{flag|Quintana Roo}} |
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|[[Chetumal]] |
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|{{flag|Yucatán}} |
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|[[Mérida, Yucatán|Mérida]] |
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|- |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Colima}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Colima, Colima|Colima]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Michoacán}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Morelia]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|San Luis Potosí}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]] |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|{{flag|Zacatecas}} |
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|style="background:#f0f0f0"|[[Zacatecas, Zacatecas|Zacatecas]] |
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|} |
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Mexico has the third largest defense budget in Latin America, with annual military expenditures of USD $24.944 billion or about 1.6% [[GDP]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Global Fire Power World Ranking|publisher=Global Fire Power|url=http://www.globalfirepower.com/list_avail_mil_manpower.asp|accessdate=2007-09-16}}</ref> Mexico's military includes 1,203,777 total personnel including paramilitary forces and military police, of which around 192,770 are active in the frontline.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico Military Strength|publisher=Global Fire Power|url=http://www.globalfirepower.com/country_detail.asp?country_id=28|accessdate=2007-09-16}}</ref> Since the 1990s, when the military escalated its role in the [[Mexican Drug War|war on drugs]], increasing importance has been placed on acquiring airborne surveillance platforms, [[light aircraft]], [[helicopters]] and rapid troop transport.<ref>Strategy on recent equipment purchases: [http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub638.pdf The Mexican Armed Forces in Transition]</ref> The [[Military of Mexico|Mexican Military]] has two branches: the [[Mexican Army]] (which includes the [[Mexican Air Force]]), and the [[Mexican Navy]]. The Mexican armed forces maintain significant infrastructure, including small electronics and weapons testing and research facilities,<ref>[http://www.expreso.com.mx/PortalNovo/sitio/nota.php?cod_idioma=3&cod_conteudo=9320&cod=274&tipoINICIO=&codconteudoINICIO=9320 Mexican Naval missile] (in Spanish)</ref> weapons and vehicle manufacturing centers, and naval dockyards that have the capability of building heavy military vessels.<ref> [http://www.semar.gob.mx/informes/nueva_realidad_2004/pag_20.htm Buque logístico multipropósito] (in Spanish).</ref> These dockyards and facilities have a significant employment and economic impact in the local economies. In recent years, Mexico has improved its training techniques, military command and information structures and has taken steps to becoming more self-reliant in supplying its military by designing as well as manufacturing its own guns,<ref>[http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-15.html The 5.56 X 45mm: 2006.] Retrieved on August 7, 2008.</ref> missiles,<ref>[http://www.expreso.com.mx/PortalNovo/sitio/nota.php?cod_idioma=3&cod_conteudo=9320&cod=274&tipoINICIO=&codconteudoINICIO=9320 Mexican Naval missile] (in Spanish)</ref> [[Hydra Technologies of Mexico|unmanned air vehicles]]<ref> [http://sev.prnewswire.com/airlines-aviation/20070907/MXF00107092007-1.html Hydra Technologies Surprises UAV Industry with Mexican-Made System, Earns Coveted Award at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems North America 2007 Show in D.C.]</ref> and naval ships.<ref>[http://www.semar.gob.mx/boletin/2006/bol_225_06.htm "Mexican navy 2006 activities official report"]</ref> |
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==Foreign relations and military== |
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{{main|Foreign relations of Mexico|Military of Mexico}} |
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[[File:North American Summit Calderon Harper.jpg|thumb|210px|President Calderón and Canadian Prime Minister [[Stephen Harper|Harper]] at the 2007 [[North American Leaders' Summit]]]] |
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The foreign policy of Mexico is directed by the President<ref name="CPEUM89">{{cite web|author={{sp icon}} Political Constitution of the United Mexican States|title=Article 89, Section 10|date=February 5, 1917|publisher=Chamber of Deputies|url=http://www.cddhcu.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/1.pdf|accessdate=March 28, 2009}}</ref> and managed through the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mexico)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]],<ref name="SRE">{{cite web|author={{sp icon}} Internal Rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs|title=Article 2, Section 1|date=August 10, 2001|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs|url=http://www.sre.gob.mx/acerca/marco_normativo/reglamento.htm#1|accessdate=March 28, 2009}}</ref> whose constitutionally recognized principles are: respect for [[international law]] and [[Sovereign state|legal equality of states]], their [[sovereignty]] and [[independence]], [[non-intervention]], [[Dispute resolution|peaceful resolution of conflicts]] and promotion of [[international security|collective security]] through active participation in [[international organizations]].<ref name="CPEUM89"/> Since the 1930s, the [[Estrada Doctrine]] has served as a crucial complement to these principles.<ref name=estradadoctrine>{{sp icon}} {{cite web|last=Palacios Treviño|first=Jorge|title=La Doctrina Estrada y el Principio de la No-Intervención|url=http://www.diplomaticosescritores.org/obras/DOCTRINAESTRADA.pdf|accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> The foreign relations of Mexico have been focused primarily on the United States and its historically tied neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the [[20th century]], Mexico developed a foreign policy based on hemispheric prestige. However, in the [[second millennium]], former President Vicente Fox adopted a [[Castañeda Doctrine|new foreign policy]] that called for an openness and an acceptance of criticism from the [[international community]] and the increase of Mexican involvement in [[foreign affairs]], as well as a further integration towards its northern neighbors.<ref name="politicalaffairs">{{cite web|author=Larry Birns and Michael Lettieri|title=Mexican President Fox Chooses U.S. Over Latin America|date=June 27, 2006|publisher=Political Affairs|url=http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/view/3707/1/194/|accessdate=March 28, 2009}}</ref> A greater priority to Latin America and the Caribbean has been given in the administration of President Felipe Calderón.<ref name="Calderon FP">{{cite web|author={{sp icon}} Dirección General de Coordinación Política|title=Se hará política exterior de Estado: Patricia Espinosa|date=December 2, 2008|publisher=Senate of the Republic|url=http://www.senado.gob.mx/gace.php?sesion=2008/12/04/1&documento=4|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> |
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== Law enforcement == |
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Historically, Mexico has remained neutral in [[war|international conflicts]].<ref>{{sp icon}} {{cite web|author=Gustavo Iruegas|title=Adiós a la neutralidad|date=April 27, 2007|publisher=La Jornada|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/04/27/index.php?section=opinion&article=023a2pol|accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> However, in recent years some political parties have proposed an amendment of the Constitution in order to allow the [[Mexican Army]], [[Mexican Air Force|air force]] or [[Mexican Navy|navy]] to collaborate with the [[United Nations]] in [[Peacekeeping|peacekeeping missions]], or to provide military help to countries that officially ask for it.<ref name="neutral">{{sp icon}} {{cite web|author=Ricardo Gómez & Andrea Merlos|title=Diputados, en Favor de Derogar Neutralidad en Guerras|date=April 20, 2007|publisher=El Universal|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/150273.html|accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> In addition, since the 1990s Mexico has sought a [[Reform of the United Nations Security Council|reform of the United Nations Security Council and its working methods]]<ref>Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2005), p. 215.</ref> with the support of [[Canada]], [[Italy]], [[Pakistan]] and other nine countries, which form a group informally called the [[Coffee Club]].<ref name="coffeeclub">{{cite web|author=Maggie Farley|title=Mexico, Canada Introduce Third Plan to Expand Security Council|date=July 22, 2005|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2005/jul/22/world/fg-unreform22|accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> As a regional and emerging power, Mexico has a significant global presence and is a member of several international organizations and forums such as the United Nations, the [[Organization of American States]], the [[G8+5]], the [[G-20 major economies]], the [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]] and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. |
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[[File:Mexican PFP police.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Mexican Federal Police]].]] |
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Public security is enacted at the three levels of government, each of which has different prerogatives and responsibilities. Local and state police department are primarily in charge of law enforcement, whereas the [[Federal Preventive Police]] is in charge of specialized duties. All levels report to the ''Secretaría de Seguridad Pública'' (Secretariat of Public Security). The General Attorney's Office (''Procuraduría General de la República'', PGR) is the [[executive (government)|executive power]]'s agency in charge of investigating and prosecuting crimes at the federal level, mainly those related to drug and arms trafficking, espionage, and bank robberies.<ref>[http://www.photius.com/countries/mexico/national_security/mexico_national_security_police_and_law_enfor~516.html Mexico Police and Law Enforcement Organizations]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> The PGR operates the [[Federal Investigations Agency]] (''Agencia Federal de Investigación'', AFI) an investigative and preventive agency.<ref>[http://www.pgr.gob.mx/Combate%20a%20la%20Delincuencia/Agencia%20Federal%20de%20Investigacion/Agencia%20Federal%20de%20Investigacion.asp Agencia Federal de Investigacion]. Procuraduría General de la República. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> |
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While the government respects the human rights of most citizens,<ref name=secubrit>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-259831/Mexico Security]. Mexico. [[Encyclopedia Britannica]]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> serious abuses of power have been reported in security operations in indigenous communities and poor urban neighborhoods.<ref name=secubrit/> The National Human Rights Commission has had little impact in reversing this trend, engaging mostly in documentation but failing to use its powers to issue public condemnations to the officials who ignore its recommendations.<ref>[http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10696136 Big, expensive and weirdly spineless]. [[The Economist]]. Issued: 2008-02-14. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> By law, all defendants have the rights that assure them fair trials and human treatment; however, the system is overburdened and overwhelmed with several problems.<ref name=justbrit>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-259829/Mexico Justice]. Mexico. [[Encyclopedia Britannica]]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> Despite the efforts of the authorities to fight crime and fraud, few Mexicans have strong confidence in the police or the judicial system, and therefore, few crimes are actually reported by the citizens.<ref name=justbrit/> In 2008, president Calderón proposed a major reform of the judicial system, which was approved by the Congress of the Union, which included oral trials, the presumption of innocence for defendants, the authority of local police to investigate crime—until then a prerogative of special police units—and several other changes intended to speed up trials.<ref>McKinley, JC Jr. (March 7, 2008) [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/world/americas/07mexico.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Mexico’s Congress Passes Overhaul of Justice Laws]. [[The New York Times]]. Accessed on: 2008-3-18</ref> |
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[[File:Marina Michoacán.jpg|thumb|210px|Durango Class Corvettes of the Mexican Navy]] |
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Mexico has the third largest defense budget in Latin America, with annual military expenditures of [[USD]] $24.944 billion or about 1.6% [[GDP]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Global Fire Power World Ranking|publisher=Global Fire Power|url=http://www.globalfirepower.com/list_avail_mil_manpower.asp|accessdate=2007-09-16}}</ref> Mexico's military includes 1,203,777 total personnel including paramilitary forces and military police, of which around 192,770 are active in the frontline.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico Military Strength|publisher=Global Fire Power|url=http://www.globalfirepower.com/country_detail.asp?country_id=28|accessdate=2007-09-16}}</ref> Since the 1990s, when the military escalated its role in the war on drugs, increasing importance has been placed on acquiring airborne surveillance platforms, [[light aircraft]], [[helicopters]] and rapid troop transport.<ref>Strategy on recent equipment purchases: [http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub638.pdf The Mexican Armed Forces in Transition]</ref> The [[Military of Mexico|Mexican Military]] has two branches: the Mexican Army (which includes the Air Force), and the Mexican Navy. The Mexican armed forces maintain significant infrastructure, including small electronics and weapons testing and research facilities,<ref>[http://www.expreso.com.mx/PortalNovo/sitio/nota.php?cod_idioma=3&cod_conteudo=9320&cod=274&tipoINICIO=&codconteudoINICIO=9320 Mexican Naval missile] (in Spanish)</ref> weapons and vehicle manufacturing centers, and naval dockyards that have the capability of building heavy military vessels.<ref> [http://www.semar.gob.mx/informes/nueva_realidad_2004/pag_20.htm Buque logístico multipropósito] (in Spanish).</ref> These dockyards and facilities have a significant employment and economic impact in the local economies. In recent years, Mexico has improved its training techniques, military command and information structures and has taken steps to becoming more self-reliant in supplying its military by designing as well as manufacturing its own guns,<ref>[http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-15.html The 5.56 X 45mm: 2006.] Retrieved on August 7, 2008.</ref> missiles,<ref>[http://www.expreso.com.mx/PortalNovo/sitio/nota.php?cod_idioma=3&cod_conteudo=9320&cod=274&tipoINICIO=&codconteudoINICIO=9320 Mexican Naval missile] (in Spanish)</ref> [[Hydra Technologies of Mexico|unmanned air vehicles]]<ref> [http://sev.prnewswire.com/airlines-aviation/20070907/MXF00107092007-1.html Hydra Technologies Surprises UAV Industry with Mexican-Made System, Earns Coveted Award at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems North America 2007 Show in D.C.]</ref> and naval ships.<ref>[http://www.semar.gob.mx/boletin/2006/bol_225_06.htm "Mexican navy 2006 activities official report"]</ref> |
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[[File:Policia Federal D.F..jpg|thumb|''Granaderos'' in Mexico City.]] |
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==Law enforcement== |
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Total crimes per capita average 12 per 1,000 people in Mexico, ranking 39 in a survey of 60 countries.<ref>[http://www.nationmaster.com/country/mx-mexico/cri-crime Mexican Crime Statistics]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> Violent crime is a critical issue in Mexico; with a rate of homicide varying from 11 to 14 per 100,000 inhabitants.<ref name=usaid>Sibaja, H et al. (2006). [http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/democracy/mexico_profile.pdf Central America and Mexico Gang Assessment. Annex 4: Southern and Northern Borders of Mexico Profile]. United States Agency of International Development. Accessed: 2008-04-03</ref> [[Mexican Drug War|Drug-traffic and narco-related activities]] are a major concern in Mexico.<ref name=Cartel>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/17/world/main5167018.shtml Mexico Boosts Force in War with Drug Gang]. CBS News. July 17, 2009.</ref> The Mexican [[drug cartel]]s have as many as 100,000 foot soldiers, which is about the size of the Mexican army.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/03/100000-foot-soldiers-in-cartels/ 100,000 foot soldiers in Mexican cartels]. Washington Times. March 3, 2009.</ref> Drug cartels are active in the shared border with the US and police corruption and collusion with drug cartels is a crucial problem.<ref name=usaid/> Current president Felipe Calderón made abating drug-trafficking one of the top priorities of his administration. In a very controversial move, Calderón deployed military personnel to cities where drug cartels operate. While this move has been criticized by the opposition parties and the National Human Rights Commission, its effects have been praised by the [[Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs]] as having obtained "unprecedented results..." with "many important successes".<ref>Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. (2008). [http://www.state.gov/p/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2008/vol1/html/100777.htm International Narcotics Control Strategy Report]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> In October 2007, the president Calderón and US president [[George W. Bush]] announced the [[Mérida Initiative]] a historic plan of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.<ref>Gómez, Natalia (2007). [http://www.el-universal.com.mx/notas/456623.html Otorgará Iniciativa Mérida 500 mdd a México en primer año]. [[El Universal (Mexico)|El Universal]]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> |
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[[File:Mexican PFP police.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Mexican Federal Police]]]] |
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Public security is enacted at the three levels of government, each of which has different prerogatives and responsibilities. Local and state police department are primarily in charge of law enforcement, whereas the [[Federal Preventive Police]] is in charge of specialized duties. All levels report to the ''Secretaría de Seguridad Pública'' (Secretariat of Public Security). The General Attorney's Office (''Procuraduría General de la República'', PGR) is the executive power's agency in charge of investigating and prosecuting crimes at the federal level, mainly those related to drug and arms trafficking, espionage, and bank robberies.<ref>[http://www.photius.com/countries/mexico/national_security/mexico_national_security_police_and_law_enfor~516.html Mexico Police and Law Enforcement Organizations]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> The PGR operates the [[Federal Investigations Agency]] (''Agencia Federal de Investigación'', AFI) an investigative and preventive agency.<ref>[http://www.pgr.gob.mx/Combate%20a%20la%20Delincuencia/Agencia%20Federal%20de%20Investigacion/Agencia%20Federal%20de%20Investigacion.asp Agencia Federal de Investigacion]. Procuraduría General de la República. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> |
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== Economy == |
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While the government respects the human rights of most citizens,<ref name=secubrit>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-259831/Mexico Security]. Mexico. Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> serious abuses of power have been reported in security operations in indigenous communities and poor urban neighborhoods.<ref name=secubrit/> The National Human Rights Commission has had little impact in reversing this trend, engaging mostly in documentation but failing to use its powers to issue public condemnations to the officials who ignore its recommendations.<ref>[http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10696136 Big, expensive and weirdly spineless]. The Economist. Issued: 2008-02-14. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> By law, all defendants have the rights that assure them fair trials and human treatment; however, the system is overburdened and overwhelmed with several problems.<ref name=justbrit>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-259829/Mexico Justice]. Mexico. Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> Despite the efforts of the authorities to fight crime and fraud, few Mexicans have strong confidence in the police or the judicial system, and therefore, few crimes are actually reported by the citizens.<ref name=justbrit/> In 2008, president Calderón proposed a major reform of the judicial system, which was approved by the Congress of the Union, which included oral trials, the presumption of innocence for defendants, the authority of local police to investigate crime—until then a prerogative of special police units—and several other changes intended to speed up trials.<ref>McKinley, JC Jr. (March 7, 2008) [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/world/americas/07mexico.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Mexico’s Congress Passes Overhaul of Justice Laws]. [[The New York Times]]. Accessed on: 2008-3-18</ref> |
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{{Infobox Economy |
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|country = Mexico |
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[[File:Policia Federal D.F..jpg|thumb|''Granaderos'' in Mexico City]] |
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|image = Santa feconj.jpg |
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Total crimes per capita average 12 per 1,000 people in Mexico, ranking 39 in a survey of 60 countries.<ref>[http://www.nationmaster.com/country/mx-mexico/cri-crime Mexican Crime Statistics]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> Violent crime is a critical issue in Mexico; with a rate of homicide varying from 11 to 14 per 100,000 inhabitants.<ref name=usaid>Sibaja, H et al. (2006). [http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/democracy/mexico_profile.pdf Central America and Mexico Gang Assessment. Annex 4: Southern and Northern Borders of Mexico Profile]. United States Agency of International Development. Accessed: 2008-04-03</ref> Drug-traffic and narco-related activities are a major concern in Mexico.<ref name=Cartel>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/17/world/main5167018.shtml Mexico Boosts Force in War with Drug Gang]. CBS News. July 17, 2009.</ref> The Mexican [[drug cartel]]s have as many as 100,000 foot soldiers, which is about the size of the Mexican army.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/03/100000-foot-soldiers-in-cartels/ 100,000 foot soldiers in Mexican cartels]. Washington Times. March 3, 2009.</ref> Drug cartels are active in the shared border with the US and police corruption and collusion with drug cartels is a crucial problem.<ref name=usaid/> Current president Felipe Calderón made abating drug-trafficking one of the top priorities of his administration. In a very controversial move, Calderón deployed military personnel to cities where drug cartels operate. While this move has been criticized by the opposition parties and the National Human Rights Commission, its effects have been praised by the [[Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs]] as having obtained "unprecedented results..." with "many important successes".<ref>Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. (2008). [http://www.state.gov/p/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2008/vol1/html/100777.htm International Narcotics Control Strategy Report]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> In October 2007, the president Calderón and US president [[George W. Bush]] announced the [[Mérida Initiative]] a historic plan of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.<ref>Gómez, Natalia (2007). [http://www.el-universal.com.mx/notas/456623.html Otorgará Iniciativa Mérida 500 mdd a México en primer año]. [[El Universal (Mexico)|El Universal]]. Accessed: 2008-03-04</ref> |
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|width = 260px |
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|caption = Santa Fe, Mexico D.F. |
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==Economy== |
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|currency = [[Mexican peso]] (MXN, $) |
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|year = calendar |
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|organs = [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation|APEC]], [[Caribbean Community|CARICOM]], [[North American Free Trade Agreement|NAFTA]], [[Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]] and [[World Trade Organization|WTO]] |
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|rank = 11th |
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|gdp = $1,559 billion<ref name="CIA World Factbook GDP PPP"/> (2008) |
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|growth = 4.8% (2009) |
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|per capita = $14,932 (2009 est.)<ref>[http://imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=25&pr.y=9&sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C943%2C218%2C686%2C963%2C688%2C616%2C518%2C223%2C728%2C516%2C558%2C918%2C138%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%hiC964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C942%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a= World Economic Outlook Database, October 2008]</ref>|sectors = [[agriculture]]: 4%, [[industry]]: 26.6%, [[Service (economics)|services]]: 69.5% (2007 est.) |
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|inflation = 2.88% ([[Bank of Mexico|Central bank]] report for February 2009) |
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|poverty = 4.8% using food-based definition of poverty; asset based poverty amounted at approximately 15% (December 2008) |
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|gni = 50.9 (2005) |
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|labor = 45.38 million (2007 est.) |
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|occupations = agriculture: 13%, industry: 29%, services: 58% (2003) |
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|unemployment = 3.7% plus considerable [[underemployment]](21%) (2007 est.) |
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|industries = [[Food]] and [[Drink|Beverages]], [[Aerospace]], [[Electronics]], [[Tobacco]], [[Chemical substance|chemicals]], [[Iron]] and [[Steel]], [[Petroleum]], [[Biotechnology]], [[Mining]], [[Shipbuilding]], [[Electricity]], [[Arms industry|Defense Products]], [[Textile]]s, [[Clothing]], [[Motor vehicle]]s, [[Computers]], [[Durable good|consumer durables]], [[computers|Information Technologies]], [[Tourism]] and [[Ecotourism]] |
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|exports = $419.9 billion [[Free On Board|f.o.b.]] (2008 est.) |
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|export-goods = Manufactured goods, electronics, automobiles, oil and oil products, aircraft, silver, computers and servers, fruits, meats, consumer electronics, processed foods, vegetables, ships, coffee, LCD screens, electricity, biotechnology, cotton, rolling stock, automotive and aircraft enigines, cellular phones, metals, industrial equipment, granite and marble, lithium, batteries, firearms, aluminium, information technologies, foodstuffs, silicone, medical technology, gold, plastics, microproccesors, |
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|export-partners = [[United States|US]]49.2%, [[Germany]] 15%, [[South Korea]] 12.5% [[China]] 10.3% [[Chile]] 8.4% (2008) |
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|imports = $283 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.) |
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|import-partners = [[United States]] 44.3%, <br>[[Brazil]] 31.5%,<br>[[Chile]] 9.3%,<br>[[China]] 5.5%, <br>[[South Korea]] 5.3%, <br>[[Japan]] 4.1% (2008) |
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|debt = $92.7 billion (October 2008) |
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|revenue = $571.2 billion (2008) |
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|expenses = $321.2 billion (2000 est.) |
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|aid = $189.4 million (2008) |
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|cianame = mx |
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}} |
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{{main|Economy of Mexico|Economic history of Mexico}} |
{{main|Economy of Mexico|Economic history of Mexico}} |
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[[File:Bombardier Global 5000.jpg|thumb|Mexico is the world's 6th largest aircraft manufacturer{{ |
[[File:Bombardier Global 5000.jpg|thumb|left| Mexico is the world's 6th largest aircraft manufacturer {{citation needed|date=August 2009}}.]] |
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The '''economy of Mexico''' is the 10th to 12th largest in the world. |
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The economy of Mexico is the 10th to 12th largest in the world. Since the 1994 crisis, administrations have improved the country's [[Macroeconomics|macroeconomic fundamentals]]. Mexico was not significantly influenced by the recent [[South American economic crisis of 2002|2002 South American crisis]], and has maintained positive, although low, rates of growth after a brief period of stagnation in 2001. [[Moody's]] (in March 2000) and [[Fitch IBCA]] (in January 2002) issued investment-grade ratings for Mexico's sovereign debt. In spite of its unprecedented macroeconomic stability, which has reduced inflation and interest rates to record lows and has increased per capita income, enormous gaps remain between the urban and the rural population, the northern and southern states, and the rich and the poor.<ref name="WB">{{cite web|title=Mexico, World Bank's Country Brief|url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/LACEXT/MEXICOEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20185184~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:338397,00.html|accessdate=February 19|accessyear=2007}}</ref> Some of the government's challenges include the upgrade of infrastructure, the modernization of the tax system and labor laws, and the reduction of income inequality. |
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Since the [[1994 economic crisis in Mexico|1994 crisis]], administrations have improved the country's [[Macroeconomics|macroeconomic fundamentals]]. Mexico was not significantly influenced by the recent [[South American economic crisis of 2002|2002 South American crisis]], and has maintained positive, although low, rates of growth after a brief period of stagnation in 2001. [[Moody's]] (in March 2000) and [[Fitch IBCA]] (in January 2002) issued investment-grade ratings for Mexico's sovereign debt. In spite of its unprecedented macroeconomic stability, which has reduced inflation and interest rates to record lows and has increased per capita income, enormous gaps remain between the urban and the rural population, the northern and southern states, and the rich and the poor.<ref name="WB">{{cite web | title=Mexico, World Bank's Country Brief | url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/LACEXT/MEXICOEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20185184~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:338397,00.html | accessdate=February 19 | accessyear=2007}}</ref> Some of the government's challenges include the upgrade of infrastructure, the modernization of the tax system and labor laws, and the reduction of income inequality. |
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The economy contains rapidly developing modern industrial and service sectors, with increasing private ownership. Recent administrations have expanded competition in ports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution and airports, with the aim of upgrading infrastructure. As an export-oriented economy, more than 90% of Mexican trade is under [[free trade agreement]]s (FTAs) with more than 40 countries, including the European Union, Japan, Israel, and much of Central and South America. The most influential FTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which came into effect in 1994, and was signed in 1992 by the governments of the United States, Canada and Mexico. In 2006, trade with Mexico's two northern partners accounted for almost 50% of its exports and 45% of its imports.<ref name="CIA">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#Econ Mexico]. The World Factbook. CIA.</ref> Recently, the [[Congress of the Union]] approved important tax, pension and judicial reforms, and reform to the oil industry is currently being debated. According to the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world's largest companies in 2008, Mexico had 16 companies in the list.<ref name="2008 [[Forbes]] Global 2000">{{cite web|author=forbes|authorlink=forbes|publisher=forbes|url=http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/18/biz_2000global08_The-Global-2000-Canada_10Rank.html|title=Latest release|date=[[2008-04-02]]|accessdate=2006-07-01}}</ref> |
The economy contains rapidly developing modern industrial and service sectors, with increasing private ownership. Recent administrations have expanded competition in ports, railroads, telecommunications, [[Electricity sector in Mexico|electricity generation]], natural gas distribution and airports, with the aim of upgrading infrastructure. As an export-oriented economy, more than 90% of Mexican trade is under [[free trade agreement]]s (FTAs) with more than 40 countries, including the European Union, Japan, Israel, and much of [[Central America|Central]] and South America. The most influential FTA is the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA), which came into effect in 1994, and was signed in 1992 by the governments of the United States, Canada and Mexico. In 2006, trade with Mexico's two northern partners accounted for almost 50% of its exports and 45% of its imports.<ref name="CIA">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#Econ Mexico]. The World Factbook. CIA.</ref> Recently, the [[Congress of the Union]] approved important tax, pension and judicial reforms, and reform to the oil industry is currently being debated. According to the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world's largest companies in 2008, Mexico had 16 companies in the list.<ref name="2008 [[Forbes]] Global 2000">{{cite web | author=forbes|authorlink= forbes|publisher= forbes|url=http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/18/biz_2000global08_The-Global-2000-Canada_10Rank.html|title=Latest release |date=[[2008-04-02]] |accessdate=2006-07-01}}</ref> |
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[[File:Annual income in mexico.png|thumb|left|Annual income of Mexican citizens in U.S. dollars]] |
[[File:Annual income in mexico.png|thumb|left|Annual income of Mexican citizens in U.S. dollars.]] |
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Mexico has a [[free market]] mixed [[economy]], and is firmly established as an upper middle-income country.<ref name="World Bank" /> It is the 11th largest economy in the world as measured in gross domestic product in purchasing power parity.<ref name='imf'>{{cite web|title=Countries Ranked by GDP|work=World Bank Report|date=2007-04|publisher=The World Bank|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2013&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=213%2C273%2C228%2C184&s=NGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=39&pr1.y=3}}</ref> According to the latest information available from the International Monetary Fund, Mexico had the second-highest [[Gross National Income]] per capita in Latin America in nominal terms, at $9,716 in 2007, and the highest in purchasing power parity (PPP), at $14,119 in 2007.<ref name='imf'/> After the 1994 economic debacle, Mexico has made an impressive recovery, building a modern and diversified economy.<ref name="World Bank"/> Oil is Mexico's largest source of foreign income.<ref>{{cite web|title="Mexico" (Economy, Mining)|publisher=Microsoft Encarta Online|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576758_7/Mexico.html|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> According to [[Goldman Sachs]], [[BRIMC]] review of emerging economies, by 2050 the largest economies in the world will be as follows: [[People's Republic of China|China]], [[India]], United States, Brazil and Mexico.<ref>[http://www.chicagogsb.edu/alumni/clubs/pakistan/docs/next11dream-march%20%2707-goldmansachs.pdf Goldman Sachs Paper No.153 Relevant Emerging Markets]</ref> Mexico is the largest North American auto producing nation, recently surpassing Canada and [[U.S.]]<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2008/12/11/Mexico_tops_US_Canadian_car_makers/UPI-17741229011704/ Mexico tops U.S., Canadian car makers]</ref> |
Mexico has a [[free market]] mixed [[economy]], and is firmly established as an upper middle-income country.<ref name="World Bank" /> It is the 11th largest economy in the world as measured in [[gross domestic product]] in [[purchasing power parity]].<ref name='imf'>{{cite web|title=Countries Ranked by GDP|work=World Bank Report|date=2007-04|publisher=The World Bank|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2013&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=213%2C273%2C228%2C184&s=NGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=39&pr1.y=3}}</ref> According to the latest information available from the [[International Monetary Fund]], Mexico had the second-highest [[Gross National Income]] per capita in [[Latin America]] in nominal terms, at $9,716 in 2007, and the highest in [[purchasing power parity]] (PPP), at $14,119 in 2007.<ref name='imf'/> After the [[1994 economic crisis in Mexico|1994 economic debacle]], Mexico has made an impressive recovery, building a modern and diversified economy.<ref name="World Bank"/> Oil is Mexico's largest source of foreign income.<ref>{{cite web|title="Mexico" (Economy, Mining)|publisher=Microsoft Encarta Online|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576758_7/Mexico.html|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> According to [[Goldman Sachs]], [[BRIMC]] review of emerging economies, by 2050 the largest economies in the world will be as follows: [[People's Republic of China|China]], [[India]], [[United States]], [[Brazil]] and Mexico.<ref>[http://www.chicagogsb.edu/alumni/clubs/pakistan/docs/next11dream-march%20%2707-goldmansachs.pdf Goldman Sachs Paper No.153 Relevant Emerging Markets]</ref> Mexico is the largest North American auto producing nation, recently surpassing [[Canada]] and [[U.S.]]<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2008/12/11/Mexico_tops_US_Canadian_car_makers/UPI-17741229011704/ Mexico tops U.S., Canadian car makers]</ref> |
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According to the director for Mexico at the [[World Bank]], the population in poverty has decreased from 24.2% to 17.6% in the general population and from 42% to 27.9% in rural areas from 2000 to 2004.<ref>{{es icon}} {{Harvard reference|title=Baja pobreza en México de 24.2 a 17.6%: Banco Mundial|journal=El Universal|year=2005|date=2005-08-24|url=http://estadis.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/301198.html}}</ref> |
According to the director for Mexico at the [[World Bank]], the population in poverty has decreased from 24.2% to 17.6% in the general population and from 42% to 27.9% in rural areas from 2000 to 2004.<ref>{{es icon}} {{Harvard reference|title=Baja pobreza en México de 24.2 a 17.6%: Banco Mundial| journal=El Universal|year=2005|date=2005-08-24|url=http://estadis.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/301198.html}}</ref> |
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[[File:PueblaAssembly.jpg|thumb|left|An automated car factory in Puebla]] |
[[File:PueblaAssembly.jpg|thumb|left|An automated car factory in Puebla, Puebla.]] |
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Nonetheless, income inequality remains a problem, and huge gaps remain not only between rich and poor but also between the north and the south, and between urban and rural areas. Sharp contrasts in income and Human Development are also a grave problem in Mexico. The 2004 United Nations [[Human Development Index]] report for Mexico states that [[Benito Juárez, D.F.|Benito Juárez]], a district of Mexico City, and [[San Pedro Garza García]], in the State of [[Nuevo León]], would have a similar level of economic, educational and life expectancy development to Germany or [[New Zealand]]. In contrast, Metlatonoc, in the state of [[Guerrero]], would have an HDI similar to that of [[Syria]].<ref>{{cite web|title=UNPD Mexico Report on HDI|year=2004|publisher=United Nations|url=http://hdr.undp.org/docs/reports/national/MEX_Mexico/Mexico_2004_sp.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{es icon}} {{Harvard reference|title=Sobresale Nuevo León por su alto nivel de vida|journal=El Norte|year=2006|url=http://busquedas.gruporeforma.com/utilerias/imdservicios3w.dll?JPrintS&file=mty/norte01/00393/00393608.htm&palabra=}}</ref> |
Nonetheless, income inequality remains a problem, and huge gaps remain not only between rich and poor but also between the north and the south, and between urban and rural areas. Sharp contrasts in income and Human Development are also a grave problem in Mexico. The 2004 [[United Nations]] [[Human Development Index]] report for Mexico states that [[Benito Juárez, D.F.|Benito Juárez]], a district of Mexico City, and [[San Pedro Garza García]], in the State of [[Nuevo León]], would have a similar level of economic, educational and life expectancy development to [[Germany]] or [[New Zealand]]. In contrast, Metlatonoc, in the state of [[Guerrero]], would have an HDI similar to that of [[Syria]].<ref>{{cite web|title=UNPD Mexico Report on HDI|year=2004|publisher=United Nations|url=http://hdr.undp.org/docs/reports/national/MEX_Mexico/Mexico_2004_sp.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{es icon}} {{Harvard reference|title=Sobresale Nuevo León por su alto nivel de vida|journal=El Norte|year=2006|url=http://busquedas.gruporeforma.com/utilerias/imdservicios3w.dll?JPrintS&file=mty/norte01/00393/00393608.htm&palabra=}}</ref> |
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GDP annual average growth for the period of 1995–2002 was 5.1%.<ref name="Crandall" /> The economic downturn in the United States also caused a similar pattern in Mexico, from which it rapidly recovered to grow 4.1% in 2005 and 3% in 2005. Inflation has reached a record low of 3.3% in 2005, and interest rates are low, which have spurred credit-consumption in the middle class. Mexico has experienced in the last decade monetary stability: the budget deficit was further reduced and foreign debt was decreased to less than 20% of GDP.<ref name="Crandall"/> Along with Chile, Mexico has the highest rating of long-term sovereign credit in Latin America. |
GDP annual average growth for the period of 1995–2002 was 5.1%.<ref name="Crandall" /> The economic downturn in the United States also caused a similar pattern in Mexico, from which it rapidly recovered to grow 4.1% in 2005 and 3% in 2005. Inflation has reached a record low of 3.3% in 2005, and interest rates are low, which have spurred credit-consumption in the middle class. Mexico has experienced in the last decade monetary stability: the budget deficit was further reduced and foreign debt was decreased to less than 20% of GDP.<ref name="Crandall"/> Along with [[Chile]], Mexico has the highest rating of long-term sovereign credit in Latin America. |
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The remittances from Mexican citizens working in the United States account for only 0.2% of Mexico's GDP<ref>[http://www.dallasfed.org/research/busfront/bus0401.html Workers' Remittances to Mexico - Business Frontier, Issue 1, 2004 - FRB Dallas]</ref> which was equal to US$20 billion dollars per year in 2004 and is the seventh largest source of foreign income after oil, industrial exports, manufactured good, electronics, automobiles and food exports.<ref>[http://www.stratfor.com/global_market_brief_mexico_sees_decline_remittances Free Preview of Members-Only Content|Stratfor]</ref> According to Mexico's central bank, remittances fell 3.6% in 2008 to $25bn. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7855021.stm|title=Slowdown hits Mexico remittances|date=27 January 2009|accessdate=2009-05-06}}</ref> |
The remittances from Mexican citizens working in the United States account for only 0.2% of Mexico's GDP<ref>[http://www.dallasfed.org/research/busfront/bus0401.html Workers' Remittances to Mexico - Business Frontier, Issue 1, 2004 - FRB Dallas]</ref> which was equal to US$20 billion dollars per year in 2004 and is the seventh largest source of foreign income after oil, industrial exports, manufactured good, electronics, automobiles and food exports.<ref>[http://www.stratfor.com/global_market_brief_mexico_sees_decline_remittances Free Preview of Members-Only Content | Stratfor]</ref> According to Mexico's central bank, remittances fell 3.6% in 2008 to $25bn. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7855021.stm |title=Slowdown hits Mexico remittances |date=27 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-06}}</ref> |
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Ongoing economic concerns include the commercial and financial dependence on the US,<ref>{{Harvard reference|last=Thompson|first=Adam|title=Mexico, Economics: The US cast a long shadow|journal=Financial Times|date=2006-06-20|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/f53c9268-005a-11db-8078-0000779e2340,dwp_uuid=bfb8911e-ff83-11da-93a0-0000779e2340.html}}</ref> low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable [[Income inequality metrics|income distribution]] (the top 30% of income earners account for 55% of income), and few advancement opportunities for the largely |
Ongoing economic concerns include the commercial and financial dependence on the US,<ref>{{Harvard reference|last=Thompson|first=Adam|title=Mexico, Economics: The US cast a long shadow|journal=Financial Times|date=2006-06-20|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/f53c9268-005a-11db-8078-0000779e2340,dwp_uuid=bfb8911e-ff83-11da-93a0-0000779e2340.html}}</ref> low real wages, [[underemployment]] for a large segment of the population, inequitable [[Income inequality metrics|income distribution]] (the top 30% of income earners account for 55% of income), and few advancement opportunities for the largely [[Maya peoples|Maya]]n population in the impoverished southern states. Lack of structural reform is further exacerbated by an ever increasing outflow of the population into the United States, decreasing domestic pressure for reform. |
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===Tourism=== |
=== Tourism === |
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{{main|Tourism in Mexico}} |
{{main|Tourism in Mexico}} |
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[[File:Imagebysafa2.jpg|thumb| |
[[File:Imagebysafa2.jpg|thumb|left|Coastal skyline of [[Cancun]], [[Quintana Roo]]]] |
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According to the [[World Tourism Organization]], Mexico has one of the largest tourism industries in the world. In 2005 it was the seventh most popular The most notable tourist draws are the ancient |
According to the [[World Tourism Organization]], Mexico has one of the largest tourism industries in the world. In 2005 it was the seventh most popular The most notable tourist draws are the ancient Mesoamerican ruins, and popular beach resorts. The coastal climate and unique culture – a fusion of European (particularly Spanish) and Mesoamerican cultures; also make Mexico attractive. The peak tourist seasons in Mexico are during December and during July and August, with brief surges during the week before Easter and during spring break at many of the beach resort sites which are popular among vacationing college students from the United States. |
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Mexico is the twenty-third highest tourism spender in the world, and the highest in Latin America<ref>http://unwto.org/facts/eng/pdf/indicators/Top%20Spenders.pdf</ref>. |
Mexico is the twenty-third highest tourism spender in the world, and the highest in Latin America<ref>http://unwto.org/facts/eng/pdf/indicators/Top%20Spenders.pdf</ref>. |
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=== Infrastructure === |
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==Demographics== |
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==== Energy ==== |
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:''See also: [[Electricity sector in Mexico]] |
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[[File:Presa de El Cajón.jpg|thumb|left|[[El Cajón Dam (Mexico)|El Cajón Hydroelectric Dam]] in the state of [[Nayarit]].]] |
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Energy production in Mexico is managed by State-owned companies: the [[Comisión Federal de Electricidad|Federal Commission of Electricity]] (''Comisión Federal de Electricidad'', CFE) and [[Pemex]] (''Petróleos Mexicanos''). The CFE is in charge of the operation of electricity-generating plants and its distribution all across the territory, with the exception of the states of [[Morelos]], [[Mexico State]], [[Hidalgo (Mexico)|Hidalgo]] and Mexico City, whose distribution of electricity is in charge of the State-owned ''Luz y Fuerza del Centro''. Most of the electricity is generated in [[Thermal power station|thermoelectrical]] plants, even though CFE operates several [[hydroelectricity|hydroelectrical]] plants, as well as wind power, geothermal and [[nuclear energy|nuclear generators]].<ref>[http://www.cfe.gob.mx/es/LaEmpresa/generacionelectricidad/ Generación de electricidad]. Comisión Federal de Electricidad.</ref> |
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[[Pemex]] is in charge of the exploration, extraction, transportation and marketing of crude oil and natural gas, as well as the refining and distribution of petroleum products and petrochemicals. Pemex is the largest company in [[Latin America]],<ref>Rodríguez, Isabel. [http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/19/index.php?section=economia&article=026n1eco Disminuye inversión física en Pemex, pero aumenta la deuda vía Pidiregas]. La Joranda. August 16, 2007</ref> and the ninth-largest company in the world.<ref name=pemex>[http://www.pemex.com/index.cfm?action=content§ionID=11&catID=117 Frequently Asked Questions]. Pemex.</ref> In terms of total output, in 2007 it was the sixth-larger producer in the world<ref name=econpemex>[http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10328190 Running just to stand still] [[The Economist]] December 19, 2007</ref>—in 2003 it was the third-largest<ref name=pemex/>— producing 3.1 million barrels a day, well above the production of [[Kuwait]] or [[Venezuela]].<ref name=econpemex/> |
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==== Transportation ==== |
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{{main|Transportation in Mexico}} |
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:''See also: [[List of Mexican Federal Highways]] and [[List of Mexican railroads]]'' |
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[[File:Aeromexico B762 XA-JBC 20060608 STR 800x533.jpg|thumb|An Aeromexico plane landing at [[Mexico City International Airport]].]] |
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The paved-roadway network in Mexico is the most extensive in Latin America at 116,802 km in 2005; 10,474 km were multi-lane [[freeway]]s or [[expressway]]s,<ref>[http://dgaf.sct.gob.mx/fileadmin/EST_BASICA/EST_BASICA_2005/EST2005_12INFRA.pdf Infraestructura Carretera]. Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes</ref> most of which were [[tollways]]. Nonetheless, Mexico's diverse orography—most of the territory is crossed by high-altitude ranges of mountains—as well as economic challenges have led to difficulties in creating an integrated transportation network and even though the network has improved, it still cannot meet national needs adequately.<ref name=britinfra>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-27400/Mexico Transportation and Telecommunications]. [[Encyclopedia Britannica]]</ref> |
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Being one of the first Latin American countries to promote railway development,<ref name=britinfra/> the network, though extensive at 30,952 km,<ref name=encnations>[http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Americas/Mexico-INFRASTRUCTURE-POWER-AND-COMMUNICATIONS.html Infrastructure, Power and Communications, Mexico]. Encyclopedia of the Nations</ref> is still inefficient to meet the economic demands of transportation.<ref name=britinfra/> Most of the rail network is mainly used for merchandise or industrial freight and was mostly operated by [[Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México|National Railway of Mexico]] (''Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México'', FNM), privatized in 1997. |
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In 1999, Mexico had 1,806 airports, of which 233 had paved runways; of these, 35 carry 97% of the passenger traffic.<ref name=encnations/> The [[Mexico City International Airport]] remains the largest in Latin America and the 44th largest in the world<ref>[http://www.aicm.com.mx/acercadelaicm/Estadisticas/index.php?Publicacion=169 Acerca del AICM. Posicionamiento del Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM) con los 50 aeropuertos más importantes del mundo]</ref> transporting 21 million passengers a year.<ref>[http://www.aicm.com.mx/acercadelaicm/Estadisticas/index.php?Publicacion=168 Acerca del AICM, Pasajeros]</ref> There are more than 30 domestic airline companies of which only two are known internationally: [[Aeroméxico]] and [[Mexicana de Aviación|Mexicana]]. |
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Mass transit in Mexico is modest. Most of the domestic passenger transport needs are served by an extensive bus network<ref name=encnations/> with several dozen companies operating by regions. Train passenger transportation between cities is limited. Inner-city rail mass transit is available at Mexico City—with the operation of the [[Mexico City Metro|metro]], elevated and ground train, as well as a [[Ferrocarril Suburbano de la Zona Metropolitana de México|Suburban Train]] connecting the adjacent municipalities of [[Greater Mexico City]]—as well as at [[Guadalajara, Jalisco|Guadalajara]] and [[Monterrey]], the first served by a commuter rail and the second by an [[Monterrey Metro|underground and elevated metro]]. |
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==== Communications ==== |
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{{main|Communications in Mexico}} |
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[[File:Telmexstore.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Telmex]] retail store in [[Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco|Puerto Vallarta]], Jalisco]] |
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The telecommunications industry is mostly dominated by Telmex (''Teléfonos de México''), privatized in 1990. As of 2006, Telmex had expanded its operations to Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay and the United States. Other players in the domestic industry are [[Axtel]] and [[Maxcom]]. Due to Mexican [[orography]], providing landline telephone service at remote mountainous areas is expensive, and the penetration of line-phones per capita is low compared to other Latin American countries, at twenty-percent. Mobile telephony has the advantage of reaching all areas at a lower cost, and the total number of mobile lines is almost three times that of landlines, with an estimation of 57 million lines.<ref name=ciacom>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#Comm Communications] CIA Factbook</ref> The telecommunication industry is regulated by the government through [[Cofetel]] (''Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones''). |
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Usage of radio, television, and Internet in Mexico is prevalent.<ref name=encnations/> There are approximately 1,410 radio broadcast stations and 236 television stations (excluding repeaters).<ref name=ciacom/> Major players in the broadcasting industry are [[Televisa]]—the largest Spanish media company in the Spanish-speaking world<ref>[http://www.snellwilcox.com/news_events/press_releases/203 Televisa Brings 2006 FIFA World Cup to Mexico in HD With Snell & Wilcox Kahuna SD/HD Production Switcher]</ref>—and [[TV Azteca]]. |
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== Demographics == |
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{{main|Demographics of Mexico}} |
{{main|Demographics of Mexico}} |
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According to the latest official census, which reported a population of 103 million, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world.<ref name=Spanishhistory>{{cite web|title=Spanish Language History|publisher=Today Translations|url=http://www.todaytranslations.com/index.asp-Q-Page-E-Spanish-Language-History--13053095|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref> Mexican annual population growth has drastically decreased from a peak of 3.5% in 1965 to 0.99% in 2005. Life expectancy in 2006 was estimated to be at 75.4 years (72.6 male and 78.3 female). The states with the highest life expectancy are Baja California (75.9 years) and Nuevo Leon (75.6 years). The Federal District has a life expectancy of the same level as Baja California. The lowest levels are found in Chiapas (72.9), Oaxaca (73.2) and Guerrero (73.2 years). The mortality rate in 1970 was 9.7 per 1000 people; by 2001, the rate had dropped to 4.9 men per 1000 men and 3.8 women per 1000 women. The most common reasons for death in 2001 were heart problems (14.6% for men 17.6% for women) and cancer (11% for men and 15.8% for women). |
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According to the latest official census, which reported a population of 103 million, Mexico is the most populous [[Spanish language|Spanish]]-speaking country in the world.<ref name=Spanishhistory>{{cite web|title=Spanish Language History| publisher=Today Translations|url=http://www.todaytranslations.com/index.asp-Q-Page-E-Spanish-Language-History--13053095|accessdate=2007-10-01}}</ref> Mexican annual population growth has drastically decreased from a peak of 3.5% in 1965 to 0.99% in 2005. Life expectancy in 2006 was estimated to be at 75.4 years (72.6 male and 78.3 female). The states with the highest life expectancy are Baja California (75.9 years) and Nuevo Leon (75.6 years). The Federal District has a life expectancy of the same level as Baja California. The lowest levels are found in Chiapas (72.9), Oaxaca (73.2) and Guerrero (73.2 years). The mortality rate in 1970 was 9.7 per 1000 people; by 2001, the rate had dropped to 4.9 men per 1000 men and 3.8 women per 1000 women. The most common reasons for death in 2001 were heart problems (14.6% for men 17.6% for women) and cancer (11% for men and 15.8% for women). |
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Mexican population is increasingly urban, with close to 75% living in cities. The five largest [[Metropolitan areas of Mexico|urban areas in Mexico]] (Greater Mexico City, [[Guadalajara Metropolitan Area|Greater Guadalajara]], [[Monterrey Metropolitan area|Greater Monterrey]], [[Metropolitan area of Puebla|Greater Puebla]] and [[Greater Toluca]]) are home to 30% of the country's population. Migration patterns within the country show positive migration to north-western and south-eastern states, and a negative rate of migration for the Federal District. While the annual population growth is still positive, the national net migration rate is negative (-4.7/1000), attributable to the emigration phenomenon of people from rural communities to the United States. |
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Mexican population is increasingly urban, with close to 75% living in cities. The five largest [[Metropolitan areas of Mexico|urban areas in Mexico]] ([[Greater Mexico City]], [[Guadalajara Metropolitan Area|Greater Guadalajara]], [[Monterrey Metropolitan area|Greater Monterrey]], [[Metropolitan area of Puebla|Greater Puebla]] and [[Greater Toluca]]) are home to 30% of the country's population. Migration patterns within the country show positive migration to north-western and south-eastern states, and a negative rate of migration for the Federal District. While the annual population growth is still positive, the national net migration rate is negative (-4.7/1000), attributable to the emigration phenomenon of people from rural communities to the United States. |
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===Metropolitan areas=== |
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=== Metropolitan areas === |
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{{main|Metropolitan areas of Mexico}} |
{{main|Metropolitan areas of Mexico}} |
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Metropolitan areas in Mexico have been traditionally defined as the group of municipalities that heavily interact with each other, usually around a core city.<ref name="CONAPO">[http://www.inegi.gob.mx/est/contenidos/espanol/metodologias/otras/zonas_met.pdf CONAPO Áreas Metropolitanas]</ref> In 2004, a joint effort between CONAPO, [[Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía|INEGI]] and the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL) agreed to define metropolitan areas as either:<ref name="CONAPO"/> |
Metropolitan areas in Mexico have been traditionally defined as the group of municipalities that heavily interact with each other, usually around a core city.<ref name="CONAPO">[http://www.inegi.gob.mx/est/contenidos/espanol/metodologias/otras/zonas_met.pdf CONAPO Áreas Metropolitanas]</ref> In 2004, a joint effort between CONAPO, [[Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía|INEGI]] and the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL) agreed to define metropolitan areas as either:<ref name="CONAPO"/> |
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*the group of two or more municipalities in which a city with a population of at least 50,000 is located whose urban area extends over the limit of the municipality that originally contained the core city incorporating either physically or under its area of direct influence other adjacent predominantly urban municipalities all of which have a high degree of social and economic integration or are relevant for urban politics and administration; or |
* the group of two or more municipalities in which a city with a population of at least 50,000 is located whose urban area extends over the limit of the municipality that originally contained the core city incorporating either physically or under its area of direct influence other adjacent predominantly urban municipalities all of which have a high degree of social and economic integration or are relevant for urban politics and administration; or |
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*a single municipality in which a city of a population of at least one million is located and fully contained, (that is, it does not transcend the limits of a single municipality); or |
* a single municipality in which a city of a population of at least one million is located and fully contained, (that is, it does not transcend the limits of a single municipality); or |
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*a city with a population of at least 250,000 which forms a conurbation with other cities in the United States. |
* a city with a population of at least 250,000 which forms a conurbation with other cities in the United States. |
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It should be noted, however, that northwestern and southeastern states are divided into a small number of large municipalities whereas central states are divided into a large number of smaller municipalities. As such, metropolitan areas in the northwest usually do not extend over more than one municipality (and figures usually report population for the entire municipality) whereas metropolitan areas in the center extend over many municipalities. |
It should be noted, however, that northwestern and southeastern states are divided into a small number of large municipalities whereas central states are divided into a large number of smaller municipalities. As such, metropolitan areas in the northwest usually do not extend over more than one municipality (and figures usually report population for the entire municipality) whereas metropolitan areas in the center extend over many municipalities. |
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Few metropolitan areas extend beyond the limits of one state, namely: Greater Mexico City (Federal District, Mexico and Hidalgo), Puebla-Tlaxcala (Puebla and Tlaxcala, but excludes the city of [[Tlaxcala]]), [[Comarca Lagunera]] (Coahuila and Durango), and Tampico (Tamaulipas and Veracruz). |
Few metropolitan areas extend beyond the limits of one state, namely: Greater Mexico City (Federal District, Mexico State and Hidalgo), [[Metropolitan area of Puebla|Puebla-Tlaxcala]] (Puebla and Tlaxcala, but excludes the city of [[Tlaxcala]]), [[Comarca Lagunera]] (Coahuila and Durango), and Tampico (Tamaulipas and Veracruz). |
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<br clear="both" /> |
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The following is a list of the major metropolitan areas of Mexico, as reported in the 2005 census. |
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{{Largest cities of Mexico}} |
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===Immigration=== |
=== Immigration === |
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{{main|Immigration to Mexico}} |
{{main|Immigration to Mexico}} |
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Mexico is home to the largest number of U.S. citizens abroad (estimated at one million as of 1999),<ref>{{cite web|title=American Citizens Living Abroad By Country|year=1999|publisher=US State Department|url=http://www.aca.ch/amabroad.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> which represents 1% of the Mexican population and 25% of all U.S. citizens abroad. Other significant communities of foreigners are those of Central and [[South America]], most notably from [[Argentina]], Brazil, Chile, [[Colombia]], [[Peru]], [[Cuba]], Venezuela, Guatemala, and Belize. Though estimations vary, the Argentine community is considered to be the second largest foreign community in the country (estimated somewhere between 30,000 and 150,000).<ref>{{cite web|last=Gutiérrez Vega|first=Mario|title=Migrantes, votos, remesas: La apuesta política de los ausentes|date=2005-10-16|publisher=Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME)|url=http://www.ime.gob.mx/investigaciones/bibliografias/apuesta_politica_gutierrez.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Especial Argentinos en el exterior, Mexico|year=2007|publisher=La Nación|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/coberturaespecial/argentinos/mexico/index.asp|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> Throughout the 20th century, the country followed a policy of granting asylum to fellow Latin Americans and Europeans (mostly Spaniards in the 1940s) fleeing political persecution in their home countries. |
Mexico is home to the largest number of U.S. citizens abroad (estimated at one million as of 1999),<ref>{{cite web|title=American Citizens Living Abroad By Country|year=1999|publisher=US State Department|url=http://www.aca.ch/amabroad.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> which represents 1% of the Mexican population and 25% of all U.S. citizens abroad. Other significant communities of foreigners are those of [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], most notably from [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Peru]], [[Cuba]], [[Venezuela]], [[Guatemala]], and [[Belize]]. Though estimations vary, the Argentine community is considered to be the second largest foreign community in the country (estimated somewhere between 30,000 and 150,000).<ref>{{cite web|last=Gutiérrez Vega|first=Mario|title=Migrantes, votos, remesas: La apuesta política de los ausentes|date=2005-10-16|publisher=Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME)|url=http://www.ime.gob.mx/investigaciones/bibliografias/apuesta_politica_gutierrez.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Especial Argentinos en el exterior, Mexico|year=2007|publisher=La Nación|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/coberturaespecial/argentinos/mexico/index.asp|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> Throughout the 20th century, the country followed a policy of granting asylum to fellow Latin Americans and Europeans (mostly Spaniards in the 1940s) fleeing political persecution in their home countries. |
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Discrepancies between the figures for official legal aliens and those of all foreign-born residents regardless of their immigration status are quite large. The official figure for foreign-born legal residents in Mexico is 493,000 (since 2004), with a majority (86.9%) of these born in the United States (except Chiapas, where the majority of immigrants are from Central America). The five states with the most immigrants are Baja California (12.1% of total immigrants), Mexico City (the ''Federal District''; 11.4%), Jalisco (9.9%), Chihuahua (9%) and Tamaulipas (7.3%). More than 54.6% of the immigrant population are fifteen years old or younger, while 9% are fifty or older. |
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=== Ethnography === |
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Discrepancies between the figures for official legal aliens and those of all foreign-born residents regardless of their immigration status are quite large. The official figure for foreign-born legal residents in Mexico is 493,000 (since 2004), with a majority (86.9%) of these born in the United States (except [[Chiapas]], where the majority of immigrants are from Central America). The five states with the most immigrants are Baja California (12.1% of total immigrants), Mexico City (the ''Federal District''; 11.4%), Jalisco (9.9%), Chihuahua (9%) and Tamaulipas (7.3%). More than 54.6% of the immigrant population are fifteen years old or younger, while 9% are fifty or older. |
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:''See also: [[Demographics of Mexico]]'' |
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[[File:Inukshuk Monterrey 1.jpg|thumb|right|Demographic diversity in school children]] |
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===Ethnography=== |
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{{seealso|Demographics of Mexico|Indigenous peoples in Mexico}} |
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[[File:Inukshuk Monterrey 1.jpg|thumb|Demographic diversity in school children]] |
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Mexico is ethnically diverse, and the constitution defines the country to be a pluricultural nation. |
Mexico is ethnically diverse, and the constitution defines the country to be a pluricultural nation. |
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*[[Mestizo]]s (those of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) form the largest group, comprising up to 60–80% of the total population.<ref name="cia">"[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#Geo Mexico]" ''[[The World Factbook|CIA World Factbook]]''. 2007. [[Washington, D.C.|Washington, DC]]: [[Central Intelligence Agency]]</ref><ref name=britethnos/> |
* [[Mestizo]]s (those of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) form the largest group, comprising up to 60–80% of the total population.<ref name="cia">"[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html#Geo Mexico]" ''[[The World Factbook|CIA World Factbook]]''. 2007. [[Washington, D.C.|Washington, DC]]: [[Central Intelligence Agency]]</ref><ref name=britethnos/> |
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*[[Indigenous peoples in Mexico|Amerindians]] called indigenous peoples (''indígenas'') are estimated to be between 12% (pure Amerindian)<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Diversidad etnolingüística|work=Lenguas indígenas|publisher=National Commission for the Development of the Indigenous Peoples (CDI)|url=http://www.cdi.gob.mx/index.php?id_seccion=90|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> and 30% (predominantly Amerindian).<ref name="cia"/> Indigenous peoples are considered the foundation of the Mexican pluricultural nation and therefore enjoy self-determination in certain areas. Indigenous languages are also considered "national languages" and are protected by law. |
* [[Indigenous peoples in Mexico|Amerindians]] called [[Indigenous peoples in Mexico|indigenous peoples]] (''indígenas'') are estimated to be between 12% (pure Amerindian)<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Diversidad etnolingüística|work=Lenguas indígenas|publisher=National Commission for the Development of the Indigenous Peoples (CDI)|url=http://www.cdi.gob.mx/index.php?id_seccion=90|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> and 30% (predominantly Amerindian).<ref name="cia"/> Indigenous peoples are considered the foundation of the Mexican pluricultural nation and therefore enjoy self-determination in certain areas. [[Languages of Mexico|Indigenous languages]] are also considered "national languages" and are protected by law. |
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*[[White Mexican|Whites]] make up 9%-17%<ref name="cia"/><ref name=britethnos>{{cite web|title=Ethnic groups|work=Mexico|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-27384|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> of the population, mostly descendants of the first [[Spanish people|Spanish]] settlers; although there are Mexicans of [[French people|French]], [[Italians|Italian]], [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]], [[Basque people|Basque]], [[Germans|German]], [[Irish people|Irish]], [[Poles|Polish]], [[Romanians|Romanian]], [[Russians|Russian]], [[Arab people|Arab]] (mainly [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] and [[Syrian people|Syrian]]) and [[British people|British]] descents from contemporary migration<ref name="extranjeros">{{cite web|last=Palma Mora|first=Mónica|title=Asociaciones de Inmigrantes Extranjeros en la Ciudad de México. Una Mirada a Fines del Siglo XX|year=2005|publisher=Colegio de la Frontera Norte|url=http://redalyc.uaemex.mx/redalyc/pdf/151/15103202.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Alanís Enciso|first=Fernando S.|title=Los Extranjeros en México, La inmigración y el gobierno ¿Tolerancia o intolerancia religiosa?, 1821-1830|year=2003|publisher=The Michoacán College|url=http://historiamexicana.colmex.mx/pdf/13/art_13_1938_16335.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> after the waves of immigration that brought many Europeans at the end of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, along with some Canadians and [[European American]]s from the United States and Argentina. Most are found in major cities and northern states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/census.html|title=The Hispanic Experience - Indigenous Identity in Mexico}}</ref> |
* [[White Mexican|Whites]] make up 9%-17%<ref name="cia"/><ref name=britethnos>{{cite web|title=Ethnic groups|work=Mexico|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-27384|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> of the population, mostly descendants of the first [[Spanish people|Spanish]] settlers; although there are Mexicans of [[French people|French]], [[Italians|Italian]], [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]], [[Basque people|Basque]], [[Germans|German]], [[Irish people|Irish]], [[Poles|Polish]], [[Romanians|Romanian]], [[Russians|Russian]], [[Arab people|Arab]] (mainly [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] and [[Syrian people|Syrian]]) and [[British people|British]] descents from contemporary migration<ref name="extranjeros">{{cite web|last=Palma Mora|first=Mónica|title=Asociaciones de Inmigrantes Extranjeros en la Ciudad de México. Una Mirada a Fines del Siglo XX|year=2005|publisher=Colegio de la Frontera Norte|url=http://redalyc.uaemex.mx/redalyc/pdf/151/15103202.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Alanís Enciso|first=Fernando S.|title=Los Extranjeros en México, La inmigración y el gobierno ¿Tolerancia o intolerancia religiosa?, 1821-1830|year=2003|publisher=The Michoacán College|url=http://historiamexicana.colmex.mx/pdf/13/art_13_1938_16335.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> after the waves of immigration that brought many Europeans at the end of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, along with some Canadians and [[European American]]s from the United States and Argentina. Most are found in major cities and northern states.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/census.html |title=The Hispanic Experience - Indigenous Identity in Mexico}}</ref> |
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Mexico also received a large number of Lebanese, Syrian,<ref>{{cite web|last=García Ita|first=Rosa E.|title=Los árabes de México. Asimilación y herencia cultural|year=2005|publisher=ITESM|url=http://confines.mty.itesm.mx/articulos2/GarciaRE.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> [[Han Chinese|Chinese]], [[Japanese people|Japanese]],<ref name="extranjeros"/> [[Koreans|Korean]],<ref>{{Harvard reference|last=Mendoza|first=Azucena|title=Conmemoran 100 años de inmigración coreana|date=2005-05-02|url=http://www.esmas.com/noticierostelevisa/mexico/443030.html|journal=Noticieros Televisa}}</ref> and [[Mexicans of Filipino descent|Filipino]] immigrants.<ref>{{Harvard reference|last=Mercene|first=Floro L.|title=Filipinos in Mexican History|date=2005-01-28|url=http://www.ezilon.com/information/article_476.shtml|journal=Ezilon Infobase|accessdate=2007-08-20}}</ref> |
Mexico also received a large number of [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]], [[Syrian people|Syrian]],<ref>{{cite web|last=García Ita|first=Rosa E.|title=Los árabes de México. Asimilación y herencia cultural|year=2005|publisher=ITESM|url=http://confines.mty.itesm.mx/articulos2/GarciaRE.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-03}}</ref> [[Han Chinese|Chinese]], [[Japanese people|Japanese]],<ref name="extranjeros"/> [[Koreans|Korean]],<ref>{{Harvard reference|last=Mendoza|first=Azucena|title=Conmemoran 100 años de inmigración coreana|date=2005-05-02|url=http://www.esmas.com/noticierostelevisa/mexico/443030.html|journal=Noticieros Televisa}}</ref> and [[Mexicans of Filipino descent|Filipino]] immigrants.<ref>{{Harvard reference|last=Mercene|first=Floro L.|title=Filipinos in Mexican History|date=2005-01-28|url=http://www.ezilon.com/information/article_476.shtml|journal=Ezilon Infobase|accessdate=2007-08-20}}</ref> |
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[[Afro-Mexican]]s, mostly of mixed ancestry, live in the coastal areas of [[Veracruz]], [[Tabasco]] and Guerrero. |
[[Afro-Mexican]]s, mostly of mixed ancestry, live in the coastal areas of [[Veracruz]], [[Tabasco]] and [[Guerrero]]. |
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In 2004, the Mexican government founded the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN) which launched the Mexican Genome Diversity Project. In May 2009, the Institute issued a report on a major genomic study of the Mexican population. Among the findings, it was reported that of the 80% of the population that is mestizo, the proportions of European and indigenous ancestry are approximately even, with the indigenous component slightly, but significantly predominating overall. The proportions of admixture were found to vary geographically from north to south, as previous pre-genomic studies had surmised, with the European contribution predominating in the north and the indigenous component greater in central and southern regions. One of the significant conclusions of the study as reported was that even while it is composed of diverse ancestral genetic groups, the Mexican population is genetically distinctive among the world's populations.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090512081744.htm "Landmark Study Reveals Significant Genetic Variation Between Mexico's Population And World's Other Known Genetic Subgroups", ''Science Daily'' (May 12, 2009)]</ref> |
In 2004, the Mexican government founded the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN) which launched the Mexican Genome Diversity Project. In May 2009, the Institute issued a report on a major genomic study of the Mexican population. Among the findings, it was reported that of the 80% of the population that is mestizo, the proportions of European and indigenous ancestry are approximately even, with the indigenous component slightly, but significantly predominating overall. The proportions of admixture were found to vary geographically from north to south, as previous pre-genomic studies had surmised, with the European contribution predominating in the north and the indigenous component greater in central and southern regions. One of the significant conclusions of the study as reported was that even while it is composed of diverse ancestral genetic groups, the Mexican population is genetically distinctive among the world's populations.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090512081744.htm "Landmark Study Reveals Significant Genetic Variation Between Mexico's Population And World's Other Known Genetic Subgroups", ''Science Daily'' (May 12, 2009)]</ref> |
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===Language=== |
=== Language === |
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{{main|Languages of Mexico|Mexican Spanish}} |
{{main|Languages of Mexico}} |
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{{seealso|Mexican Spanish}} |
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[[File:Codex florentino 51 9.jpg|thumb|A page of the [[Florentine Codex]] written in romanized Nahuatl, an indigenous language of central Mexico]] |
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[[File:Codex florentino 51 9.jpg|left|thumb|A page of the [[Florentine Codex]] written in romanized Nahuatl, an indigeonus language of central Mexico]] |
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There is no ''de jure'' constitutional official language at the federal level in Mexico.<ref>{{cite web|title=Título Primero, Capítulo I, De las garantías individuales|work=Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos|date=2007-06-19|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://www.normateca.gob.mx/Archivos/34_D_1247_22-06-2007.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-02}}{{es icon}}</ref> Spanish, spoken by 97% of the population, is considered a national language by The General Law of Linguistic Rights of the Indigenous Peoples, which also grants all indigenous minority languages spoken in Mexico, regardless of the number of speakers, the same validity as Spanish in all territories in which they are spoken, and indigenous peoples are entitled to request some public services and documents in their native languages.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Ley General de Derechos Lingüísticos de los Pueblos Indígenas (General Law of the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples)|publisher=CDI México|url=http://cdi.gob.mx/derechos/vigencia/2006_ley_general_derechos_linguisticos_pueblos_indigenas.pdf|accessdate=2007-10-02|format=PDF}}</ref> Along with Spanish, the law has granted them the status of "national languages". The law includes all Amerindian languages regardless of origin; that is, it includes the Amerindian languages of ethnic groups non-native to the territory. As such the [[National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples]] recognizes the language of the [[Kickapoo]], who immigrated from the United States,<ref>{{cite web|title=Kikapúes — Kikaapoa|publisher=CDI México|url=http://www.cdi.gob.mx/index.php?id_seccion=291|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> and recognizes the languages of the Guatemalan Amerindian refugees.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aguacatecos, cakchiqueles, ixiles, kekchíes, tecos y quichés|publisher=CDI México|url=http://cdi.gob.mx/index.php?id_seccion=1378|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> The Mexican government has promoted and established bilingual primary and secondary education in some indigenous rural communities. Approximately 7.1% of the population speaks an indigenous language and 1.2% do not speak Spanish.<ref>{{cite web|title=POBLACIÓN DE 5 AÑOS Y MÁS POR ENTIDAD FEDERATIVA, SEXO Y GRUPOS LENGUA INDÍGENA QUINQUENALES DE EDAD, Y SU DISTRIBUCIÓN SEGÚN CONDICIÓN DE HABLA INDÍGENA Y HABLA ESPAÑOLA|publisher=INEGI, México|url=http://www.inegi.gob.mx/prod_serv/contenidos/espanol/bvinegi/productos/censos/poblacion/2000/definitivos/Nal/tabulados/00li01.pdf|accessdate=2007-12-13|format=PDF}}</ref> |
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There is no ''de jure'' constitutional [[official language]] at the federal level in Mexico.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Título Primero, Capítulo I, De las garantías individuales|work=Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos|date=2007-06-19|publisher=Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States|url=http://www.normateca.gob.mx/Archivos/34_D_1247_22-06-2007.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> [[Spanish language|Spanish]], spoken by 97% of the population, is considered a national language by The General Law of Linguistic Rights of the Indigenous Peoples, which also grants all indigenous minority languages spoken in Mexico, regardless of the number of speakers, the same validity as Spanish in all territories in which they are spoken, and indigenous peoples are entitled to request some public services and documents in their native languages.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web|title=Ley General de Derechos Lingüísticos de los Pueblos Indígenas (General Law of the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples)|publisher=CDI México|url=http://cdi.gob.mx/derechos/vigencia/2006_ley_general_derechos_linguisticos_pueblos_indigenas.pdf|accessdate=2007-10-02|format=PDF}}</ref> Along with Spanish, the law has granted them the status of "national languages". The law includes all Amerindian languages regardless of origin; that is, it includes the Amerindian languages of ethnic groups non-native to the territory. As such the [[National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples]] recognizes the language of the [[Kickapoo]], who immigrated from the United States,<ref>{{cite web|title=Kikapúes — Kikaapoa|publisher=CDI México|url=http://www.cdi.gob.mx/index.php?id_seccion=291|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> and recognizes the languages of the [[Guatemala]]n Amerindian refugees.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aguacatecos, cakchiqueles, ixiles, kekchíes, tecos y quichés|publisher=CDI México|url=http://cdi.gob.mx/index.php?id_seccion=1378|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> The Mexican government has promoted and established bilingual primary and secondary education in some indigenous rural communities. Approximately 7.1% of the population speaks an indigenous language and 1.2% do not speak Spanish.<ref>{{cite web|title=POBLACIÓN DE 5 AÑOS Y MÁS POR ENTIDAD FEDERATIVA, SEXO Y GRUPOS LENGUA INDÍGENA QUINQUENALES DE EDAD, Y SU DISTRIBUCIÓN SEGÚN CONDICIÓN DE HABLA INDÍGENA Y HABLA ESPAÑOLA|publisher=INEGI, México|url=http://www.inegi.gob.mx/prod_serv/contenidos/espanol/bvinegi/productos/censos/poblacion/2000/definitivos/Nal/tabulados/00li01.pdf|accessdate=2007-12-13|format=PDF}}</ref> |
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Mexico has the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world with more than twice as many as the second largest Spanish-speaking country. (Spain, Argentina, and Colombia all have about 40 million speakers each.) Almost a third of all Spanish native speakers in the world live in Mexico.<ref name=Spanishhistory /> Nahuatl is spoken by 1.5 million people and [[Yucatec Maya language|Yucatec Maya]] by 800,000. Some of the national languages are in danger of extinction; [[Lacandon]] is spoken by fewer than one hundred people. |
Mexico has the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world with more than twice as many as the second largest Spanish-speaking country. (Spain, Argentina, and Colombia all have about 40 million speakers each.) Almost a third of all Spanish native speakers in the world live in Mexico.<ref name=Spanishhistory /> Nahuatl is spoken by 1.5 million people and [[Yucatec Maya language|Yucatec Maya]] by 800,000. Some of the national languages are in danger of extinction; [[Lacandon]] is spoken by fewer than one hundred people. |
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English is widely used in business at the border cities, as well as by the one million U.S. citizens that live in Mexico, mostly retirees in small towns in Baja California, Guanajuato and Chiapas{{citation needed|date=July 2009}}. Other European languages spoken by sizable communities in Mexico are [[Venetian language|Venetian]], [[Plautdietsch]], German, French and [[Romani language|Romani]]. {{citation needed|date=April 2009}} |
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===Religion=== |
=== Religion === |
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{{ |
{{seealso|Religion in Mexico|Roman Catholicism in Mexico|Our Lady of Guadalupe|Irreligion in Mexico}} |
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[[File:Plazadeliberacion1.jpg|thumb|Metropolitan Cathedral of Guadalajara, Jalisco]] |
[[File:Plazadeliberacion1.jpg|thumb|Metropolitan Cathedral of Guadalajara, Jalisco]] |
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Mexico has no official religion, and the Constitution of 1917 and the anti-clerical laws imposed limitations on the church and sometimes codified state intrusion into church matters. The government does not provide any financial contributions to the church, and the church does not participate in public education. |
Mexico has no official religion, and the Constitution of 1917 and the anti-clerical laws imposed limitations on the church and sometimes codified state intrusion into church matters. The government does not provide any financial contributions to the church, and the church does not participate in public education. |
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The last census reported, by self-ascription, that 95% of the population is [[Christianity|Christian]]. [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholics]] are 89%<ref name="tabulados">{{cite web|title=Religión|work=Censo Nacional de Población y Vivienda 2000|year=2000|publisher=[[INEGI]]|url=http://www.inegi.gob.mx/prod_serv/contenidos/espanol/bvinegi/productos/censos/poblacion/2000/definitivos/Nal/tabulados/00re01.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2 August 2009}}</ref> of the total population, 47% percent of whom attend church services weekly.<ref>{{cite web|title=Church attendance|work=Study of worldwide rates of religiosity|year=1997|publisher=University of Michigan|url=http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/print.php?Releases/1997/Dec97/chr121097a|accessdate=2007-01-03}}</ref> In absolute terms, Mexico has the world's second largest number of Catholics after Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_romcath.html|title=The Largest Catholic Communities|accessdate=2007-11-10|work=Adherents.com}}</ref> |
The last census reported, by self-ascription, that 95% of the population is [[Christianity|Christian]]. [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholics]] are 89%<ref name="tabulados">{{cite web|title=Religión|work=Censo Nacional de Población y Vivienda 2000|year=2000|publisher=[[INEGI]]|url=http://www.inegi.gob.mx/prod_serv/contenidos/espanol/bvinegi/productos/censos/poblacion/2000/definitivos/Nal/tabulados/00re01.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2 August 2009}}</ref> of the total population, 47% percent of whom attend church services weekly.<ref>{{cite web|title=Church attendance|work=Study of worldwide rates of religiosity|year=1997|publisher=University of Michigan|url=http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/print.php?Releases/1997/Dec97/chr121097a|accessdate=2007-01-03}}</ref> In absolute terms, Mexico has the world's second largest number of Catholics after [[Brazil]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_romcath.html |title=The Largest Catholic Communities |accessdate=2007-11-10 |work=Adherents.com}}</ref> |
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About 6% of the population (more than 4.4 million people) is [[Protestantism|Protestant]],<ref name="tabulados"/> of whom [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]] and [[Charismatic movement|Charismatics]] (called Neo-Pentecostals in the census), are the largest group (1.37 million people).<ref name="tabulados"/> There are also a sizeable number of [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventists]] (0.6 million people).<ref>[http://news.adventist.org/data/2006/1158328154/index.html.en Religious Liberty Thriving, Government Official Tells Adventist Leaders]</ref> The 2000 national census counted more than one million [[Jehovah's Witnesses]].<ref name="tabulados"/> |
About 6% of the population (more than 4.4 million people) is [[Protestantism|Protestant]],<ref name="tabulados"/> of whom [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]] and [[Charismatic movement|Charismatics]] (called Neo-Pentecostals in the census), are the largest group (1.37 million people).<ref name="tabulados"/> There are also a sizeable number of [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventists]] (0.6 million people).<ref>[http://news.adventist.org/data/2006/1158328154/index.html.en Religious Liberty Thriving, Government Official Tells Adventist Leaders]</ref> The 2000 national census counted more than one million [[Jehovah's Witnesses]].<ref name="tabulados"/> |
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In 1992, Mexico lifted almost all restrictions on the Catholic Church and other religions, including granting all religious groups legal status, conceding them limited property rights, and lifting restrictions on the number of priests in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico|work=International Religious Report|year=2003|publisher=U.S. Department of State|url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2003/24499.htm|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> Until recently, priests did not have the right to vote, and even now they cannot be elected to public office. |
In 1992, Mexico lifted almost all restrictions on the Catholic Church and other religions, including granting all religious groups legal status, conceding them limited property rights, and lifting restrictions on the number of priests in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico|work=International Religious Report|year=2003|publisher=U.S. Department of State|url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2003/24499.htm|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> Until recently, priests did not have the right to vote, and even now they cannot be elected to public office. |
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==Culture== |
== Culture == |
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{{main|Culture of Mexico}} |
{{main|Culture of Mexico}} |
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[[File:Tradicionalranchero.JPG|thumb|A type of traditional Mexican dance and costumes]] |
[[File:Tradicionalranchero.JPG|thumb|left|A type of traditional Mexican dance and costumes.]] |
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Mexican culture reflects the complexity of the [[History of Mexico|country's history]] through the blending of pre-[[Hispanic]] civilizations and the [[culture of Spain]], imparted during Spain's 300-year colonization of Mexico. Exogenous cultural elements mainly from the United States have been incorporated into Mexican culture. As was the case in most Latin American countries, when Mexico became an independent nation, it had to slowly create a national identity, being an ethnically diverse country in which, for the most part, the only connecting element amongst the newly independent inhabitants was Catholicism. |
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Mexican culture reflects the complexity of the [[History of Mexico|country's history]] through the blending of pre-[[Hispanic]] civilizations and the [[culture of Spain]], imparted during Spain's 300-year colonization of Mexico. Exogenous cultural elements mainly from the United States have been incorporated into Mexican culture. As was the case in most [[Latin America]]n countries, when Mexico became an independent nation, it had to slowly create a national identity, being an ethnically diverse country in which, for the most part, the only connecting element amongst the newly independent inhabitants was Catholicism. |
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The Porfirian era (''el Porfiriato''), in the last quarter of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth century, was marked by economic progress and peace. After four decades of civil unrest and war, Mexico saw the development of philosophy and the arts, promoted by President Díaz himself. Since that time, though accentuated during the [[Mexican Revolution]], cultural identity had its foundation in the ''mestizaje'', of which the indigenous (i.e. Amerindian) element was the core. In light of the various ethnicities that formed the Mexican people, [[José Vasconcelos]] in his publication ''La Raza Cósmica'' (The Cosmic Race) (1925) defined Mexico to be the melting pot of all races (thus extending the definition of the ''mestizo'') not only biologically but culturally as well.<ref>{{cite book|last=Vasconcelos|first=José|coauthors=Didier T. Jaén (translator)|title=La Raza Cósmica (The Cosmic Race)|publisher=The Johns Hopkins University Press|year=1997|isbn=0-8018-5655-8|page=160 }}</ref> This exalting of ''mestizaje'' was a revolutionary idea that sharply contrasted with the idea of a superior pure race prevalent in Europe at the time. |
The Porfirian era (''el [[Porfirio Díaz|Porfiriato]]''), in the last quarter of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth century, was marked by economic progress and peace. After four decades of civil unrest and war, Mexico saw the development of philosophy and the arts, promoted by President Díaz himself. Since that time, though accentuated during the [[Mexican Revolution]], cultural identity had its foundation in the ''mestizaje'', of which the indigenous (i.e. Amerindian) element was the core. In light of the various ethnicities that formed the Mexican people, [[José Vasconcelos]] in his publication ''La Raza Cósmica'' (The Cosmic Race) (1925) defined Mexico to be the melting pot of all races (thus extending the definition of the ''mestizo'') not only biologically but culturally as well.<ref>{{cite book|last=Vasconcelos|first=José|coauthors=Didier T. Jaén (translator)|title=La Raza Cósmica (The Cosmic Race)|publisher=The Johns Hopkins University Press|year=1997|isbn=0-8018-5655-8|page=160 }}</ref> This exalting of ''mestizaje'' was a revolutionary idea that sharply contrasted with the idea of a superior pure race prevalent in Europe at the time. |
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===Cinema=== |
=== Cinema === |
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{{main|Cinema of Mexico}} |
{{main|Cinema of Mexico}} |
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[[File:PedroInfante.jpg|thumb|Famous actors [[Pedro Infante]] and [[Jorge Negrete]] in the 1952 film ''Dos Tipos de Cuidado'']] |
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Mexican films from the [[Golden Age of Mexican cinema|Golden Age]] in the 1940s and 1950s are the greatest examples of Latin American cinema, with a huge industry comparable to the [[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California|Hollywood]] of those years. Mexican films were exported and exhibited in all of Latin America and Europe. ''[[Maria Candelaria]]'' (1944) by [[Emilio Fernández]], was one of the first films awarded a [[Palme d'Or]] at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] in 1946, the first time the event was held after World War II. Famous actors and actresses from this period include [[María Félix]], [[Pedro Infante]], [[Dolores del Río]], Jorge Negrete and the comedian [[Cantinflas]]. |
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[[Cinema of Mexico|Mexican films]] from the [[Golden Age of Mexican cinema|Golden Age]] in the 1940s and 1950s are the greatest examples of Latin American cinema, with a huge industry comparable to the [[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California|Hollywood]] of those years. Mexican films were exported and exhibited in all of Latin America and Europe. ''[[Maria Candelaria]]'' (1944) by [[Emilio Fernández]], was one of the first films awarded a [[Palme d'Or]] at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] in 1946, the first time the event was held after World War II. Famous actors and actresses from this period include [[María Félix]], [[Pedro Infante]], [[Dolores del Río]], [[Jorge Negrete]] and the comedian [[Cantinflas]]. |
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More recently, films such as ''[[Like Water for Chocolate|Como agua para chocolate]]'' (1992), ''[[Cronos (film)|Cronos]]'' (1993), ''[[Amores perros]]'' (2000), ''[[Y tu mamá también]]'' (2001), ''[[The Crime of Father Amaro (film)|El Crimen del Padre Amaro]]'' (2002), ''[[Pan's Labyrinth]]'' (2006) and ''[[Babel (film)|Babel]]'' (2006) have been successful in creating universal stories about contemporary subjects, and were internationally recognised, as in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Mexican directors [[Alejandro González Iñárritu]] (''Amores perros'', ''Babel''), [[Alfonso Cuarón]] (''[[Children of Men]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''), [[Guillermo del Toro]], [[Carlos Carrera]] (''The Crime of Father Amaro''), and screenwriter [[Guillermo Arriaga]] are some of the most known present-day film makers. |
More recently, films such as ''[[Like Water for Chocolate|Como agua para chocolate]]'' (1992), ''[[Cronos (film)|Cronos]]'' (1993), ''[[Amores perros]]'' (2000), ''[[Y tu mamá también]]'' (2001), ''[[The Crime of Father Amaro (film)|El Crimen del Padre Amaro]]'' (2002), ''[[Pan's Labyrinth]]'' (2006) and ''[[Babel (film)|Babel]]'' (2006) have been successful in creating universal stories about contemporary subjects, and were internationally recognised, as in the prestigious [[Cannes Film Festival]]. Mexican directors [[Alejandro González Iñárritu]] (''[[Amores perros]]'', ''[[Babel (film)|Babel]]''), [[Alfonso Cuarón]] (''[[Children of Men]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''), [[Guillermo del Toro]], [[Carlos Carrera]] (''[[The Crime of Father Amaro (film)|The Crime of Father Amaro]]''), and screenwriter [[Guillermo Arriaga]] are some of the most known present-day film makers. |
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===Music=== |
=== Music === |
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{{Main|Music of Mexico}} |
{{Main|Music of Mexico}} |
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[[File:Orquesta Filarmonica de Jalisco.jpg|thumb|Jalisco Symphony Orchestra]] |
[[File:Orquesta Filarmonica de Jalisco.jpg|thumb|left|Jalisco Symphony Orchestra]] |
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Mexican society enjoys a vast array of music genres, showing the diversity of Mexican culture. Traditional music includes [[Mariachi]], [[banda music|Banda]], [[Norteño (music)|Norteño]], [[Ranchera]] and [[Corrido]]s; on an every-day basis most Mexicans listen to contemporary music such as [[Mexican pop music|pop]], [[rock music|rock]], etc. in both English and Spanish. Mexico has the largest media industry in Latin America, producing Mexican artists who are famous in Central and South America and parts of Europe, especially Spain. Some well-known Mexican singers are [[Thalía]], [[Luis Miguel]], [[Alejandro Fernández]] and [[Paulina Rubio]]. Popular groups are [[Café Tacuba]], [[Molotov (band)|Molotov]] and [[Maná]], among others. |
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Mexican society enjoys a vast array of music genres, showing the diversity of Mexican culture. Traditional music includes [[Mariachi]], [[banda music|Banda]], [[Norteño (music)|Norteño]], [[Ranchera]] and [[Corrido]]s; on an every-day basis most Mexicans listen to contemporary music such as [[Mexican pop music|pop]], [[rock music|rock]], etc. in both English and Spanish. Mexico has the largest media industry in [[Latin America]], producing Mexican artists who are famous in Central and South America and parts of Europe, especially Spain. Some well-known Mexican singers are |
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According to the [[Sistema Nacional de Fomento Musical]], there are between 120 and 140 youth orchestras affiliated to this federal agency from all federal states. Some states, through their state agencies in charge of culture and the arts—Ministry or Secretariat or Institute or Council of Culture, in some cases Secretariat of Education or the State University—sponsor the activities of a professional [[Orchestra|Symphony Orchestra or Philharmonic Orchestra]] so all citizens can have access to this artistic expression from the field of [[classical music]]. There is no public information about the exact number of professional orchestras in the country (probably 40 ensembles of very diverse caliber). Mexico City is the most intense hub of this activity hosting 12 professional orchestras sponsored by different agencies such as the National Intitute of Fine Arts, the Secretariat of Culture of the Federal District, The National University, the National Polytechnic Institute, a Delegación Política (Coyoacán) and very few are a kind of private ventures. Orquestas in Mexico are mainly subsidized by a governmental body or agency, unlike their American counterparts, therefore, these organizations do not have departments such as marketing or development. States such as Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Colima, Morelos, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sonora, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala do not have a professional Symphony orchestra. The only permanent opera company belongs to the [[National Institute of Fine Arts]], offering six productions yearly, however, some cities such as Guadalajara, Monterrey or Morelia make important efforts to present this kind of expression to local audiences. |
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[[Thalía]], [[Luis Miguel]], [[Alejandro Fernández]] and [[Paulina Rubio]]. Popular groups are [[Café Tacuba]], [[Molotov (band)|Molotov]] and [[Maná]], among others. |
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According to the [[Sistema Nacional de Fomento Musical]], there are between 120 and 140 youth orchestras affiliated to this federal agency from all federal states. Some states, through their state agencies in charge of culture and the arts—Ministry or Secretariat or Institute or Council of Culture, in some cases Secretariat of Education or the State University—sponsor the activities of a professional [[Orchestra|Symphony Orchestra or Philharmonic Orchestra]] so all citizens can have access to this artistic expression from the field of [[classical music]]. There is no public information about the exact number of professional orchestras in the country (probably 40 ensembles of very diverse caliber). Mexico City is the most intense hub of this activity hosting 12 professional orchestras sponsored by different agencies such as the National Intitute of Fine Arts, the Secretariat of Culture of the Federal District, The National University, the National Polytechnic Institute, a Delegación Política (Coyoacán) and very few are a kind of private ventures. Orquestas in Mexico are mainly subsidized by a governmental body or agency, unlike their American counterparts, therefore, these organizations do not have departments such as marketing or development. States such as Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Colima, Morelos, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sonora, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala do not have a professional Symphony orchestra. The only permanent opera company belongs to the [[National Institute of Fine Arts]], offering six productions yearly, however, some cities such as Guadalajara, Monterrey or Morelia make important efforts to present this kind of expression to local audiences. |
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=== Fine arts === |
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[[File:Palacio de las Bellas Artes (Mexico City).jpg|thumb|[[Palacio de Bellas Artes|Palace of Fine Arts]] in Mexico City.]] |
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===Fine arts=== |
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[[File:Palacio de las Bellas Artes (Mexico City).jpg|thumb|Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City]] |
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Post-revolutionary art in Mexico had its expression in the works of renowned artists such as [[Frida Kahlo]], [[Diego Rivera]], [[José Clemente Orozco]], [[Rufino Tamayo]], [[Federico Cantú Garza]], [[David Alfaro Siqueiros]] and [[Juan O'Gorman]]. Diego Rivera, the most well-known figure of [[Mexican Muralism]], painted the ''[[Man at the Crossroads]]'' at the [[Rockefeller Center]] in New York City, a huge mural that was destroyed the next year due to the inclusion of a portrait of Russian communist leader [[Vladimir Lenin|Lenin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Rockefeller Controversy|publisher=Diego Rivera Prints|url=http://www.diego-rivera.org/rockefellercontroversy.html|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> Some of Rivera's murals are displayed at the Mexican [[National Palace (Mexico)|National Palace]] and the [[Palacio de Bellas Artes|Palace of Fine Arts]]. |
Post-revolutionary art in Mexico had its expression in the works of renowned artists such as [[Frida Kahlo]], [[Diego Rivera]], [[José Clemente Orozco]], [[Rufino Tamayo]], [[Federico Cantú Garza]], [[David Alfaro Siqueiros]] and [[Juan O'Gorman]]. Diego Rivera, the most well-known figure of [[Mexican Muralism]], painted the ''[[Man at the Crossroads]]'' at the [[Rockefeller Center]] in New York City, a huge mural that was destroyed the next year due to the inclusion of a portrait of Russian communist leader [[Vladimir Lenin|Lenin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Rockefeller Controversy|publisher=Diego Rivera Prints|url=http://www.diego-rivera.org/rockefellercontroversy.html|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> Some of Rivera's murals are displayed at the Mexican [[National Palace (Mexico)|National Palace]] and the [[Palacio de Bellas Artes|Palace of Fine Arts]]. |
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Academic music composers of Mexico include [[Manuel María Ponce]], [[José Pablo Moncayo]], [[Julián Carrillo]], [[Mario Lavista]], [[Carlos Chávez]], [[Silvestre Revueltas]], [[Arturo Márquez]], and [[Juventino Rosas]], many of whom incorporated traditional elements into their music. [[Nobel Prize]] winner [[Octavio Paz]], [[Carlos Fuentes]], [[Juan Rulfo]], [[Elena Poniatowska]], and [[José Emilio Pacheco]], are some of the most recognized authors of Mexican literature. |
Academic music composers of Mexico include [[Manuel María Ponce]], [[José Pablo Moncayo]], [[Julián Carrillo]], [[Mario Lavista]], [[Carlos Chávez]], [[Silvestre Revueltas]], [[Arturo Márquez]], and [[Juventino Rosas]], many of whom incorporated traditional elements into their music. [[Nobel Prize]] winner [[Octavio Paz]], [[Carlos Fuentes]], [[Juan Rulfo]], [[Elena Poniatowska]], and [[José Emilio Pacheco]], are some of the most recognized authors of Mexican literature. |
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===Broadcast media=== |
=== Broadcast media === |
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Two of the major television networks based in Mexico are Televisa and TV Azteca. Televisa is also the largest producer of Spanish-language content in the world and also the world's largest Spanish-language media network.<ref>{{cite web|title=Televisa Brings 2006 FIFA World Cup to Mexico in HD With Snell & Wilcox Kahuna SD/HD Production Switcher|work=Press release|date=2006-06-27|publisher=[[Snell & Wilcox]]|url=http://www.snellwilcox.com/news_events/press_releases/203|accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> [[Grupo Multimedios]] is another media conglomerate with Spanish-language broadcasting in Mexico, Spain, and the United States. [[Soap opera]]s ([[telenovela]]s) are translated to many languages and seen all over the world with renowned names like [[Verónica Castro]], [[Lucía Méndez]], [[Lucero]], and Thalía. Even [[Gael García Bernal]] and [[Diego Luna]] from Y tu mamá también and current [[Ermenegildo Zegna|Zegna]] model have appeared in some of them. Some of their TV shows are modeled after counterparts from the U.S. like ''[[100 mexicanos dijeron|Family Feud]]'' (''100 Mexicanos Dijeron'' or "A hundred Mexicans said" in Spanish) and [[¿Qué dice la gente?]], ''[[Big Brother (TV series)|Big Brother]]'', ''[[American Idol]]'', ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' and others. Nationwide news shows like ''[[Las Noticias por Adela]]'' on Televisa resemble a hybrid between ''[[The Phil Donahue Show|Donahue]]'' and ''[[Nightline (US news program)|Nightline]]''. Local news shows are modeled after counterparts from the U.S. like the ''[[Eyewitness News]]'' and ''[[Action News]]'' formats. Border cities receive television and radio stations from the U.S., while [[satellite]] and [[cable]] subscription is common for the middle-classes in major cities, and they often watch movies and TV shows from the U.S. |
Two of the major television networks based in Mexico are [[Televisa]] and [[TV Azteca]]. Televisa is also the largest producer of Spanish-language content in the world and also the world's largest Spanish-language media network.<ref>{{cite web|title=Televisa Brings 2006 FIFA World Cup to Mexico in HD With Snell & Wilcox Kahuna SD/HD Production Switcher|work=Press release|date=2006-06-27 | publisher=[[Snell & Wilcox]] | url=http://www.snellwilcox.com/news_events/press_releases/203 | accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> [[Grupo Multimedios]] is another media conglomerate with Spanish-language broadcasting in Mexico, Spain, and the United States. [[Soap opera]]s ([[telenovela]]s) are translated to many languages and seen all over the world with renowned names like [[Verónica Castro]], [[Lucía Méndez]], [[Lucero]], and [[Thalía]]. Even [[Gael García Bernal]] and [[Diego Luna]] from [[Y tu mamá también]] and current [[Ermenegildo Zegna|Zegna]] model have appeared in some of them. Some of their TV shows are modeled after counterparts from the U.S. like ''[[100 mexicanos dijeron|Family Feud]]'' (''100 Mexicanos Dijeron'' or "A hundred Mexicans said" in Spanish) and [[¿Qué dice la gente?]], ''[[Big Brother (TV series)|Big Brother]]'', ''[[American Idol]]'', ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' and others. Nationwide news shows like ''[[Las Noticias por Adela]]'' on Televisa resemble a hybrid between ''[[The Phil Donahue Show|Donahue]]'' and ''[[Nightline (US news program)|Nightline]]''. Local news shows are modeled after counterparts from the U.S. like the ''[[Eyewitness News]]'' and ''[[Action News]]'' formats. Border cities receive television and radio stations from the U.S., while [[satellite]] and [[cable]] subscription is common for the middle-classes in major cities, and they often watch movies and TV shows from the U.S. |
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===Cuisine=== |
=== Cuisine === |
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{{main|Mexican cuisine}} |
{{main|Mexican cuisine}} |
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[[File:Cabrito con tamales 2.JPG|thumb|Cabrito con Tamales]] |
[[File:Cabrito con tamales 2.JPG|thumb|left|Cabrito con Tamales]] |
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[[Image:Chile en nogada.jpg|thumb|''Chiles en nogada'']] |
[[Image:Chile en nogada.jpg|thumb|''[[Chiles en nogada]]'']] |
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Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices. Most of today's Mexican food is based on pre-Hispanic traditions, including the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonists. The ''[[conquistador]]es'' eventually combined their imported diet of rice, beef, pork, chicken, wine, garlic and onions with the native pre-Columbian food, including maize, tomato, vanilla, avocado, [[papaya]], pineapple, chili pepper, |
Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices. Most of today's Mexican food is based on pre-Hispanic traditions, including the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonists. The ''[[conquistador]]es'' eventually combined their imported diet of rice, beef, pork, chicken, wine, garlic and onions with the native pre-Columbian food, including [[maize]], [[tomato]], [[vanilla]], [[avocado]], [[papaya]], [[pineapple]], [[chili pepper]], [[bean]]s, [[Squash (plant)|squash]], [[Lime (fruit)|limes]] (''limón'' in [[Mexican Spanish]]), [[sweet potato]], [[peanut]] and [[Turkey (bird)|turkey]]. |
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The most internationally recognized dishes include chocolate, [[taco]]s, [[quesadilla]]s, [[enchilada]]s, [[burrito]]s, [[tamale]]s and [[mole (sauce)|mole]] among others. Regional dishes include mole poblano, [[chiles en nogada]] and [[chalupa]]s from Puebla; [[cabrito]] and [[machaca]] from Monterrey, [[cochinita pibil]] from Yucatán, [[Tlayuda]]s from Oaxaca, as well as [[barbacoa]], [[chilaquiles]], [[milanesa]]s, and many others. |
The most internationally recognized dishes include [[chocolate]], [[taco]]s, [[quesadilla]]s, [[enchilada]]s, [[burrito]]s, [[tamale]]s and [[mole (sauce)|mole]] among others. Regional dishes include [[mole (sauce)|mole poblano]], [[chiles en nogada]] and [[chalupa]]s from [[Puebla]]; [[cabrito]] and [[machaca]] from [[Monterrey]], [[cochinita pibil]] from [[Yucatán]], [[Tlayuda]]s from [[Oaxaca]], as well as [[barbacoa]], [[chilaquiles]], [[milanesa]]s, and many others. |
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==Sports== |
== Sports == |
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{{main article|Sport in Mexico|1968 Summer Olympics|1970 FIFA World Cup|1986 FIFA World Cup}} |
{{main article|Sport in Mexico}} |
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{{see also|1968 Summer Olympics|1970 FIFA World Cup|1986 FIFA World Cup}} |
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[[File:Azteca 008.gif|thumb|The Estadio Azteca (Aztec Stadium) is the official home stadium of the [[Mexico national football team]]]] |
[[File:Azteca 008.gif|thumb|left|The Estadio Azteca (Aztec Stadium) is the official home stadium of the [[Mexico national football team]].]] |
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[[File:Estadio de beisbol en Monterrey.jpg||thumb|Baseball stadium in Monterrey, home to Monterrey Sultans]] |
[[File:Estadio de beisbol en Monterrey.jpg||right|thumb|Baseball stadium in Monterrey, home to Monterrey Sultans.]] |
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Mexico City hosted the [[1968 Summer Olympics|XIX Olympic Games]] in 1968, making it the only Latin American city to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Binational Olympics|month=December|year=2003|publisher=San Diego Metropolitan|url=http://www.sandiegometro.com/2003/dec/coverstory2.html|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> The country has also hosted the [[FIFA World Cup]] twice, in [[1970 FIFA World Cup|1970]] and [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About CONCACAF|publisher=The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)|url=http://www.concacaf.com/about.asp|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> |
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Mexico City hosted the [[1968 Summer Olympics|XIX Olympic Games]] in 1968, making it the only Latin American city to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Binational Olympics|month=December | year=2003|publisher=San Diego Metropolitan|url=http://www.sandiegometro.com/2003/dec/coverstory2.html|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> The country has also hosted the [[FIFA World Cup]] twice, in [[1970 FIFA World Cup|1970]] and [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About CONCACAF|publisher=The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)|url=http://www.concacaf.com/about.asp|accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> |
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Mexico’s most popular sport is [[association football]]. It is commonly believed that Football was introduced in Mexico by [[Cornwall|Cornish]] miners at the end of the 19th century. By 1902 a five-team league had emerged with a strong English influence.<ref> {{cite web|title=Introduction|publisher=Federacion Mexicana de Futbol|url=http://www.femexfut.org.mx/portalv2/(hjfqs545niz5yh55yipntw55)/default.aspx?s=135}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico - List of Final Tables|publisher=Rec.Sports.Soccer Statistics Foundation|url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesm/mexhist.html}}</ref> Football became a professional sport in 1943. Since the “Era Professional” started, Mexico’s top clubs have been [[Club Deportivo Guadalajara|Guadalajara]] with 11 championships, [[Club América|América]] with 10 and [[Deportivo Toluca F.C.|Toluca]] with 9.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico - List of Champions|publisher=Rec.Sports.Soccer Statistics Foundation|url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesm/mexchamp.html}}</ref> In Mexican Football many players have been raised to the level of legend, but two of them have received international recognition above others. [[Antonio Carbajal]] was the first player to appear in five World Cups, and [[Hugo Sánchez]] was named best [[CONCACAF]] player of the 20th century by IFFHS. Mexican’s biggest stadiums are [[Estadio Azteca]], [[Estadio Olímpico Universitario]] and [[Estadio Jalisco]]. |
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Mexico’s most popular sport is [[association football]]. It is commonly believed that Football was introduced in Mexico by [[Cornwall|Cornish]] miners at the end of the 19th century. By 1902 a five-team league had emerged with a strong English influence.<ref> {{cite web|title= Introduction|publisher=Federacion Mexicana de Futbol|url=http://www.femexfut.org.mx/portalv2/(hjfqs545niz5yh55yipntw55)/default.aspx?s=135}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Mexico - List of Final Tables|publisher=Rec.Sports.Soccer Statistics Foundation|url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesm/mexhist.html}}</ref> Football became a professional sport in 1943. Since the “Era Professional” started, Mexico’s top clubs have been [[Club Deportivo Guadalajara|Guadalajara]] with 11 championships, [[Club América|América]] with 10 and [[Deportivo Toluca F.C.|Toluca]] with 9.<ref>{{cite web|title= Mexico - List of Champions|publisher=Rec.Sports.Soccer Statistics Foundation|url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesm/mexchamp.html}}</ref> In Mexican Football many players have been raised to the level of legend, but two of them have received international recognition above others. [[Antonio Carbajal]] was the first player to appear in five World Cups, and [[Hugo Sánchez]] was named best [[CONCACAF]] player of the 20th century by IFFHS. Mexican’s biggest stadiums are [[Estadio Azteca]], [[Estadio Olímpico Universitario]] and [[Estadio Jalisco]]. |
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The national sport of Mexico is [[Charreada]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Charrería|work=The Handbook of Texas Online|publisher=University of Texas at Austin|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/CC/llc4.html|accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> [[Bullfighting]] is also a popular sport in the country, and almost all large cities have bullrings. ''[[Plaza México]]'' in Mexico City, is the largest bullring in the world, which seats 55,000 people. Professional wrestling (or ''[[Lucha libre]]'' in Spanish) is a major crowd draw with national promotions such as [[Asistencia Asesoría y Administración|AAA]], LLL, [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre|CMLL]] and others. |
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The national sport of Mexico is [[Charreada]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Charrería|work=The Handbook of Texas Online|publisher=University of Texas at Austin|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/CC/llc4.html|accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> [[Bullfighting]] is also a popular sport in the country, and almost all large cities have bullrings. ''[[Plaza México]]'' in [[Mexico City]], is the largest bullring in the world, which seats 55,000 people. Professional wrestling (or ''[[Lucha libre]]'' in Spanish) is a major crowd draw with national promotions such as [[Asistencia Asesoría y Administración|AAA]], LLL, [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre|CMLL]] and others. |
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[[Baseball]], is also popular, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula and the Northern States. The season runs from March to July with playoffs held in August. The Mexican professional league is named the [[Liga Mexicana de Beisbol]]. Current champions (2007) are Sultanes de Monterrey who defeated in a tight series Leones de Yucatán. However, the best level of baseball is played in [[Mexican Pacific League|Liga Mexicana del Pacífico]], played in Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California. Given that it is played during the MLB off-season, some of its players are signed to play with the league 8 teams. Current champions (2007) are [[Yaquis de Obregon]]. The league champion participates in the [[Caribbean Series]], a tournament between the Champions of Winter Leagues of Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic; the [[2009 Caribbean Series]] edition will be held in Mexicali. |
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[[Baseball]], is also popular, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula and the Northern States. The season runs from March to July with playoffs held in August. The Mexican professional league is named the [[Liga Mexicana de Beisbol]]. Current champions (2007) are Sultanes de Monterrey who defeated in a tight series Leones de Yucatán. However, the best level of baseball is played in [[Mexican Pacific League|Liga Mexicana del Pacífico]], played in Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California. Given that it is played during the MLB off-season, some of its players are signed to play with the league 8 teams. Current champions (2007) are [[Yaquis de Obregon]]. The league champion participates in the [[Caribbean Series]], a tournament between the Champions of Winter Leagues of Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic; the [[2009 Caribbean Series]] edition will be held in [[Mexicali]]. |
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<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[File:Lorena Ochoa Mobile Ala.jpg|thumb|left|[[Lorena Ochoa]], world's number one woman golfer according to the [[LPGA]].]] --> |
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The most important professional [[basketball]] league is the [[Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional]] and covers the whole Mexican territory, where the [[Soles de Mexicali]] are the current champions. In 2007 three Mexican teams will be competing in the [[American Basketball Association (2000–)|American Basketball Association]]. In the northwestern states is the CIBACOPA Competition, with professional basketball players from Mexico and the U.S. Universities and some teams from the NBA. |
The most important professional [[basketball]] league is the [[Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional]] and covers the whole Mexican territory, where the [[Soles de Mexicali]] are the current champions. In 2007 three Mexican teams will be competing in the [[American Basketball Association (2000–)|American Basketball Association]]. In the northwestern states is the CIBACOPA Competition, with professional basketball players from Mexico and the U.S. Universities and some teams from the NBA. |
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[[American football]] is played at the major universities like ITESM, [[Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León|UANL]], [[Fundación Universidad de las Américas, Puebla|UDLA]], IPN and [[UNAM]]. The college league in Mexico is called [[Mexican College Football|ONEFA]]. [[Rugby football|Rugby]] is played at the amateur level throughout the country with the majority of clubs in Mexico City and others in Monterrey, Guadalajara, Celaya, Guanajuato and Oaxaca. |
[[American football]] is played at the major universities like [[Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education|ITESM]], [[Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León|UANL]], [[Fundación Universidad de las Américas, Puebla|UDLA]], [[National Polytechnic Institute|IPN]] and [[UNAM]]. The college league in Mexico is called [[Mexican College Football|ONEFA]]. [[Rugby football|Rugby]] is played at the amateur level throughout the country with the majority of clubs in Mexico City and others in [[Monterrey]], [[Guadalajara, Jalisco|Guadalajara]], Celaya, Guanajuato and Oaxaca. |
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[[Auto racing]] is very popular in Mexico. Throughout the years, Mexico has hosted races for some of the most important international championships such as [[Formula One]], [[NASCAR]], [[Champ Car]], [[A1 Grand Prix]], among others. Mexico also has its own NASCAR-sanctioned stock car series, the [[NASCAR Corona Series]], which runs 14 events in different cities, drawing large crowds. Other forms of racing include [[Formula Renault]], [[Formula Vee]], touring cars, Pick-up trucks, endurance racing, rallying, and off-road. |
[[Auto racing]] is very popular in Mexico. Throughout the years, Mexico has hosted races for some of the most important international championships such as [[Formula One]], [[NASCAR]], [[Champ Car]], [[A1 Grand Prix]], among others. Mexico also has its own [[NASCAR]]-sanctioned stock car series, the [[NASCAR Corona Series]], which runs 14 events in different cities, drawing large crowds. Other forms of racing include [[Formula Renault]], [[Formula Vee]], touring cars, Pick-up trucks, endurance racing, rallying, and off-road. |
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[[Ice hockey]] is played in larger cities like Monterrey, Guadalajara, Villahermosa, Culiacan and Mexico City. {{citation needed|date=February 2009}} |
[[Ice hockey]] is played in larger cities like Monterrey, Guadalajara, Villahermosa, Culiacan and Mexico City. {{citation needed|date=February 2009}} |
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Sport fishing is popular in Baja California and the big Pacific coast resorts, while freshwater bass fishing is growing in popularity too. The gentler arts of diving and snorkeling are big around the Caribbean, with famous dive sites at Cozumel and on the reefs further south. The Pacific coast is becoming something of a center for surfing, with few facilities as yet; all these sports attract tourists to Mexico. |
Sport fishing is popular in Baja California and the big Pacific coast resorts, while freshwater bass fishing is growing in popularity too. The gentler arts of diving and snorkeling are big around the Caribbean, with famous dive sites at Cozumel and on the reefs further south. The Pacific coast is becoming something of a center for surfing, with few facilities as yet; all these sports attract tourists to Mexico. |
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==Healthcare and education== |
== Healthcare and education == |
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:''Main articles: [[Health care in Mexico]] and [[Education in Mexico]]. See also [[2009 swine flu outbreak]]''. |
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[[File:Swine Flu Masked Train Passengers in Mexico City.jpg|thumb|Mexico city subway passengers wearing masks due to the 2009 swine flu outbreak]] |
[[File:Swine Flu Masked Train Passengers in Mexico City.jpg|thumb|left|Mexico city subway passengers wearing masks due to the [[2009 swine flu outbreak]].]] |
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{{Education in Mexico}} |
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[[File:ITESM-Biotechnology-Center.jpg|thumb|Biotechnology center, ITESM]] |
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[[File:ITESM-Biotechnology-Center.jpg|thumb|right|Biotechnology center, ITESM.]] |
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Since the early 1990s, Mexico entered a transitional stage in the health of its population and some indicators such as mortality patterns are similar to those found in developed societies.<ref>[http://countrystudies.us/mexico/63.htm Mexico - Health Care and Social Security]</ref> Although all Mexicans are entitled to receive medical care by the state, 50.3 million Mexicans had no medical insurance as of 2002.<ref>[http://sinais.salud.gob.mx/descargas/pdf/SE01_PoblacionesInst.pdf Sistema Nacional de Información en Salud - Poblaciones de las Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud de México: Definición y Construcción]</ref> Efforts to increase the number of people are being made, and the current administration intends to achieve [[universal health care]] by 2011.<ref>[http://www.presidencia.gob.mx/prensa/presidencia/?contenido=38260 De seguir por el camino correcto en materia de salud, en tres años todos los mexicanos, sin excepción, contarán con médico, medicinas y tratamiento cuando lo necesiten: Presidente Calderón]</ref><ref>[http://www2.esmas.com/noticierostelevisa/mexico/009174/calderon-promete-cobertura-universal-salud Calderón promete cobertura universal de salud]</ref> |
Since the early 1990s, Mexico entered a transitional stage in the health of its population and some indicators such as mortality patterns are similar to those found in developed societies.<ref>[http://countrystudies.us/mexico/63.htm Mexico - Health Care and Social Security]</ref> Although all Mexicans are entitled to receive medical care by the state, 50.3 million Mexicans had no medical insurance as of 2002.<ref>[http://sinais.salud.gob.mx/descargas/pdf/SE01_PoblacionesInst.pdf Sistema Nacional de Información en Salud - Poblaciones de las Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud de México: Definición y Construcción]</ref> Efforts to increase the number of people are being made, and the current administration intends to achieve [[universal health care]] by 2011.<ref>[http://www.presidencia.gob.mx/prensa/presidencia/?contenido=38260 De seguir por el camino correcto en materia de salud, en tres años todos los mexicanos, sin excepción, contarán con médico, medicinas y tratamiento cuando lo necesiten: Presidente Calderón]</ref><ref>[http://www2.esmas.com/noticierostelevisa/mexico/009174/calderon-promete-cobertura-universal-salud Calderón promete cobertura universal de salud]</ref> |
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State-funded institutions such as [[Mexican Social Security Institute]] (IMSS) and the [[Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers]] (ISSSTE) play a major role in health and social security. Private health services are also very important and account for 13% of all medical units in the country.<ref>[http://sinais.salud.gob.mx/medicinaprivada/index.html Sistema Nacional de Información en Salud - Infraestructura]</ref> |
State-funded institutions such as [[Mexican Social Security Institute]] (IMSS) and the [[Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers]] (ISSSTE) play a major role in health and social security. Private health services are also very important and account for 13% of all medical units in the country.<ref>[http://sinais.salud.gob.mx/medicinaprivada/index.html Sistema Nacional de Información en Salud - Infraestructura]</ref> |
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[[File:HOSPITAL LA RAZA.JPG|thumb|left|La Raza Medical Center, an average public hospital in Mexico City]] |
[[File:HOSPITAL LA RAZA.JPG|thumb|left|La Raza Medical Center, an average public hospital in Mexico City.]] |
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Medical training is done mostly at public universities with some specializations done abroad. Some public universities in Mexico, such as the [[University of Guadalajara]], have signed agreements with the U.S. to receive and train American students in |
Medical training is done mostly at public universities with some specializations done abroad. Some public universities in Mexico, such as the [[University of Guadalajara]], have signed agreements with the U.S. to receive and train American students in [[Medicine]]. Health care costs in private institutions and prescription drugs in Mexico are on average lower than that of its North American economic partners.<ref name="Health Care in Mexico"/> |
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In 2004, the literacy rate was at 97%<ref>{{cite web|title=INEGI literacy report -14, 2005|url=http://www.inegi.gob.mx/est/contenidos/espanol/rutinas/ept.asp?t=medu15&s=est&c=3283}}</ref> for youth under the age of 14 and 91% for people over 15,<ref>{{cite web|title=INEGI literacy report 15+, 2005|url=http://www.inegi.gob.mx/est/contenidos/espanol/rutinas/ept.asp?t=medu16&s=est&c=3284}}</ref> placing Mexico at the 24th place in the world rank accordingly to [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico: Youth Literacy Rate|publisher=Global Virtual University|url=http://globalis.gvu.unu.edu/indicator_detail.cfm?IndicatorID=41&Country=MX|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> Primary and secondary education (9 years) is free and mandatory. Even though different bilingual education programs have existed since the 1960s for the indigenous communities, after a constitutional reform in the late 1990s, these programs have had a new thrust, and free text books are produced in more than a dozen indigenous languages. |
In 2004, the literacy rate was at 97%<ref>{{cite web|title=INEGI literacy report -14, 2005|url=http://www.inegi.gob.mx/est/contenidos/espanol/rutinas/ept.asp?t=medu15&s=est&c=3283}}</ref> for youth under the age of 14 and 91% for people over 15,<ref>{{cite web|title=INEGI literacy report 15+, 2005|url=http://www.inegi.gob.mx/est/contenidos/espanol/rutinas/ept.asp?t=medu16&s=est&c=3284}}</ref> placing Mexico at the 24th place in the world rank accordingly to [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mexico: Youth Literacy Rate|publisher=Global Virtual University|url=http://globalis.gvu.unu.edu/indicator_detail.cfm?IndicatorID=41&Country=MX|accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> Primary and secondary education (9 years) is free and mandatory. Even though different bilingual education programs have existed since the 1960s for the indigenous communities, after a constitutional reform in the late 1990s, these programs have had a new thrust, and free text books are produced in more than a dozen indigenous languages. |
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In the 1970s, Mexico established a system of "distance-learning" through satellite communications to reach otherwise inaccessible small rural and indigenous communities. Schools that use this system are known as ''[[telesecundaria]]s'' in Mexico. The Mexican [[distance education|distance learning]] secondary education is also transmitted to some Central |
In the 1970s, Mexico established a system of "distance-learning" through satellite communications to reach otherwise inaccessible small rural and indigenous communities. Schools that use this system are known as ''[[telesecundaria]]s'' in Mexico. The Mexican [[distance education|distance learning]] secondary education is also transmitted to some [[Central America]]n countries and to Colombia, and it is used in some southern regions of the United States as a method of bilingual education. There are approximately 30,000 ''telesecundarias'' and approximately a million ''telesecundaria'' students in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Current Trends in Telesecundarias|publisher=Secretariat of Public Education (SEP)|url=http://www.sep.gob.mx/wb2/sep/sep_5033_edusat}}</ref> |
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The largest and most prestigious public university in Mexico, today numbering over 269,000 students, is the [[National Autonomous University of Mexico]] (''Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México'', UNAM) founded in 1910. Three [[List of Nobel laureates|Nobel laureates]] and most of Mexico's modern-day presidents are among its former students. UNAM conducts 50% of Mexico's scientific research and has presence all across the country with satellite campuses and research centers. The National Autonomous University of Mexico ranks 150th place in the Top 200 World University Ranking published by The Times Higher Education Supplement in 2008,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Times Higher Awards 2007|publisher=The Times Higher Education Supplement|url=http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/hybrid.asp?typeCode=142&pubCode=1&navcode=105}}</ref> making it the highest ranked Spanish-speaking university in the world and the highest ranked in Latin America. The second largest university is the [[National Polytechnic Institute]] (IPN). These institutions are public, and there are at least a couple of public universities per state. |
The largest and most prestigious public university in Mexico, today numbering over 269,000 students, is the [[National Autonomous University of Mexico]] (''Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México'', UNAM) founded in 1910. Three [[List of Nobel laureates|Nobel laureates]] and most of Mexico's modern-day presidents are among its former students. UNAM conducts 50% of Mexico's scientific research and has presence all across the country with satellite campuses and research centers. The National Autonomous University of Mexico ranks 150th place in the Top 200 World University Ranking published by The Times Higher Education Supplement in 2008,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Times Higher Awards 2007|publisher=The Times Higher Education Supplement |url=http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/hybrid.asp?typeCode=142&pubCode=1&navcode=105}}</ref> making it the highest ranked Spanish-speaking university in the world and the highest ranked in Latin America. The second largest university is the [[National Polytechnic Institute]] (IPN). These institutions are public, and there are at least a couple of public universities per state. |
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One of the most prestigious private universities is [[Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education]] (ITESM). It was ranked by the ''Wall Street Journal'' as the 7th top International Business School worldwide<ref>{{cite web|title=Recruiter's scoreboard Highlights|work=The Wall Street Journal/Harris Interactive survey of corporate recruiters on business schools|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|url=http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/MB_06_Scoreboard.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> and 74th among the world's top arts and humanities universities ranking of ''The Times Higher Education Supplement'', published in 2005. ITESM has thirty-two secondary campuses, apart from its Monterrey Campus. Other important private universities include [[Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México|Mexico's Autonomous Technological Institute]] (ITAM), ranked as the best economics school in Latin America, Fundación Universidad de las Américas, Puebla (UDLAP) and the Ibero-American University ([[Universidad Iberoamericana]]). |
One of the most prestigious private universities is [[Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education]] (ITESM). It was ranked by the ''Wall Street Journal'' as the 7th top International Business School worldwide<ref>{{cite web|title=Recruiter's scoreboard Highlights|work=The Wall Street Journal/Harris Interactive survey of corporate recruiters on business schools|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|url=http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/MB_06_Scoreboard.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-10-04}}</ref> and 74th among the world's top arts and humanities universities ranking of ''The Times Higher Education Supplement'', published in 2005. ITESM has thirty-two secondary campuses, apart from its Monterrey Campus. Other important private universities include [[Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México|Mexico's Autonomous Technological Institute]] (ITAM), ranked as the best economics school in Latin America, [[Fundación Universidad de las Américas, Puebla]] (UDLAP) and the Ibero-American University ([[Universidad Iberoamericana]]). |
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In [[April 2009]] Mexico saw the outbreak of a new strain of [[Influenza A virus subtype H1N1|H1N1]] [[influenza]], which has infected up to 800 people and infected over 140,000 worldwide as of July 20. |
In [[April 2009]] Mexico saw the [[2009 swine flu outbreak|outbreak]] of a new strain of [[Influenza A virus subtype H1N1|H1N1]] [[influenza]], which has infected up to 800 people and infected over 140,000 worldwide as of July 20. |
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==Science and technology== |
== Science and technology == |
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{{main|Science and technology in Mexico}} |
{{main|Science and technology in Mexico}} |
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[[File:LMT GTM.jpg|thumb|A photograph of the Large Millimeter Telescope in Puebla]] |
[[File:LMT GTM.jpg|thumb|left|A photograph of the [[Large Millimeter Telescope]] in [[Puebla]].]] |
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[[File:Mexico.RodolfoNeriVela.01.jpg|thumb|upright|Rodolfo Neri Vela, the first Mexican in space]] |
[[File:Mexico.RodolfoNeriVela.01.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Rodolfo Neri Vela]], the first Mexican in space.]] |
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Notable Mexican technologists include [[Luis E. Miramontes]], the inventor of the [[Birth control|contraceptive pill]], Manuel Mondragon, inventor of the first automatic rifle, [[Guillermo González Camarena]], who invented the "Chromoscopic adapter for television equipment" and the "Tricolor System", both early color television transmission systems, and [[Mario J. Molina]], who won the [[Nobel Prize in Chemistry]]. [[Rodolfo Neri Vela]], an UNAM graduate, was the first Mexican to enter space (as part of the [[STS-61-B]] mission in 1985.) |
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Notable Mexican technologists include [[Luis E. Miramontes]], the inventor of the [[Birth control|contraceptive pill]], Manuel Mondragon, inventor of the first automatic rifle, [[Guillermo González Camarena]], who invented the "Chromoscopic adapter for television equipment" and the "Tricolor System", both early color television transmission systems, and [[Mario J. Molina]], who won the [[Nobel Prize in Chemistry]]. [[Rodolfo Neri Vela]], an [[National Autonomous University of Mexico|UNAM]] graduate, was the first Mexican to enter space (as part of the [[STS-61-B]] mission in 1985.) |
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In recent years, the biggest scientific project being developed in Mexico was the construction of the [[Large Millimeter Telescope]] (Gran Telescopio Milimétrico, GMT), the world's largest and most sensitive single-aperture telescope in its frequency range.<ref>Unravelling unidentified γ-ray sources with the large millimeter telescope, Alberto Carramiñana and the LMT-GTM collaboration, in ''The Multi-Messenger Approach to High-Energy Gamma-Ray Sources'', Josep M. Paredes, Olaf Reimer, and Diego F. Torres, eds., Springer Netherlands, 2007. ISBN 978-1-4020-6117-2.</ref> It was designed to observe regions of space obscured by stellar dust. |
In recent years, the biggest scientific project being developed in Mexico was the construction of the [[Large Millimeter Telescope]] (Gran Telescopio Milimétrico, GMT), the world's largest and most sensitive single-aperture telescope in its frequency range.<ref>Unravelling unidentified γ-ray sources with the large millimeter telescope, Alberto Carramiñana and the LMT-GTM collaboration, in ''The Multi-Messenger Approach to High-Energy Gamma-Ray Sources'', Josep M. Paredes, Olaf Reimer, and Diego F. Torres, eds., Springer Netherlands, 2007. ISBN 978-1-4020-6117-2.</ref> It was designed to observe regions of space obscured by stellar dust. |
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In 1962, the National Commission of Outer Space (''Comisión Nacional del Espacio Exterior'', CONNE) was established, but was dismantled in 1977. In 2007, a project was presented to re-open a new [[Agencia Espacial Mexicana|Mexican Space Agency (AEXA)]] and it was approved at the end of 2008 with the headquarters set to be located in the state of [[Hidalgo (state)|Hidalgo]]. |
In 1962, the National Commission of Outer Space (''Comisión Nacional del Espacio Exterior'', CONNE) was established, but was dismantled in 1977. In 2007, a project was presented to re-open a new [[Agencia Espacial Mexicana|Mexican Space Agency (AEXA)]] and it was approved at the end of 2008 with the headquarters set to be located in the state of [[Hidalgo (state)|Hidalgo]]. |
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==See also== |
== See also == |
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{{portal|Mexico|Mexico map with flag.png}} |
{{portal|Mexico|Mexico map with flag.png}} |
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{{Main|Outline of Mexico}} |
{{Main|Outline of Mexico}} |
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*[[Index of Mexico-related articles]] |
* [[Index of Mexico-related articles]] |
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==References== |
== References == |
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{{reflist|2}} |
{{reflist|2}} |
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==Bibliography== |
== Bibliography == |
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*{{cite book|first=Enrique|last=Krauze|authorlink=Enrique Krauze|title=Mexico: Biography of Power: A history of Modern Mexico 1810–1996|publisher=Harper Perennial|location=New York, NY|year=1998|isbn=0060929170|page=896 }} |
* {{cite book|first=Enrique| last=Krauze| authorlink=Enrique Krauze| title=Mexico: Biography of Power: A history of Modern Mexico 1810–1996| publisher=Harper Perennial| location=New York, NY| year=1998| isbn=0060929170| page=896 }} |
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*{{cite book|first=Michael C.|last=Meyer|coauthors=William H. Beezley, editors|title=The Oxford History of Mexico|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2000|isbn=0195112288|page=736 }} |
* {{cite book| first=Michael C.| last=Meyer| coauthors=William H. Beezley, editors| title=The Oxford History of Mexico| publisher=Oxford University Press| year=2000| isbn=0195112288| page=736 }} |
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*{{cite book|last=Parkes|first=Henry Bamford|authorlink=Henry Bamford Parkes|title=A History of Mexico|isbn=0395084105|publisher=Houghton Mifflin|location=Boston|year=1972|edition=3rd}} |
* {{cite book| last=Parkes| first=Henry Bamford| authorlink=Henry Bamford Parkes| title=A History of Mexico| isbn=0395084105| publisher=Houghton Mifflin| location=Boston| year=1972| edition=3rd}} |
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==External links== |
== External links == |
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{{sisterlinks}} |
{{sisterlinks}} |
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*[http://www.gob.mx/wb/egobierno/egob_General_Information Official site of the Government of Mexico] |
* [http://www.presidencia.gob.mx/en The Presidency of Mexico] |
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* [http://www.gob.mx/wb/egobierno/egob_General_Information Official site of the Government of Mexico] |
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*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-m/mexico.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members] |
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-m/mexico.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members] |
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* [http://www.visitmexico.com/ Tourism Board official website] |
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*{{CIA World Factbook link|mx|Mexico}} |
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* {{CIA World Factbook link|mx|Mexico}} |
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*[http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/mexico.htm Mexico] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs'' |
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* [http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/mexico.htm Mexico] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs'' |
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*{{dmoz|Regional/North_America/Mexico}} |
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*{{ |
* {{dmoz|Regional/North_America/Mexico}} |
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*{{ |
* {{wikiatlas|Mexico}} |
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* {{wikitravel}} |
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* [http://uk.oneworld.net/guides/mexico/development Mexico on OneWorld Country Guides] |
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{{Mexico topics}} |
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Revision as of 19:23, 4 September 2009
United Mexican States Estados Unidos Mexicanos | |
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Anthem: "Himno Nacional Mexicano" Mexican National Anthem | |
National seal: Seal of the United Mexican States ![]() | |
![]() | |
Capital and largest city | Mexico City |
Official languages | None at federal level. Spanish (de facto) |
National language | Spanish, and 62 Indigenous Amerindian languages[1] |
Demonym(s) | Mexican |
Government | Federal presidential republic |
Felipe Calderón (PAN) | |
Legislature | Congress |
Senate | |
Chamber of Deputies | |
Independence from Spain | |
• Declared | September 15, 1810 |
• Recognized | September 27, 1821 |
Area | |
• Total | 1,972,550 km2 (761,610 sq mi) (15th) |
• Water (%) | 2.5 |
Population | |
• mid-2008 estimate | 111,211,789 (July 2009)[2] (11th) |
• 2005 census | 103,263,388 |
• Density | 55/km2 (142.4/sq mi) (142nd) |
GDP (PPP) | 2008 estimate |
• Total | $1,559 billion[3] (11) |
• Per capita | $14,560[4] |
GDP (nominal) | 2008 estimate |
• Total | $ 1,143 billion[5] (13) |
• Per capita | $10,235[4] |
Gini (2008) | ▼ 46.1[6] Error: Invalid Gini value |
HDI (2008) | ![]() Error: Invalid HDI value (51st) |
Currency | Peso (MXN) |
Time zone | UTC-8 to -6 (Official Mexican Timezones) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-7 to -5 (varies) |
Drives on | right |
Calling code | 52 |
ISO 3166 code | MX |
Internet TLD | .mx |
The United Mexican States[7] (Template:Audio-es), commonly known as Mexico (English: /ˈmɛksɪkoʊ/) (Template:Audio-es [ˈmexiko]), is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico.[8][9] Covering almost 2 million square kilometres,[10] Mexico is the fifth-largest country in the Americas by total area and the 14th largest independent nation in the world. With an estimated population of 109 million,[11] it is the 11th most populous country. Mexico is a federation comprising thirty-one states and a Federal District, the capital city.
In Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica many cultures matured into advanced civilizations such as the Olmec, the Toltec, the Teotihuacan, the Maya and the Aztec before the first contact with Europeans. In 1521, Spain created the New Spain which would eventually become Mexico as the colony gained independence in 1821. The post-independence period was characterized by economic instability, territorial secession and civil war, including foreign intervention, two empires and two long domestic dictatorships. The latter led to the Mexican Revolution in 1910, which culminated with the promulgation of the 1917 Constitution and the emergence of the country's current political system. Elections held in July 2000 marked the first time that an opposition party won the presidency from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (Spanish: Partido Revolucionario Institucional, PRI).
As a regional power[12][13] and the only Latin American member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) since 1994, Mexico is firmly established as an upper middle-income country,[14] considered as a newly industrialized country[15][16][17][18] and has the 11th largest economy in the world by GDP by purchasing power parity, and also the largest GDP per capita in Latin America according to the International Monetary Fund[19]. The economy is strongly linked to those of its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners. Despite being considered an emerging power,[20] the uneven income distribution and the increase in drug-related violence are issues of concern.[21]
Etymology
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/CodexMendoza01.jpg/220px-CodexMendoza01.jpg)
After New Spain won independence from Spain, it was decided that the new country would be named after its capital, Mexico City, which was founded in 1524 on top of the ancient Aztec capital of México-Tenochtitlan. The origin of the name of the city comes from the Nahuatl language, where Mextli or Mēxihtli, a secret name for the god of war and patron of the Aztecs, Huitzilopochtli, in which case Mēxihco means "Place where Mēxihtli lives". Another hypothesis is that the word Mēxihco derives from the mētztli ("moon"), xictli ("navel", "center" or "son"), and the suffix -co (place), in which case it means "Place at the center of the moon" or "Place at the center of the Lake Moon", in reference to Lake Texcoco. The system of interconnected lakes, of which Texcoco was at the center, had the form of a rabbit, the same image that the Aztecs saw in the moon. Tenochtitlan was located at the center (or navel) of the lake (or rabbit/moon).[22] Still another hypothesis suggests that it is derived from Mēctli, the goddess of maguey.
The name of the city was transliterated to Spanish as México with the phonetic value of the x in Medieval Spanish, which represented the voiceless postalveolar fricative /ʃ/. This sound, as well as the voiced postalveolar fricative /ʒ/, represented by a j, evolved into a voiceless velar fricative /x/ during the sixteenth century.[23] This led to the use of the variant Méjico in many publications in Spanish, most notably in Spain, whereas in Mexico and some other Spanish–speaking countries México was the preferred spelling. In recent years the Real Academia Española, which regulates the Spanish language, determined that both variants are acceptable in Spanish but that the normative recommended spelling is México.[24] The majority of publications in all Spanish-speaking countries now adhere to the new norm, even though the alternative variant is still occasionally used.[25] In English, the x in Mexico represents neither the original nor the current sound, but the consonant cluster /ks/. The official name of the country has had some changes since its creation, starting as the First Mexican Empire (1821–1823), United Mexican States (1824–1836), Mexican Republic (1836–1863) followed by the Second Mexican Empire (1863–1867) and finally since the Constitution of 1917 as the United Mexican States.[26]
History
Campfire remains in the Valley of Mexico have been radiocarbon-dated to 21,000 BCE, and a few chips of stone tools have been found near the hearths, indicating the presence of humans at that time.[27] Around 9,000 years ago, ancient indigenous peoples domesticated corn and initiated an agricultural revolution, leading to the formation of many complex civilizations. Between 1,800 and 300 BCE, many matured into advanced pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations such as: the Olmec, the Teotihuacan, the Maya, the Zapotec, the Mixtec, the Toltec and the Aztec, which flourished for nearly 4,000 years before the first contact with Europeans. These civilizations are credited with many inventions and advancements including pyramid-temples, mathematics, astronomy, medicine and theology.
In the early 16th century, from the landing of Hernán Cortés, the Aztec civilization was invaded and conquered by the Spaniards.[28] The territory became part of the Spanish Empire under the name of New Spain, much of the identity, traditions and architecture of Mexico were created during the colonial period.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Guanajuato30_guanajuato.jpg/220px-Guanajuato30_guanajuato.jpg)
On September 16, 1810, independence from Spain was declared by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato.[29] The first insurgent group was formed by Hidalgo, the Spanish viceregal army captain Ignacio Allende, the militia captain Juan Aldama and "La Corregidora" Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez. Hidalgo and some of his soldiers were captured and executed by firing squad in Chihuahua, on July 31, 1811. Following his death, the leadership was assumed by priest José María Morelos, who occupied key southern cities. In 1813, the Congress of Chilpancingo was convened and, on November 6, signed the "Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America". Morelos was captured and executed on December 22, [1815. In subsequent years, the insurgency was near collapse, but in 1820 Viceroy Juan Ruiz de Apodaca sent an army under the criollo general Agustín de Iturbide against the troops of Vicente Guerrero. Instead, Iturbide approached Guerrero to join forces, and in 1821 representatives of the Spanish Crown and Iturbide signed the "Treaty of Córdoba", which recognized the independence of Mexico under the terms of the "Plan of Iguala".
Agustin de Iturbide immediately proclaimed himself emperor of the First Mexican Empire. A revolt against him in 1823 established the United Mexican States. In 1824, a Republican Constitution was drafted and Guadalupe Victoria became the first president of the newly born country. The first decades of the post-independence period were marked by economic instability, which led to the Pastry War in 1836, and a constant strife between liberales, supporters of a federal form of government, and conservadores, proposals of a hierarchical form of government.[30] General Antonio López de Santa Anna, a centralist and two-time dictator, approved the Siete Leyes in 1836, a radical amendment that institutionalized the centralized form of government. Suspended the 1824 Constitution, civil war spread across the country, and three new governments declared independence: the Republic of Texas, the Republic of the Rio Grande and the Republic of Yucatán. Texas successfully achieved independence and was annexed by the United States, a border dispute led to the Mexican–American War, which began in 1846 and lasted for two years, settled via the "Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo" forcing Mexico to give up nearly half of its land to the U.S., including California and New Mexico. Further transferred some of its territories, southern Arizona and New Mexico, via the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. The Caste War of Yucatán, the Mayan uprising that began in 1847,[31] was one of the most successful modern Native American revolts.[32] Maya rebels, or Cruzob, maintained the Maya free state until the 1930s.[33]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Venustiano_Carranza_ca._1917.jpg/220px-Venustiano_Carranza_ca._1917.jpg)
Dissatisfaction with Santa Anna's return to power led to the liberal "Plan of Ayutla", initiating an era known as La Reforma, after which a new Constitution was drafted in 1857 that established a secular state, federalism as the form of government and several freedoms. As the conservadores refused to recognized, the War of Reform began in 1858, both groups had their own governments, but ended in 1861 with the liberal victory led by Amerindian President Benito Juárez. In the 1860s underwent a military occupation by France, which established the Second Mexican Empire under the rule of Habsburg Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria with support from the Roman Catholic clergy and the conservadores, who later switched sides and joined the liberales. Maximilian surrendered, was tried on June 14 and was executed on June 19, 1867.
Porfirio Díaz, a republican general during the French intervention, ruled Mexico from 1876–1880 and then from 1884–1911 in five consecutive reelections, period known as the Porfiriato, characterized by remarkable economic achievements, investments in arts and sciences, but also of economic inequality and political repression.[34] A likely electoral fraud that led to his fifth reelection sparked the 1910 Mexican Revolution, initially led by Francisco I. Madero. Díaz resigned in 1911 and Madero was elected president but overthrown and murdered in a coup d'état two years later directed by conservative general Victoriano Huerta. Event that re-ignited the civil war, involving figures such as Francisco Villa and Emiliano Zapata, who formed their own forces. A third force, the constitutional army led by Venustiano Carranza, managed to bring an end to the war, and radically amended the 1857 Constitution to include many of the social premises and demands of the revolutionaries into what was eventually called the 1917 Constitution. It is estimated that the war killed 900,000 of the 1910 population of 15 million.[35][36] Assassinated in 1920, Carranza was succeeded by another revolutionary hero, Álvaro Obregón, who in turn was succeeded by Plutarco Elías Calles. Obregón was reelected in 1928 but assassinated before he could assume power. In 1929, Calles founded the National Revolutionary Party (PNR), later renamed the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and started a period known as the Maximato, which ended with the election of Lázaro Cárdenas, who implemented many economic and social reforms, and most significantly expropriated the oil industry into PEMEX on March 18, 1938, but sparked a diplomatic crisis with the countries whose citizens had lost businesses by Cárdenas radical measure.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Nafta.jpg/220px-Nafta.jpg)
Between 1940 and 1980, Mexico experienced a substantial economic growth that some historians call the "Mexican Miracle".[37] Although the economy continued to flourish, social inequality remained a factor of discontent. Moreover, the PRI rule became increasingly authoritarian and at times oppressive[38] (i.e.: the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre,[39] which claimed the life of around 30–800 protesters).[40] Electoral reforms and high oil prices followed the administration of Luis Echeverría,[41][42] mismanagement of these revenues led to inflation and exacerbated the 1982 Crisis. That year, oil prices plunged, interest rates soared, and the government defaulted on its debt. President Miguel de la Madrid resorted to currency devaluations which in turn sparked inflation.
In the 1980s, first cracks in the political monopolistic position of PRI were seen such as the election of Ernesto Ruffo Appel in Baja California and the 1988 electoral fraud, which prevented leftist candidate Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas from winning the national presidential elections, who lost to Carlos Salinas de Gortari, leading to massive protests in Mexico City.[43] Salinas embarked on a program of neoliberal reforms which fixed the exchange rate, controlled inflation and culminated with the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which came into effect on January 1, 1994. The same day, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) started a two-week-lived armed rebellion against the federal government, and has continued as a non-violent opposition movement against neoliberalism and globalization. In December 1994, a month after Salinas was succeeded by Ernesto Zedillo, the Mexican economy collapsed, with a rapid rescue packaged authorized by U.S. President Bill Clinton and major macroeconomic reforms started by president Zedillo, the economy rapidly recovered and growth peaked at almost 7% by the end of 1999.[44] In 2000, after 71 years, the PRI lost a presidential election to Vicente Fox of the opposition National Action Party (PAN). In the subsequent presidential elections, Felipe Calderón from the PAN was declared the winner, with a razor-thin margin over leftist politician Andrés Manuel López Obrador of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD). López Obrador, however, contested the election and pledged to create an "alternative government".[45]
Administrative divisions
The United Mexican States are a federation of thirty-one free and sovereign states, which form a union that exercises jurisdiction over the Federal District and other territories. Each state has its own Constitution and Congress, as well as a judiciary, and its citizens elect by direct voting, a governor for a six-year term, as well as representatives to their respective state congresses, for three-year terms.[46]
The states are also divided into municipalities, the smallest official political entity in the country, governed by a mayor or "municipal president", elected by its residents by plurality.[47] Municipalities can be further subdivided into non-autonomous boroughs or in semi-autonomous auxiliary presidencies.
Constitutionally, Mexico City, as the capital and seat of the federal powers, is the Federal District, a special political division that belongs to the federation as a whole and not to a particular state, and as such, has more limited local rule than the nation's states.[48] Since 1987, it has progressively gained a greater degree of autonomy, and residents now elect a head of government and representatives of a Legislative Assembly directly. Unlike the states, the Federal District does not have a Constitution but a statute of government. Mexico City is conterminous and coextensive with the Federal District.
Administrative Divisions of Mexico | |||||||
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State | Capital | State | Capital | State | Capital | State | Capital |
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Aguascalientes | ![]() |
Mexico City | ![]() |
Cuernavaca | ![]() |
Culiacán |
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Mexicali | ![]() |
Durango | ![]() |
Tepic | ![]() |
Hermosillo |
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La Paz | ![]() |
Guanajuato | ![]() |
Monterrey | ![]() |
Villahermosa |
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Campeche | ![]() |
Chilpancingo | ![]() |
Oaxaca | ![]() |
Ciudad Victoria |
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Tuxtla Gutiérrez | ![]() |
Pachuca | ![]() |
Puebla | ![]() |
Tlaxcala |
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Chihuahua | ![]() |
Guadalajara | ![]() |
Querétaro | ![]() |
Xalapa |
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Saltillo | ![]() |
Toluca | ![]() |
Chetumal | ![]() |
Mérida |
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Colima | ![]() |
Morelia | ![]() |
San Luis Potosí | ![]() |
Zacatecas |
Geography and climate
Mexico is located at about 23° N and 102° W[49] in the southern portion of North America.[50][51] Almost all of Mexico lies in the North American Plate, with small parts of the Baja California peninsula on the Pacific and Cocos Plates. Geophysically, some geographers include the territory east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (around 12% of the total) within Central America.[52] Geopolitically, however, Mexico is entirely considered part of North America along with Canada and the United States.[53][54]
Mexico's total area is 1,972,550 km², making it the world's 14th largest country by total area, and includes approximately 6,000 km² of islands in the Pacific Ocean (including the remote Guadalupe Island and the Revillagigedo Islands), Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of California. On its north, Mexico shares a 3,141 km border with the United States. The meandering Río Bravo del Norte (known as the Rio Grande in the United States) defines the border from Ciudad Juárez east to the Gulf of Mexico. A series of natural and artificial markers delineate the United States-Mexican border west from Ciudad Juárez to the Pacific Ocean. On its south, Mexico shares an 871 km border with Guatemala and a 251 km border with Belize.
Topography
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Sierra_de_Ju%C3%A1rez%2C_Baja_California.jpg/220px-Sierra_de_Ju%C3%A1rez%2C_Baja_California.jpg)
Mexico is crossed from north to south by two mountain ranges known as Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental, which are the extension of the Rocky Mountains from northern North America. From east to west at the center, the country is crossed by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt also known as the Sierra Nevada. A fourth mountain range, the Sierra Madre del Sur, runs from Michoacán to Oaxaca. As such, the majority of the Mexican central and northern territories are located at high altitudes, and the highest elevations are found at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt: Pico de Orizaba (5,700 m), Popocatépetl (5,462 m) and Iztaccíhuatl (5,286 m) and the Nevado de Toluca (4,577 m). Three major urban agglomerations are located in the valleys between these four elevations: Toluca, Greater Mexico City and Puebla. [55]
Climate
The Tropic of Cancer effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical zones. Land north of the twenty-fourth parallel experiences cooler temperatures during the winter months. South of the twenty-fourth parallel, temperatures are fairly constant year round and vary solely as a function of elevation. This gives Mexico one of the world's most diverse weather systems.
Areas south of the twenty-fourth parallel with elevations up to 1,000 meters (the southern parts of both coastal plains as well as the Yucatán Peninsula), have a yearly median temperature between 24 and 28 °C. Temperatures here remain high throughout the year, with only a 5 °C difference between winter and summer median temperatures. Although low-lying areas north of the twentieth-fourth parallel are hot and humid during the summer, they generally have lower yearly temperature averages (from 20 to 24 °C) because of more moderate conditions during the winter.
Many large cities in Mexico are located in the Valley of Mexico or in adjacent valleys with altitudes generally above 2,000 m, this gives them a year-round temperate climate with yearly temperature averages (from 16–18 °C) and cool nighttime temperatures throughout the year.
Many parts of Mexico, particularly the north, have a dry climate with sporadic rainfall while parts of the tropical lowlands in the south average more than 200 cm of annual precipitation.
Biodiversity
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Standing_jaguar.jpg/220px-Standing_jaguar.jpg)
Mexico is one of the 18 megadiverse countries of the world. With over 200,000 different species, Mexico is home of 10–12% of the world's biodiversity.[57] Mexico ranks first in biodiversity in reptiles with 707 known species, second in mammals with 438 species, fourth in amphibians with 290 species, and fourth in flora, with 26,000 different species.[58] Mexico is also considered the second country in the world in ecosystems and fourth in overall species.[59] Approximately 2,500 species are protected by Mexican legislations.[59] The Mexican government created the National System of Information about Biodiversity, in order to study and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems.
In Mexico, 170,000 square kilometres are considered "Protected Natural Areas." These include 34 reserve biospheres (unaltered ecosystems), 64 national parks, 4 natural monuments (protected in perpetuity for their aesthetic, scientific or historical value), 26 areas of protected flora and fauna, 4 areas for natural resource protection (conservation of soil, hydrological basins and forests) and 17 sanctuaries (zones rich in diverse species).[57]
The discovery of the Americas brought to the rest of the world many widely used food crops and edible plants. Some of Mexico's native culinary ingredients include: chocolate, tomato, maize, vanilla, avocado, guava, chayote, epazote, camote, jícama, nopal, tejocote, huitlacoche, sapote, mamey sapote, many varieties of beans, and an even greater variety of chiles, such as the Habanero. Most of these names come from indigenous languages like Nahuatl.
Government and politics
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/MexCity-palacio.jpg/200px-MexCity-palacio.jpg)
The United Mexican States are a federation whose government is representative, democratic and republican based on a presidential system according to the 1917 Constitution. The constitution establishes three levels of government: the federal Union, the state governments and the municipal governments. All officials at the three levels are elected by voters through first-past-the-post plurality, proportional representation or are appointed by other elected officials.
The federal government is constituted by the Powers of the Union, the three separate branches of government:
- Legislative: the bicameral Congress of the Union, composed of a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies, which makes federal law, declares war, imposes taxes, approves the national budget and international treaties, and ratifies diplomatic appointments.[60]
- Executive: the President of the United Mexican States, who is the head of state and government, as well as the commander-in-chief of the Mexican military forces. The President also appoints, with Senate approval, the Cabinet and other officers. The President is responsible for executing and enforcing the law, and has the authority of vetoing bills.[61]
- Judiciary: The Supreme Court of Justice, comprised by eleven judges appointed by the President with Senate approval, who interpret laws and judge cases of federal competency. Other institutions of the judiciary are the Electoral Tribunal, collegiate, unitary and district tribunals, and the Council of the Federal Judiciary.[62].
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Vicente_Fox_Congreso.jpg/220px-Vicente_Fox_Congreso.jpg)
All elected executive officials are elected by plurality (first-past-the-post). Seats to the legislature are elected by plurality and proportional representation at the federal and state level.[63] The Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of the Union is conformed by 300 deputies elected by plurality and 200 deputies by proportional representation with closed party lists[64] for which the country is divided into 5 electoral constituencies or circumscriptions.[65] The Senate is conformed by a total of 128 senators: 64 senators, two per state and the Federal District elected by plurality in pairs; 32 senators assigned to the first minority or first-runner up (one per state and the Federal District), and 32 elected by proportional representation with closed party lists for which the country conforms a single electoral constituency.[64]
According to the constitution, all constituent states must have a republican form of government composed of three branches: the executive, represented by a governor and an appointed cabinet, the legislative branch constituted by a unicameral congress and the judiciary, also called a Supreme Court of Justice. They also have their own civil and judicial codes.
In the 2006–2009 Congress of the Union, eight parties are therein represented; five of them, however, have not received neither in this nor in previous congresses more than 4% of the national votes.[66] The other three parties have historically been the dominant parties in Mexican politics:
National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional, PAN): a center-right conservative party founded in 1939. The PAN became a plurality in the Mexican government through elections to ended about 70 years of non-majority rule in the late 1990s and 2000's.
Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional, PRI): a center-left party that ascribes to social democracy, founded in 1929 to unite all the factions of the Mexican Revolution. Prominent left-wing Mexican politicians have been members of the party. It has some traits associated with center-right parties however.
Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolución Democrática, PRD): a center-left party founded in 1989 by the coalition of socialists and liberal parties, the National Democratic Front which had presented the candidacy of Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas in the 1988 elections.
The PRI held an almost hegemonic power in Mexican politics since 1929. Since 1977 consecutive electoral reforms allowed opposition parties to win more posts at the local and federal level. This process culminated in the 2000 presidential elections in which Vicente Fox, candidate of the PAN, became the first non-PRI president to be elected in 71 years.
In 2006, Felipe Calderón of the PAN faced Andrés Manuel López Obrador of the PRD in a very close election (0.58% difference), in a system without a second-ballot. On September 6, 2006, Felipe Calderón was declared President-elect by the electoral tribunal. His cabinet was sworn in at midnight on December 1, 2006 and Calderón was handed the presidential sash by outgoing Vicente Fox at Los Pinos. He was officially sworn as President on the morning of December 1, 2006 in Congress.
Foreign relations and military
The foreign policy of Mexico is directed by the President[67] and managed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,[68] whose constitutionally recognized principles are: respect for international law and legal equality of states, their sovereignty and independence, non-intervention, peaceful resolution of conflicts and promotion of collective security through active participation in international organizations.[67] Since the 1930s, the Estrada Doctrine has served as a crucial complement to these principles.[69] The foreign relations of Mexico have been focused primarily on the United States and its historically tied neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the 20th century, Mexico developed a foreign policy based on hemispheric prestige. However, in the second millennium, former President Vicente Fox adopted a new foreign policy that called for an openness and an acceptance of criticism from the international community and the increase of Mexican involvement in foreign affairs, as well as a further integration towards its northern neighbors.[70] A greater priority to Latin America and the Caribbean has been given in the administration of President Felipe Calderón.[71]
Historically, Mexico has remained neutral in international conflicts.[72] However, in recent years some political parties have proposed an amendment of the Constitution in order to allow the Mexican army, air force or navy to collaborate with the United Nations in peacekeeping missions, or to provide military help to countries that officially ask for it.[73] In addition, since the 1990s Mexico has sought a reform of the United Nations Security Council and its working methods[74] with the support of Canada, Italy, Pakistan and other nine countries, which form a group informally called the Coffee Club.[75] As an regional and emerging power, Mexico has a significant global presence and is a member of several international organizations and forums such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the G8+5, the G-20 major economies, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Marina_Michoac%C3%A1n.jpg/220px-Marina_Michoac%C3%A1n.jpg)
Mexico has the third largest defense budget in Latin America, with annual military expenditures of USD $24.944 billion or about 1.6% GDP.[76] Mexico's military includes 1,203,777 total personnel including paramilitary forces and military police, of which around 192,770 are active in the frontline.[77] Since the 1990s, when the military escalated its role in the war on drugs, increasing importance has been placed on acquiring airborne surveillance platforms, light aircraft, helicopters and rapid troop transport.[78] The Mexican Military has two branches: the Mexican Army (which includes the Mexican Air Force), and the Mexican Navy. The Mexican armed forces maintain significant infrastructure, including small electronics and weapons testing and research facilities,[79] weapons and vehicle manufacturing centers, and naval dockyards that have the capability of building heavy military vessels.[80] These dockyards and facilities have a significant employment and economic impact in the local economies. In recent years, Mexico has improved its training techniques, military command and information structures and has taken steps to becoming more self-reliant in supplying its military by designing as well as manufacturing its own guns,[81] missiles,[82] unmanned air vehicles[83] and naval ships.[84]
Law enforcement
Public security is enacted at the three levels of government, each of which has different prerogatives and responsibilities. Local and state police department are primarily in charge of law enforcement, whereas the Federal Preventive Police is in charge of specialized duties. All levels report to the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública (Secretariat of Public Security). The General Attorney's Office (Procuraduría General de la República, PGR) is the executive power's agency in charge of investigating and prosecuting crimes at the federal level, mainly those related to drug and arms trafficking, espionage, and bank robberies.[85] The PGR operates the Federal Investigations Agency (Agencia Federal de Investigación, AFI) an investigative and preventive agency.[86]
While the government respects the human rights of most citizens,[87] serious abuses of power have been reported in security operations in indigenous communities and poor urban neighborhoods.[87] The National Human Rights Commission has had little impact in reversing this trend, engaging mostly in documentation but failing to use its powers to issue public condemnations to the officials who ignore its recommendations.[88] By law, all defendants have the rights that assure them fair trials and human treatment; however, the system is overburdened and overwhelmed with several problems.[89] Despite the efforts of the authorities to fight crime and fraud, few Mexicans have strong confidence in the police or the judicial system, and therefore, few crimes are actually reported by the citizens.[89] In 2008, president Calderón proposed a major reform of the judicial system, which was approved by the Congress of the Union, which included oral trials, the presumption of innocence for defendants, the authority of local police to investigate crime—until then a prerogative of special police units—and several other changes intended to speed up trials.[90]
Total crimes per capita average 12 per 1,000 people in Mexico, ranking 39 in a survey of 60 countries.[91] Violent crime is a critical issue in Mexico; with a rate of homicide varying from 11 to 14 per 100,000 inhabitants.[92] Drug-traffic and narco-related activities are a major concern in Mexico.[21] The Mexican drug cartels have as many as 100,000 foot soldiers, which is about the size of the Mexican army.[93] Drug cartels are active in the shared border with the US and police corruption and collusion with drug cartels is a crucial problem.[92] Current president Felipe Calderón made abating drug-trafficking one of the top priorities of his administration. In a very controversial move, Calderón deployed military personnel to cities where drug cartels operate. While this move has been criticized by the opposition parties and the National Human Rights Commission, its effects have been praised by the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs as having obtained "unprecedented results..." with "many important successes".[94] In October 2007, the president Calderón and US president George W. Bush announced the Mérida Initiative a historic plan of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.[95]
Economy
File:Santa feconj.jpg Santa Fe, Mexico D.F. | |
Currency | Mexican peso (MXN, $) |
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calendar | |
Trade organisations | APEC, CARICOM, NAFTA, OECD and WTO |
Statistics | |
GDP | $1,559 billion[3] (2008) |
GDP growth | 4.8% (2009) |
GDP per capita | $14,932 (2009 est.)[96] |
GDP by sector | agriculture: 4%, industry: 26.6%, services: 69.5% (2007 est.) |
2.88% (Central bank report for February 2009) | |
Population below poverty line | 4.8% using food-based definition of poverty; asset based poverty amounted at approximately 15% (December 2008) |
Labour force | 45.38 million (2007 est.) |
Labour force by occupation | agriculture: 13%, industry: 29%, services: 58% (2003) |
Unemployment | 3.7% plus considerable underemployment(21%) (2007 est.) |
Main industries | Food and Beverages, Aerospace, Electronics, Tobacco, chemicals, Iron and Steel, Petroleum, Biotechnology, Mining, Shipbuilding, Electricity, Defense Products, Textiles, Clothing, Motor vehicles, Computers, consumer durables, Information Technologies, Tourism and Ecotourism |
External | |
Exports | $419.9 billion f.o.b. (2008 est.) |
Export goods | Manufactured goods, electronics, automobiles, oil and oil products, aircraft, silver, computers and servers, fruits, meats, consumer electronics, processed foods, vegetables, ships, coffee, LCD screens, electricity, biotechnology, cotton, rolling stock, automotive and aircraft enigines, cellular phones, metals, industrial equipment, granite and marble, lithium, batteries, firearms, aluminium, information technologies, foodstuffs, silicone, medical technology, gold, plastics, microproccesors, |
Main export partners | US49.2%, Germany 15%, South Korea 12.5% China 10.3% Chile 8.4% (2008) |
Imports | $283 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.) |
Main import partners | United States 44.3%, Brazil 31.5%, Chile 9.3%, China 5.5%, South Korea 5.3%, Japan 4.1% (2008) |
Public finances | |
$92.7 billion (October 2008) | |
Revenues | $571.2 billion (2008) |
Expenses | $321.2 billion (2000 est.) |
Economic aid | $189.4 million (2008) |
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars. |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Bombardier_Global_5000.jpg/220px-Bombardier_Global_5000.jpg)
The economy of Mexico is the 10th to 12th largest in the world. Since the 1994 crisis, administrations have improved the country's macroeconomic fundamentals. Mexico was not significantly influenced by the recent 2002 South American crisis, and has maintained positive, although low, rates of growth after a brief period of stagnation in 2001. Moody's (in March 2000) and Fitch IBCA (in January 2002) issued investment-grade ratings for Mexico's sovereign debt. In spite of its unprecedented macroeconomic stability, which has reduced inflation and interest rates to record lows and has increased per capita income, enormous gaps remain between the urban and the rural population, the northern and southern states, and the rich and the poor.[97] Some of the government's challenges include the upgrade of infrastructure, the modernization of the tax system and labor laws, and the reduction of income inequality.
The economy contains rapidly developing modern industrial and service sectors, with increasing private ownership. Recent administrations have expanded competition in ports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution and airports, with the aim of upgrading infrastructure. As an export-oriented economy, more than 90% of Mexican trade is under free trade agreements (FTAs) with more than 40 countries, including the European Union, Japan, Israel, and much of Central and South America. The most influential FTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which came into effect in 1994, and was signed in 1992 by the governments of the United States, Canada and Mexico. In 2006, trade with Mexico's two northern partners accounted for almost 50% of its exports and 45% of its imports.[98] Recently, the Congress of the Union approved important tax, pension and judicial reforms, and reform to the oil industry is currently being debated. According to the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world's largest companies in 2008, Mexico had 16 companies in the list.[99]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Annual_income_in_mexico.png/220px-Annual_income_in_mexico.png)
Mexico has a free market mixed economy, and is firmly established as an upper middle-income country.[14] It is the 11th largest economy in the world as measured in gross domestic product in purchasing power parity.[100] According to the latest information available from the International Monetary Fund, Mexico had the second-highest Gross National Income per capita in Latin America in nominal terms, at $9,716 in 2007, and the highest in purchasing power parity (PPP), at $14,119 in 2007.[100] After the 1994 economic debacle, Mexico has made an impressive recovery, building a modern and diversified economy.[14] Oil is Mexico's largest source of foreign income.[101] According to Goldman Sachs, BRIMC review of emerging economies, by 2050 the largest economies in the world will be as follows: China, India, United States, Brazil and Mexico.[102] Mexico is the largest North American auto producing nation, recently surpassing Canada and U.S.[103]
According to the director for Mexico at the World Bank, the population in poverty has decreased from 24.2% to 17.6% in the general population and from 42% to 27.9% in rural areas from 2000 to 2004.[104]
Nonetheless, income inequality remains a problem, and huge gaps remain not only between rich and poor but also between the north and the south, and between urban and rural areas. Sharp contrasts in income and Human Development are also a grave problem in Mexico. The 2004 United Nations Human Development Index report for Mexico states that Benito Juárez, a district of Mexico City, and San Pedro Garza García, in the State of Nuevo León, would have a similar level of economic, educational and life expectancy development to Germany or New Zealand. In contrast, Metlatonoc, in the state of Guerrero, would have an HDI similar to that of Syria.[105][106]
GDP annual average growth for the period of 1995–2002 was 5.1%.[42] The economic downturn in the United States also caused a similar pattern in Mexico, from which it rapidly recovered to grow 4.1% in 2005 and 3% in 2005. Inflation has reached a record low of 3.3% in 2005, and interest rates are low, which have spurred credit-consumption in the middle class. Mexico has experienced in the last decade monetary stability: the budget deficit was further reduced and foreign debt was decreased to less than 20% of GDP.[42] Along with Chile, Mexico has the highest rating of long-term sovereign credit in Latin America.
The remittances from Mexican citizens working in the United States account for only 0.2% of Mexico's GDP[107] which was equal to US$20 billion dollars per year in 2004 and is the seventh largest source of foreign income after oil, industrial exports, manufactured good, electronics, automobiles and food exports.[108] According to Mexico's central bank, remittances fell 3.6% in 2008 to $25bn. [109]
Ongoing economic concerns include the commercial and financial dependence on the US,[110] low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable income distribution (the top 30% of income earners account for 55% of income), and few advancement opportunities for the largely Mayan population in the impoverished southern states. Lack of structural reform is further exacerbated by an ever increasing outflow of the population into the United States, decreasing domestic pressure for reform.
Tourism
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Cancun_aerial_photo_by_safa.jpg/220px-Cancun_aerial_photo_by_safa.jpg)
According to the World Tourism Organization, Mexico has one of the largest tourism industries in the world. In 2005 it was the seventh most popular The most notable tourist draws are the ancient Mesoamerican ruins, and popular beach resorts. The coastal climate and unique culture – a fusion of European (particularly Spanish) and Mesoamerican cultures; also make Mexico attractive. The peak tourist seasons in Mexico are during December and during July and August, with brief surges during the week before Easter and during spring break at many of the beach resort sites which are popular among vacationing college students from the United States.
Mexico is the twenty-third highest tourism spender in the world, and the highest in Latin America[111].
Infrastructure
Energy
- See also: Electricity sector in Mexico
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Presa_de_El_Caj%C3%B3n.jpg/220px-Presa_de_El_Caj%C3%B3n.jpg)
Energy production in Mexico is managed by State-owned companies: the Federal Commission of Electricity (Comisión Federal de Electricidad, CFE) and Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos). The CFE is in charge of the operation of electricity-generating plants and its distribution all across the territory, with the exception of the states of Morelos, Mexico State, Hidalgo and Mexico City, whose distribution of electricity is in charge of the State-owned Luz y Fuerza del Centro. Most of the electricity is generated in thermoelectrical plants, even though CFE operates several hydroelectrical plants, as well as wind power, geothermal and nuclear generators.[112]
Pemex is in charge of the exploration, extraction, transportation and marketing of crude oil and natural gas, as well as the refining and distribution of petroleum products and petrochemicals. Pemex is the largest company in Latin America,[113] and the ninth-largest company in the world.[114] In terms of total output, in 2007 it was the sixth-larger producer in the world[115]—in 2003 it was the third-largest[114]— producing 3.1 million barrels a day, well above the production of Kuwait or Venezuela.[115]
Transportation
- See also: List of Mexican Federal Highways and List of Mexican railroads
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Aeromexico_B762_XA-JBC_20060608_STR_800x533.jpg/220px-Aeromexico_B762_XA-JBC_20060608_STR_800x533.jpg)
The paved-roadway network in Mexico is the most extensive in Latin America at 116,802 km in 2005; 10,474 km were multi-lane freeways or expressways,[116] most of which were tollways. Nonetheless, Mexico's diverse orography—most of the territory is crossed by high-altitude ranges of mountains—as well as economic challenges have led to difficulties in creating an integrated transportation network and even though the network has improved, it still cannot meet national needs adequately.[117]
Being one of the first Latin American countries to promote railway development,[117] the network, though extensive at 30,952 km,[118] is still inefficient to meet the economic demands of transportation.[117] Most of the rail network is mainly used for merchandise or industrial freight and was mostly operated by National Railway of Mexico (Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México, FNM), privatized in 1997.
In 1999, Mexico had 1,806 airports, of which 233 had paved runways; of these, 35 carry 97% of the passenger traffic.[118] The Mexico City International Airport remains the largest in Latin America and the 44th largest in the world[119] transporting 21 million passengers a year.[120] There are more than 30 domestic airline companies of which only two are known internationally: Aeroméxico and Mexicana.
Mass transit in Mexico is modest. Most of the domestic passenger transport needs are served by an extensive bus network[118] with several dozen companies operating by regions. Train passenger transportation between cities is limited. Inner-city rail mass transit is available at Mexico City—with the operation of the metro, elevated and ground train, as well as a Suburban Train connecting the adjacent municipalities of Greater Mexico City—as well as at Guadalajara and Monterrey, the first served by a commuter rail and the second by an underground and elevated metro.
Communications
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Telmexstore.jpg/220px-Telmexstore.jpg)
The telecommunications industry is mostly dominated by Telmex (Teléfonos de México), privatized in 1990. As of 2006, Telmex had expanded its operations to Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay and the United States. Other players in the domestic industry are Axtel and Maxcom. Due to Mexican orography, providing landline telephone service at remote mountainous areas is expensive, and the penetration of line-phones per capita is low compared to other Latin American countries, at twenty-percent. Mobile telephony has the advantage of reaching all areas at a lower cost, and the total number of mobile lines is almost three times that of landlines, with an estimation of 57 million lines.[121] The telecommunication industry is regulated by the government through Cofetel (Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones).
Usage of radio, television, and Internet in Mexico is prevalent.[118] There are approximately 1,410 radio broadcast stations and 236 television stations (excluding repeaters).[121] Major players in the broadcasting industry are Televisa—the largest Spanish media company in the Spanish-speaking world[122]—and TV Azteca.
Demographics
According to the latest official census, which reported a population of 103 million, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world.[123] Mexican annual population growth has drastically decreased from a peak of 3.5% in 1965 to 0.99% in 2005. Life expectancy in 2006 was estimated to be at 75.4 years (72.6 male and 78.3 female). The states with the highest life expectancy are Baja California (75.9 years) and Nuevo Leon (75.6 years). The Federal District has a life expectancy of the same level as Baja California. The lowest levels are found in Chiapas (72.9), Oaxaca (73.2) and Guerrero (73.2 years). The mortality rate in 1970 was 9.7 per 1000 people; by 2001, the rate had dropped to 4.9 men per 1000 men and 3.8 women per 1000 women. The most common reasons for death in 2001 were heart problems (14.6% for men 17.6% for women) and cancer (11% for men and 15.8% for women).
Mexican population is increasingly urban, with close to 75% living in cities. The five largest urban areas in Mexico (Greater Mexico City, Greater Guadalajara, Greater Monterrey, Greater Puebla and Greater Toluca) are home to 30% of the country's population. Migration patterns within the country show positive migration to north-western and south-eastern states, and a negative rate of migration for the Federal District. While the annual population growth is still positive, the national net migration rate is negative (-4.7/1000), attributable to the emigration phenomenon of people from rural communities to the United States.
Metropolitan areas
Metropolitan areas in Mexico have been traditionally defined as the group of municipalities that heavily interact with each other, usually around a core city.[124] In 2004, a joint effort between CONAPO, INEGI and the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL) agreed to define metropolitan areas as either:[124]
- the group of two or more municipalities in which a city with a population of at least 50,000 is located whose urban area extends over the limit of the municipality that originally contained the core city incorporating either physically or under its area of direct influence other adjacent predominantly urban municipalities all of which have a high degree of social and economic integration or are relevant for urban politics and administration; or
- a single municipality in which a city of a population of at least one million is located and fully contained, (that is, it does not transcend the limits of a single municipality); or
- a city with a population of at least 250,000 which forms a conurbation with other cities in the United States.
It should be noted, however, that northwestern and southeastern states are divided into a small number of large municipalities whereas central states are divided into a large number of smaller municipalities. As such, metropolitan areas in the northwest usually do not extend over more than one municipality (and figures usually report population for the entire municipality) whereas metropolitan areas in the center extend over many municipalities.
Few metropolitan areas extend beyond the limits of one state, namely: Greater Mexico City (Federal District, Mexico State and Hidalgo), Puebla-Tlaxcala (Puebla and Tlaxcala, but excludes the city of Tlaxcala), Comarca Lagunera (Coahuila and Durango), and Tampico (Tamaulipas and Veracruz).
The following is a list of the major metropolitan areas of Mexico, as reported in the 2005 census.
Template:Largest cities of Mexico
Immigration
Mexico is home to the largest number of U.S. citizens abroad (estimated at one million as of 1999),[125] which represents 1% of the Mexican population and 25% of all U.S. citizens abroad. Other significant communities of foreigners are those of Central and South America, most notably from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Cuba, Venezuela, Guatemala, and Belize. Though estimations vary, the Argentine community is considered to be the second largest foreign community in the country (estimated somewhere between 30,000 and 150,000).[126][127] Throughout the 20th century, the country followed a policy of granting asylum to fellow Latin Americans and Europeans (mostly Spaniards in the 1940s) fleeing political persecution in their home countries.
Discrepancies between the figures for official legal aliens and those of all foreign-born residents regardless of their immigration status are quite large. The official figure for foreign-born legal residents in Mexico is 493,000 (since 2004), with a majority (86.9%) of these born in the United States (except Chiapas, where the majority of immigrants are from Central America). The five states with the most immigrants are Baja California (12.1% of total immigrants), Mexico City (the Federal District; 11.4%), Jalisco (9.9%), Chihuahua (9%) and Tamaulipas (7.3%). More than 54.6% of the immigrant population are fifteen years old or younger, while 9% are fifty or older.
Ethnography
- See also: Demographics of Mexico
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Inukshuk_Monterrey_1.jpg/220px-Inukshuk_Monterrey_1.jpg)
Mexico is ethnically diverse, and the constitution defines the country to be a pluricultural nation.
- Mestizos (those of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) form the largest group, comprising up to 60–80% of the total population.[128][129]
- Amerindians called indigenous peoples (indígenas) are estimated to be between 12% (pure Amerindian)[130] and 30% (predominantly Amerindian).[128] Indigenous peoples are considered the foundation of the Mexican pluricultural nation and therefore enjoy self-determination in certain areas. Indigenous languages are also considered "national languages" and are protected by law.
- Whites make up 9%-17%[128][129] of the population, mostly descendants of the first Spanish settlers; although there are Mexicans of French, Italian, Portuguese, Basque, German, Irish, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Arab (mainly Lebanese and Syrian) and British descents from contemporary migration[131][132] after the waves of immigration that brought many Europeans at the end of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, along with some Canadians and European Americans from the United States and Argentina. Most are found in major cities and northern states.[133]
Mexico also received a large number of Lebanese, Syrian,[134] Chinese, Japanese,[131] Korean,[135] and Filipino immigrants.[136]
Afro-Mexicans, mostly of mixed ancestry, live in the coastal areas of Veracruz, Tabasco and Guerrero.
In 2004, the Mexican government founded the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN) which launched the Mexican Genome Diversity Project. In May 2009, the Institute issued a report on a major genomic study of the Mexican population. Among the findings, it was reported that of the 80% of the population that is mestizo, the proportions of European and indigenous ancestry are approximately even, with the indigenous component slightly, but significantly predominating overall. The proportions of admixture were found to vary geographically from north to south, as previous pre-genomic studies had surmised, with the European contribution predominating in the north and the indigenous component greater in central and southern regions. One of the significant conclusions of the study as reported was that even while it is composed of diverse ancestral genetic groups, the Mexican population is genetically distinctive among the world's populations.[137]
Language
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Codex_florentino_51_9.jpg/220px-Codex_florentino_51_9.jpg)
There is no de jure constitutional official language at the federal level in Mexico.[138] Spanish, spoken by 97% of the population, is considered a national language by The General Law of Linguistic Rights of the Indigenous Peoples, which also grants all indigenous minority languages spoken in Mexico, regardless of the number of speakers, the same validity as Spanish in all territories in which they are spoken, and indigenous peoples are entitled to request some public services and documents in their native languages.[139] Along with Spanish, the law has granted them the status of "national languages". The law includes all Amerindian languages regardless of origin; that is, it includes the Amerindian languages of ethnic groups non-native to the territory. As such the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the language of the Kickapoo, who immigrated from the United States,[140] and recognizes the languages of the Guatemalan Amerindian refugees.[141] The Mexican government has promoted and established bilingual primary and secondary education in some indigenous rural communities. Approximately 7.1% of the population speaks an indigenous language and 1.2% do not speak Spanish.[142]
Mexico has the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world with more than twice as many as the second largest Spanish-speaking country. (Spain, Argentina, and Colombia all have about 40 million speakers each.) Almost a third of all Spanish native speakers in the world live in Mexico.[123] Nahuatl is spoken by 1.5 million people and Yucatec Maya by 800,000. Some of the national languages are in danger of extinction; Lacandon is spoken by fewer than one hundred people.
English is widely used in business at the border cities, as well as by the one million U.S. citizens that live in Mexico, mostly retirees in small towns in Baja California, Guanajuato and Chiapas[citation needed]. Other European languages spoken by sizable communities in Mexico are Venetian, Plautdietsch, German, French and Romani. [citation needed]
Religion
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Plazadeliberacion1.jpg/220px-Plazadeliberacion1.jpg)
Mexico has no official religion, and the Constitution of 1917 and the anti-clerical laws imposed limitations on the church and sometimes codified state intrusion into church matters. The government does not provide any financial contributions to the church, and the church does not participate in public education.
The last census reported, by self-ascription, that 95% of the population is Christian. Roman Catholics are 89%[143] of the total population, 47% percent of whom attend church services weekly.[144] In absolute terms, Mexico has the world's second largest number of Catholics after Brazil.[145]
About 6% of the population (more than 4.4 million people) is Protestant,[143] of whom Pentecostals and Charismatics (called Neo-Pentecostals in the census), are the largest group (1.37 million people).[143] There are also a sizeable number of Seventh-day Adventists (0.6 million people).[146] The 2000 national census counted more than one million Jehovah's Witnesses.[143]
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims over one million registered members as of 2009.[147] About 25% of registered members attend a weekly sacrament service although this can fluctuate up and down.[148]
Islam in Mexico is practiced by a small Muslim population in the city of Torreon, Coahuila, and there are an estimated 300 Muslims in the San Cristobal de las Casas area in Chiapas.[149][150]
The presence of Jews in Mexico dates back to 1521, when Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztecs, accompanied by several Conversos. According to the last national census by the INEGI, there are now more than 45,000 Mexican Jews.[143] Almost three million people in the 2000 National Census reported having no religion.[143]
Mexico’s Buddhist population currently makes up a tiny minority, some 108,000 according to latest accounts. Some of its members are of Asian descent, others people of various other walks of life that have turned toward Buddhism in the recent past.
In 1992, Mexico lifted almost all restrictions on the Catholic Church and other religions, including granting all religious groups legal status, conceding them limited property rights, and lifting restrictions on the number of priests in the country.[151] Until recently, priests did not have the right to vote, and even now they cannot be elected to public office.
Culture
Mexican culture reflects the complexity of the country's history through the blending of pre-Hispanic civilizations and the culture of Spain, imparted during Spain's 300-year colonization of Mexico. Exogenous cultural elements mainly from the United States have been incorporated into Mexican culture. As was the case in most Latin American countries, when Mexico became an independent nation, it had to slowly create a national identity, being an ethnically diverse country in which, for the most part, the only connecting element amongst the newly independent inhabitants was Catholicism.
The Porfirian era (el Porfiriato), in the last quarter of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth century, was marked by economic progress and peace. After four decades of civil unrest and war, Mexico saw the development of philosophy and the arts, promoted by President Díaz himself. Since that time, though accentuated during the Mexican Revolution, cultural identity had its foundation in the mestizaje, of which the indigenous (i.e. Amerindian) element was the core. In light of the various ethnicities that formed the Mexican people, José Vasconcelos in his publication La Raza Cósmica (The Cosmic Race) (1925) defined Mexico to be the melting pot of all races (thus extending the definition of the mestizo) not only biologically but culturally as well.[152] This exalting of mestizaje was a revolutionary idea that sharply contrasted with the idea of a superior pure race prevalent in Europe at the time.
Cinema
Mexican films from the Golden Age in the 1940s and 1950s are the greatest examples of Latin American cinema, with a huge industry comparable to the Hollywood of those years. Mexican films were exported and exhibited in all of Latin America and Europe. Maria Candelaria (1944) by Emilio Fernández, was one of the first films awarded a Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946, the first time the event was held after World War II. Famous actors and actresses from this period include María Félix, Pedro Infante, Dolores del Río, Jorge Negrete and the comedian Cantinflas.
More recently, films such as Como agua para chocolate (1992), Cronos (1993), Amores perros (2000), Y tu mamá también (2001), El Crimen del Padre Amaro (2002), Pan's Labyrinth (2006) and Babel (2006) have been successful in creating universal stories about contemporary subjects, and were internationally recognised, as in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Mexican directors Alejandro González Iñárritu (Amores perros, Babel), Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), Guillermo del Toro, Carlos Carrera (The Crime of Father Amaro), and screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga are some of the most known present-day film makers.
Music
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Orquesta_Filarmonica_de_Jalisco.jpg/220px-Orquesta_Filarmonica_de_Jalisco.jpg)
Mexican society enjoys a vast array of music genres, showing the diversity of Mexican culture. Traditional music includes Mariachi, Banda, Norteño, Ranchera and Corridos; on an every-day basis most Mexicans listen to contemporary music such as pop, rock, etc. in both English and Spanish. Mexico has the largest media industry in Latin America, producing Mexican artists who are famous in Central and South America and parts of Europe, especially Spain. Some well-known Mexican singers are Thalía, Luis Miguel, Alejandro Fernández and Paulina Rubio. Popular groups are Café Tacuba, Molotov and Maná, among others.
According to the Sistema Nacional de Fomento Musical, there are between 120 and 140 youth orchestras affiliated to this federal agency from all federal states. Some states, through their state agencies in charge of culture and the arts—Ministry or Secretariat or Institute or Council of Culture, in some cases Secretariat of Education or the State University—sponsor the activities of a professional Symphony Orchestra or Philharmonic Orchestra so all citizens can have access to this artistic expression from the field of classical music. There is no public information about the exact number of professional orchestras in the country (probably 40 ensembles of very diverse caliber). Mexico City is the most intense hub of this activity hosting 12 professional orchestras sponsored by different agencies such as the National Intitute of Fine Arts, the Secretariat of Culture of the Federal District, The National University, the National Polytechnic Institute, a Delegación Política (Coyoacán) and very few are a kind of private ventures. Orquestas in Mexico are mainly subsidized by a governmental body or agency, unlike their American counterparts, therefore, these organizations do not have departments such as marketing or development. States such as Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Colima, Morelos, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sonora, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala do not have a professional Symphony orchestra. The only permanent opera company belongs to the National Institute of Fine Arts, offering six productions yearly, however, some cities such as Guadalajara, Monterrey or Morelia make important efforts to present this kind of expression to local audiences.
Fine arts
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Palacio_de_las_Bellas_Artes_%28Mexico_City%29.jpg/220px-Palacio_de_las_Bellas_Artes_%28Mexico_City%29.jpg)
Post-revolutionary art in Mexico had its expression in the works of renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, Rufino Tamayo, Federico Cantú Garza, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Juan O'Gorman. Diego Rivera, the most well-known figure of Mexican Muralism, painted the Man at the Crossroads at the Rockefeller Center in New York City, a huge mural that was destroyed the next year due to the inclusion of a portrait of Russian communist leader Lenin.[153] Some of Rivera's murals are displayed at the Mexican National Palace and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Academic music composers of Mexico include Manuel María Ponce, José Pablo Moncayo, Julián Carrillo, Mario Lavista, Carlos Chávez, Silvestre Revueltas, Arturo Márquez, and Juventino Rosas, many of whom incorporated traditional elements into their music. Nobel Prize winner Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentes, Juan Rulfo, Elena Poniatowska, and José Emilio Pacheco, are some of the most recognized authors of Mexican literature.
Broadcast media
Two of the major television networks based in Mexico are Televisa and TV Azteca. Televisa is also the largest producer of Spanish-language content in the world and also the world's largest Spanish-language media network.[154] Grupo Multimedios is another media conglomerate with Spanish-language broadcasting in Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Soap operas (telenovelas) are translated to many languages and seen all over the world with renowned names like Verónica Castro, Lucía Méndez, Lucero, and Thalía. Even Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna from Y tu mamá también and current Zegna model have appeared in some of them. Some of their TV shows are modeled after counterparts from the U.S. like Family Feud (100 Mexicanos Dijeron or "A hundred Mexicans said" in Spanish) and ¿Qué dice la gente?, Big Brother, American Idol, Saturday Night Live and others. Nationwide news shows like Las Noticias por Adela on Televisa resemble a hybrid between Donahue and Nightline. Local news shows are modeled after counterparts from the U.S. like the Eyewitness News and Action News formats. Border cities receive television and radio stations from the U.S., while satellite and cable subscription is common for the middle-classes in major cities, and they often watch movies and TV shows from the U.S.
Cuisine
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Chile_en_nogada.jpg/220px-Chile_en_nogada.jpg)
Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices. Most of today's Mexican food is based on pre-Hispanic traditions, including the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonists. The conquistadores eventually combined their imported diet of rice, beef, pork, chicken, wine, garlic and onions with the native pre-Columbian food, including maize, tomato, vanilla, avocado, papaya, pineapple, chili pepper, beans, squash, limes (limón in Mexican Spanish), sweet potato, peanut and turkey.
The most internationally recognized dishes include chocolate, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, tamales and mole among others. Regional dishes include mole poblano, chiles en nogada and chalupas from Puebla; cabrito and machaca from Monterrey, cochinita pibil from Yucatán, Tlayudas from Oaxaca, as well as barbacoa, chilaquiles, milanesas, and many others.
Sports
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Azteca_008_-_2.png/220px-Azteca_008_-_2.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Estadio_de_beisbol_en_Monterrey.jpg/220px-Estadio_de_beisbol_en_Monterrey.jpg)
Mexico City hosted the XIX Olympic Games in 1968, making it the only Latin American city to do so.[155] The country has also hosted the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1970 and 1986.[156]
Mexico’s most popular sport is association football. It is commonly believed that Football was introduced in Mexico by Cornish miners at the end of the 19th century. By 1902 a five-team league had emerged with a strong English influence.[157][158] Football became a professional sport in 1943. Since the “Era Professional” started, Mexico’s top clubs have been Guadalajara with 11 championships, América with 10 and Toluca with 9.[159] In Mexican Football many players have been raised to the level of legend, but two of them have received international recognition above others. Antonio Carbajal was the first player to appear in five World Cups, and Hugo Sánchez was named best CONCACAF player of the 20th century by IFFHS. Mexican’s biggest stadiums are Estadio Azteca, Estadio Olímpico Universitario and Estadio Jalisco.
The national sport of Mexico is Charreada.[160] Bullfighting is also a popular sport in the country, and almost all large cities have bullrings. Plaza México in Mexico City, is the largest bullring in the world, which seats 55,000 people. Professional wrestling (or Lucha libre in Spanish) is a major crowd draw with national promotions such as AAA, LLL, CMLL and others.
Baseball, is also popular, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula and the Northern States. The season runs from March to July with playoffs held in August. The Mexican professional league is named the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. Current champions (2007) are Sultanes de Monterrey who defeated in a tight series Leones de Yucatán. However, the best level of baseball is played in Liga Mexicana del Pacífico, played in Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California. Given that it is played during the MLB off-season, some of its players are signed to play with the league 8 teams. Current champions (2007) are Yaquis de Obregon. The league champion participates in the Caribbean Series, a tournament between the Champions of Winter Leagues of Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic; the 2009 Caribbean Series edition will be held in Mexicali.
The most important professional basketball league is the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional and covers the whole Mexican territory, where the Soles de Mexicali are the current champions. In 2007 three Mexican teams will be competing in the American Basketball Association. In the northwestern states is the CIBACOPA Competition, with professional basketball players from Mexico and the U.S. Universities and some teams from the NBA.
American football is played at the major universities like ITESM, UANL, UDLA, IPN and UNAM. The college league in Mexico is called ONEFA. Rugby is played at the amateur level throughout the country with the majority of clubs in Mexico City and others in Monterrey, Guadalajara, Celaya, Guanajuato and Oaxaca.
Auto racing is very popular in Mexico. Throughout the years, Mexico has hosted races for some of the most important international championships such as Formula One, NASCAR, Champ Car, A1 Grand Prix, among others. Mexico also has its own NASCAR-sanctioned stock car series, the NASCAR Corona Series, which runs 14 events in different cities, drawing large crowds. Other forms of racing include Formula Renault, Formula Vee, touring cars, Pick-up trucks, endurance racing, rallying, and off-road.
Ice hockey is played in larger cities like Monterrey, Guadalajara, Villahermosa, Culiacan and Mexico City. [citation needed]
Notable Mexican athletes include golfer Lorena Ochoa, who is currently ranked first in the LPGA world rankings,[161] Ana Guevara, former world champion of the 400 metres and Olympic subchampion in Athens 2004, and Fernando Platas, a numerous Olympic medal winning diver.
Sport fishing is popular in Baja California and the big Pacific coast resorts, while freshwater bass fishing is growing in popularity too. The gentler arts of diving and snorkeling are big around the Caribbean, with famous dive sites at Cozumel and on the reefs further south. The Pacific coast is becoming something of a center for surfing, with few facilities as yet; all these sports attract tourists to Mexico.
Healthcare and education
- Main articles: Health care in Mexico and Education in Mexico. See also 2009 swine flu outbreak.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Swine_Flu_Masked_Train_Passengers_in_Mexico_City.jpg/220px-Swine_Flu_Masked_Train_Passengers_in_Mexico_City.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/ITESM-Biotechnology-Center.jpg/220px-ITESM-Biotechnology-Center.jpg)
Since the early 1990s, Mexico entered a transitional stage in the health of its population and some indicators such as mortality patterns are similar to those found in developed societies.[162] Although all Mexicans are entitled to receive medical care by the state, 50.3 million Mexicans had no medical insurance as of 2002.[163] Efforts to increase the number of people are being made, and the current administration intends to achieve universal health care by 2011.[164][165]
Mexico's medical infrastructure is very good for the most part and can be excellent in major cities,[166][167] but rural areas and indigenous communities still have poor medical coverage, forcing them to travel to the closest urban area to get specialized medical care.[168]
State-funded institutions such as Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE) play a major role in health and social security. Private health services are also very important and account for 13% of all medical units in the country.[169]
Medical training is done mostly at public universities with some specializations done abroad. Some public universities in Mexico, such as the University of Guadalajara, have signed agreements with the U.S. to receive and train American students in Medicine. Health care costs in private institutions and prescription drugs in Mexico are on average lower than that of its North American economic partners.[166]
In 2004, the literacy rate was at 97%[170] for youth under the age of 14 and 91% for people over 15,[171] placing Mexico at the 24th place in the world rank accordingly to UNESCO.[172] Primary and secondary education (9 years) is free and mandatory. Even though different bilingual education programs have existed since the 1960s for the indigenous communities, after a constitutional reform in the late 1990s, these programs have had a new thrust, and free text books are produced in more than a dozen indigenous languages.
In the 1970s, Mexico established a system of "distance-learning" through satellite communications to reach otherwise inaccessible small rural and indigenous communities. Schools that use this system are known as telesecundarias in Mexico. The Mexican distance learning secondary education is also transmitted to some Central American countries and to Colombia, and it is used in some southern regions of the United States as a method of bilingual education. There are approximately 30,000 telesecundarias and approximately a million telesecundaria students in the country.[173]
The largest and most prestigious public university in Mexico, today numbering over 269,000 students, is the National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM) founded in 1910. Three Nobel laureates and most of Mexico's modern-day presidents are among its former students. UNAM conducts 50% of Mexico's scientific research and has presence all across the country with satellite campuses and research centers. The National Autonomous University of Mexico ranks 150th place in the Top 200 World University Ranking published by The Times Higher Education Supplement in 2008,[174] making it the highest ranked Spanish-speaking university in the world and the highest ranked in Latin America. The second largest university is the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN). These institutions are public, and there are at least a couple of public universities per state.
One of the most prestigious private universities is Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM). It was ranked by the Wall Street Journal as the 7th top International Business School worldwide[175] and 74th among the world's top arts and humanities universities ranking of The Times Higher Education Supplement, published in 2005. ITESM has thirty-two secondary campuses, apart from its Monterrey Campus. Other important private universities include Mexico's Autonomous Technological Institute (ITAM), ranked as the best economics school in Latin America, Fundación Universidad de las Américas, Puebla (UDLAP) and the Ibero-American University (Universidad Iberoamericana).
In April 2009 Mexico saw the outbreak of a new strain of H1N1 influenza, which has infected up to 800 people and infected over 140,000 worldwide as of July 20.
Science and technology
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Mexico.RodolfoNeriVela.01.jpg/170px-Mexico.RodolfoNeriVela.01.jpg)
Notable Mexican technologists include Luis E. Miramontes, the inventor of the contraceptive pill, Manuel Mondragon, inventor of the first automatic rifle, Guillermo González Camarena, who invented the "Chromoscopic adapter for television equipment" and the "Tricolor System", both early color television transmission systems, and Mario J. Molina, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Rodolfo Neri Vela, an UNAM graduate, was the first Mexican to enter space (as part of the STS-61-B mission in 1985.)
In recent years, the biggest scientific project being developed in Mexico was the construction of the Large Millimeter Telescope (Gran Telescopio Milimétrico, GMT), the world's largest and most sensitive single-aperture telescope in its frequency range.[176] It was designed to observe regions of space obscured by stellar dust.
Nonetheless, the government currently spends only 0.31% of GDP in science and technology, a low percentage in comparison with other countries. Mexico has a low number of researchers compared to other OECD countries, with only 6 researchers per 10,000 inhabitants. Mexico trains 3 PhDs per million inhabitants per year. Moreover, there is a regional disparity in the allocation of scientific resources; 75% of all doctorate degrees are awarded from institutions in Mexico City area.[177]
In 1962, the National Commission of Outer Space (Comisión Nacional del Espacio Exterior, CONNE) was established, but was dismantled in 1977. In 2007, a project was presented to re-open a new Mexican Space Agency (AEXA) and it was approved at the end of 2008 with the headquarters set to be located in the state of Hidalgo.
See also
References
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- ^ Field listing - GDP (official exchange rate), CIA World Factbook
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ Elena Poniatowska (1975). Massacre in Mexico (Original "La noche de Tlatelolco"). Viking, New York. ISBN 0-8262-0817-7.
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{{cite book}}
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ignored (|author=
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- ^ Template:Es icon Template:Harvard reference
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{{cite web}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Mexico. The World Factbook. CIA.
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(help) - ^ a b "Countries Ranked by GDP". World Bank Report. The World Bank. 2007-04.
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(help) - ^ ""Mexico" (Economy, Mining)". Microsoft Encarta Online. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
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- ^ a b CONAPO Áreas Metropolitanas
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- ^ a b Palma Mora, Mónica (2005). "Asociaciones de Inmigrantes Extranjeros en la Ciudad de México. Una Mirada a Fines del Siglo XX" (PDF). Colegio de la Frontera Norte. Retrieved 2007-10-03.
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{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - ^ "Rockefeller Controversy". Diego Rivera Prints. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ "Televisa Brings 2006 FIFA World Cup to Mexico in HD With Snell & Wilcox Kahuna SD/HD Production Switcher". Press release. Snell & Wilcox. 2006-06-27. Retrieved 2007-09-30.
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: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ "About CONCACAF". The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). Retrieved 2007-10-07.
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- ^ a b Health Care in Mexico
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- ^ Unravelling unidentified γ-ray sources with the large millimeter telescope, Alberto Carramiñana and the LMT-GTM collaboration, in The Multi-Messenger Approach to High-Energy Gamma-Ray Sources, Josep M. Paredes, Olaf Reimer, and Diego F. Torres, eds., Springer Netherlands, 2007. ISBN 978-1-4020-6117-2.
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Bibliography
- Krauze, Enrique (1998). Mexico: Biography of Power: A history of Modern Mexico 1810–1996. New York, NY: Harper Perennial. p. 896. ISBN 0060929170.
- Meyer, Michael C. (2000). The Oxford History of Mexico. Oxford University Press. p. 736. ISBN 0195112288.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - Parkes, Henry Bamford (1972). A History of Mexico (3rd ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395084105.
External links
- The Presidency of Mexico
- Official site of the Government of Mexico
- Chief of State and Cabinet Members
- Tourism Board official website
- "Mexico". The World Factbook (2024 ed.). Central Intelligence Agency.
- Mexico from UCB Libraries GovPubs
- Mexico at Curlie
Wikimedia Atlas of Mexico
- Template:Wikitravel
- Mexico on OneWorld Country Guides