Mexico

Mexico Today

Government and Economy

• Mexico has a democratic government. However, Mexico has many more different political parties. Vicente Fox ended 71 straight years of one parties rule in 2000. The government also has less say in the economy than was once true.

Economy

• Mexico is a developing country. Debts to other countries, inflation, unemployment and trade deficits. In your own words, what is inflation?

Inflation

• Dollars buy less.

Economy

• Although the standard of living in Mexico is lower than many, the economy is growing. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has made trade between Mexico, Canada and the US easier. Both Agricultural and industrial exports have increased since NAFTA in 1994.

Economy

• Agriculture has been a key component of the economy, even with just 13% of the land suitable for farming. In the south, many farmers use slash and burn tactics to plant.

Economy

• High demand for food products in the US have turned many farmers to cash crops = those that can be sold for a profit. Many fruits and vegetables, particularly during the winter season come from Mexico to the US.

Economy

• Oil is another important export from Mexico. Mining and manufacturing are also growing industries important to Mexico. The fastest growing industrial area is along the US border. Many countries including the US have businesses that have built factories in this area.

Factories

• Mexican workers assemble goods to be exported to the US and other countries. Mexican workers also come to the US to look for jobs with better pay than they can get at home.

Tourism

• Tourism is also important. Many visitors come to see the historical sites of the ancient Maya and Aztecs. Coastal cities such as Cancun and Acapulco are also favorite tourist destinations.

Culture Regions: Mexico City

• Greater Mexico City includes the capital and about 50 smaller cities nearby. It has a population of over 19 million and is the worlds 2nd largest city. It is also one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Thousands go each year to look for work.

Mexico City

• The region does provide job and education opportunities, the huge population does create problems. Pollution is a big problem with cars and factories creating smog and health problems related to the situation, such as breathing difficulty and eye irritation.

Mexico City

• Other problems include overcrowding, homelessness and slums. Wealth and poverty, like many areas of Latin America, can be seen side to side with museums and universities right next to slums.

Central Mexico

• North of Mexico City lies Central Mexico. Many of the cities were established as mining and ranching towns during the colonial era. The colonial heritage can be seen there today with features like central plazas with colonial style churches. Tell church story here.

Central Mexico

• Central Mexico also has many fertile valleys and family farms. Farmers grow corn, vegetables and wheat mainly for Mexican consumption. Mining is still part of the area and manufacturing has been growing here as well – a result of the overcrowding of Mexico City.

Northern Mexico

• Northern Mexico has become one of the most modern and richest regions. Trade with the US has helped the economy grow. Maquiladoras, US/foreign owned factories line the border with the US.Urban Growth in Northern Mexico

Northern Mexico

• Being that close to the US border has affected the regions culture. American music, TV and other entertainment are quite popular. Many Mexicans cross the border into the US to look for work – both legally and illegally, breeding a good deal of debate and conflict.

Southern Mexico

• Southern Mexico is the least populated region in Mexico. Many people speak Native American languages and practice traditional ways of life – such as the slash and burn farming discussed earlier.

Southern Mexico

• Sugar cane and coffee, which are two of Mexico’s biggest export crops come from the region. Oil production from the coastal region is also big business. Mayan ruins and bright sunny beaches attract visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula and make tourism another money maker.

The Challenge

• The challenge of growth for all of the regions will be in keeping its unique cultural heritage, while expanding their economic base and social well being of its people.

In a Nutshell …

• Exit: What makes southern Mexico the leading candidate for extended economic growth?

• Stay tuned next time for Mexico Review