MexicoErica Hancock 4th Period 01/27/10

GeographyCountry: Mxico Capital: La Ciudad de Mxico Location: North America;

Western Hemisphere

Religions92.6% Roman Catholic 3.3% Protestant 3.1% Nonreligious 0.1% Jewish 0.9% Other

AppearanceSimilar to United States Many native groups wear

traditional clothing or daily for festivals. Man: wool pancho over shirt and pants in cold weather, wide brimmed straw hat. Rural and professionals: cowboy hats, boots and jeans. Rural women: dress, skirt, and apron.

Customs/TraditionsMariachi music Corridors (songs that tell

stories) Bull fighting People leave lambs at the entrance of their houses on New Years Eve and people drop money by it, wishing them a healthy new year. Cinco de Mayo (marks the victory of Mexico over France)

Typical FoodMain meal: soup or salad, main

dish, and dessert or postre. Inappropriate for adults to eat while walking on the street. Spicy- picante Hot- caliente. Eat spicy food with bland food to relieve burning sensation. Some foods are eaten with utensils, others by hand or pieces of tortillas to scoop food. Not rushed

FamilyOn average, more than 3

children per family. Unity and responsibility are major priorities. Low divorce rate Father: leader, provides economic support Mother: domestic duties Extended family lives in a household together, usually. Children live with their parents until they get married.

HousingBox-like, rectangular buildings A lot of flowers and plants on

the walls Cement blocks and steel bars Sleeping area may be separated from the rest of the house just by a curtain. Some homes are extremely hot in the summer but extremely cold in the winter.

Dating/MarriageTeen pregnancy is common. Man meets woman at a

prearranged place. Man may also call on her at home. Parental approval of the man and of what the couple is planning on doing is important.

Holidays/Festivals/Celebratio nsQuinceaos- girls 15th birthday. Nacimientos- nativity scenes for

Christmas. Lent- 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter.

GovernmentCentral government Current president: Felipe

Caldern Controls education, security, and national industries. President only serves 1 six year term.

EconomyExperienced growth since 1993 Increased industries Tourism brings several billions of

dollars into Mexico.

Currency1 Mexican peso = 0.077076 U.S.

dollars

TransportationPersonal cars are common in

urban areas. Majority of population use public transportation. Buses, mini buses, etc.

EducationFree education between ages 6

to 15. Attendance to school is not enforced. Students may have to pay fees.

Climate/WeatherNorth: dry and hot Southeast: high humidity Rainfall in all parts comes

mainly in the summer.

Landscape/ TerrainThree times the size of Texas North border is shared with the

US. Southern border shared with Guatemala and Belize.

HistoryAdvanced indigenous

civilizations whose accomplishments rival those of Egyptians and early Europeans. One of the first countries to revolt against Spain Experienced a lot of political unrest

Gestures, Words, SlangThumbs up: approval Chico: small Gracias: thank you