Mexico
by Amy Pattin
1. Relations with the US
1.1. The US and Mexico have a tense relationship because of the illegal immigration issue.
1.2. They also disagree on how to maintain the border
1.3. Mexico & the US disagree on drug control and how to prevent drug trafficing
1.4. Mexico is a major transit and drug-producing nation: an estimated 90% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States every year moves through Mexico
1.5. The USA is the main client for Mexican exports, especially Oil and Gas products.
2. Economy/ Natural Resources
2.1. Oil and Petrochemicals Mexico has the largest oil deposits in Latin America.
2.2. 18.2% of the population's income is classified as below poverty.
2.3. In 1994, Mexico joined the U.S. and Canada in the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.
2.4. Natural resources: Petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber.
2.5. Agriculture Products--corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes, beef, poultry, dairy products, wood products.
3. Fun Facts
3.1. Mexico is the 10th most visited country in the world
3.2. Mexico has the biggest bull fighting ring in the world.
3.3. The average Mexican only attends school until 6th grade
3.4. Mexico introduced chocolate to the world
3.5. Mexico has the world’s smallest volcano it is 43 feet tall and has a staircase inside.
4. Travel and Attractions
4.1. Mexico is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations with over 20 million foreign visitors a year.
4.2. Acapulco is the original Mexican resort town which came into prominence by the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires.
4.3. The city of Oaxaca is well-known for having one of the best Dia de Los Muertos festivals in Mexico, a holiday celebrated in many parts of Latin America.
4.4. Chichen Itza is the largest of the Maya cities in the Yucatan Peninsula
4.5. The Pyramid of the Sun was built around 100 AD and is the largest pyramid in Teotihuacán and all of Mexico.
5. Modern History
5.1. 1985-2 major earthquakes 8.1
5.2. Early 1900's Mexican Revolution occurred ousting President Diaz
5.2.1. more than 1 million deaths
5.2.2. Ended in 1929 with formation of National Mexican Party (PNM)
5.3. During WWII part of Roosevelt's "Good Neighbor Policy"
5.4. Independence from Spain was proclaimed by Father Miguel Hidalgo on September 16, 1810.
5.5. Mexico's severe social and economic problems erupted in a revolution that lasted from 1910 until 1920 and gave rise to the 1917 constitution.
6. Politics/ Political System
6.1. Federal republic-a form of government made up of a federal district with a constitution and 31self-governing indep. states
6.2. Mexico has a presidential system
6.2.1. The president is elected for a six-year term
6.2.2. unlike other Latin America systems, there is no second term.