MexicoCulture, Government and Economics

Mexico’s Culture

• Language– Most Mexicans speak

Spanish

• Religion– Most Mexicans are Roman

Catholic, as are most people in Latin America.

– This gives them common traditions, customs, and holidays.

Mexico’s Culture• Food– Most Mexican food is a

blend of Native American and European cultures

– Tacos, burritos, etc.

• Music– Traditional Mexican music

is mariachi– Trumpets, guitars, and

violins

Mexico’s Culture• Holidays: – Cinco de Mayo

• May 5; celebrates a key battle in Mexican independence

– Independence Day• Sept. 16 (Cry of Dolores!)

– Day of the Dead• Nov. 1 & 2: celebration of the memory

of family members

Mexico’s Culture

• Ethnic Groups– The mestizos are the largest

ethnic group in Mexico today (60%).

• Mestizos = people of mixed Native American and Spanish ancestry

– The Native Americans still make up a large part of the Mexican population as well (30%).

Mexican Culture• Literacy

– Illiteracy has been a big problem for many years (not being able to read and write).

– Many people are moving to urban areas, where jobs require the ability to read and write.

• Higher paying jobs require the ability to read and write, so if a large number of people can’t read or write, this directly affects the economy.

• The Mexican government is working to improve literacy by encouraging kids to stay in school

• Businesses encourage their employees to continue their education.

• Mexico’s literacy rate: 91%

MexicoGovernment and Economics

Mexico’s Government• Mexico’s government is a

federal republic– Which means it has state

governments and a national government that work together (like ours!)

– Mexico has 31 states

• Unlike the U.S., Mexicans are required by law to vote once they turn 18.

• Who do they vote for????

Mexico’s Government• President

– The head of Mexico’s government – Elected every six years.

• Legislative (lawmaking) branch has 2 parts, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies– Senate: 128 members; serve 6 year terms– Chamber of Deputies: 500 members; serve 3 years

• Mexicans also vote for state governors (6 years) and city mayors (3 years).

Mexico’s Economy• Mexico has a free market

economy.– Mexico’s economy is dominated by

industry (some modern, some outdated) and agriculture.

• NAFTA: North American Free Trade Agreement– Started in 1994; eliminated trade

tariffs between Mexico, U.S., and Canada.

– Since NAFTA, Mexican trade with the U.S. has almost doubled, and many new markets (businesses) have successfully opened.

Mexico’s Trade

• Trade– Mexico’s biggest trade partner is the U.S.– Mexico exports oil and imports manufactured

goods

• Mexico has an unfavorable balance of trade, meaning they import (buy) much more than they export (sell).

Mexico Today• Official Name: United Mexican States• Capital: Mexico City• Government: Federal Republic• President: Felipe Calderon• Currency: Peso (1 U.S. Dollar = 11 Mexican Pesos)• Population: 108,700,000• Major Languages: Spanish (official), other native languages• Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, Other 5%• Life Expectancy: 72.8 Males, 78.6 Females

(U.S. = Males 75.2, Females, 81)

Challenges that Face Mexico Today

Social and Economic Problems• Corrupt government

• Not enough jobs

• Unemployment

• Low wages and income

• High Crime Rate

• Unequal distribution of income/wealth (many more poor people than wealthy people)

Environmental Problems

• Severe air and water pollution

• Tectonic hot spot

• Loss of Fertile Soil

• Deforestation

• Desertification

Other Challenges and Issues• Average income is $10,700/ year – U.S. = $43,800

• 20% of the people live in poverty.

• The unemployment rate is 25% – U.S.= 4.8%

How do these problems affect the US?• Pollution: – Air• Approximately 40% of the US’s air pollution is caused

by Mexico and Asia.

– Water• The US shares coastlines, oceans, gulfs, and rivers with

Mexico. The run-off from the deforestation of the land and pollution from industries and sewage are also shared. • Our pollution and run-off also affects Mexico.

How do these problems affect the US?

• Illegal Immigration to the USA– Because of the lack of jobs and low

wages in Mexico, – There are approximately 3 million

illegal Mexican immigrants in the US.

• There are another 8.5 million Mexicans born in the US.

• Mexicans send $6-8 Billion back to families in Mexico each year.

How do these problems affect the US?

• The crime rate in Mexico is much higher than the US.– Many are poor and have little education so they turn to

crime for income.

• The drug trade and gangs have become powerful in Mexico.

• Illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gangs spill over and affect the US across the border and even into Georgia.

That’s all folks!!!Make sure you are working on your study guide.