Mexico – our southern neighbor

Mexico – our southern neighbor 14th largest country in the world (area) About 3 times the size of Texas Population – about 114 million (11th largest in the world) Mexico consists of 31 states and 1 federal district

Mexico’s land Shares 2,000 mile border with the U.S. Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte forms large part of that border Country dominated by mountains (largely created by volcanic mountains) Sierra Madres Oriental - east Occidental - west Del Sur – south Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico’s plateau Plateau – large raised area of mostly level land Most of Mexico’s people live on the country’s central plateau area Lies between the Sierra Madres

National capital – mexico city Mexico City, located in the federal district, is Mexico’s capital Mexico is led by a President who is elected for a 6-year term Andrés Manuel López Obrador Similar government structure to the U.S. (two houses in legislative branch)

The people of mexico Many people consider themselves to be a mestizo – person of mixed Spanish and Native ancestry Largest Spanish speaking country in the world More than 90% identify themselves as Catholic

Economy of mexico Service and manufacturing jobs are a huge part of Mexico’s economy Less than 13% of Mexico’s land can be used for agriculture, so they depend upon other natural resources World leader in silver production 7th largest oil producer

How much is Mexico Worth $1.6 Trillion (12th in the world) GDP- Gross Domestic Product - total value of goods and services made within the country Gross (Total) Domestic (Home) Product (Goods and services) Mexio’s GDP relies on Tourism and Natural Resources

Finding work Growing urban areas have made it more difficult for people to find jobs Many have found work in maquiladoras – border factories where U.S. employers often pay lower wages to workers

nafta North American Free Trade Agreement 1994 agreement that made it easier to import and export goods between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.

Early history of mexico Mexico’s history dates back to some of the earliest ancient civilizations Spain sent conquistadors to conquer the earliest people in area – conqueror in charge of gaining land and wealth

Mexico’s independence Mexico began their quest for independence from Spain in 1810 1821 – Mexico became an independent nation

Working together Three countries are interdependent of each other – depend on one another for support Economic, defense, international, etc. The leaders of all three countries meet each year at the North American Leaders Summit