Culture, Government and Economics Mexico Culture, 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 Independence Day 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%

Government and Economics Mexico Government and Economics 7

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 Mexico’s economy is dominated by industry (some modern, some outdated) and agriculture.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)

High Crime Rate 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.

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.

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