Mexico Today Chapter 7/ Section 3

Government and Economy Mexico has a democratic government but is a little different then the United States government. Mexico struggles with debt and inflation- inflation is the rise in prices when currency loses its buying power. Many farmers in Mexico use the slash and burn method of farming which is the practice of burning forest in order to clear the land for planting.

Government and Economy cont’d. Mexico farmers grow cash crops, which are crops that farmers grow to make a profit. Many Mexicans make a living by mining oil and working in factories that produce goods that Mexico can export. Tourism also brings in a good amount of money for Mexico’s economy.

Greater Mexico City Mexico City is the world’s 2nd largest city and one of the world’s most populated areas. Mexico city provides many job and education opportunities but has many problems. Smog is one problem Mexico City has which is a mixture of smoke, chemicals, and fog. Poverty is also a problem there.

Central Mexico Central Mexico is known for having small colonial towns. It also has many fertile valleys and farms where people grow vegetables, corn and wheat that they can sell.

Northern Mexico Northern Mexico has become one of the country’s richest and most modern areas. Many U.S. and foreign owned factories called maquiladoras have been built along Mexico’s long border with the U.S.

Southern Mexico Southern Mexico is the least populated and industrialized region of the country. Southern Mexico is important to Mexico because they grow most of the sugarcane and coffee there. They are two of Mexico’s most exported crops. The Mayan ruins also pull a lot of tourists to this area.