1. Culture, Government and Economics
Mexico
Culture, Government and Economics

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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%).

6. 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%

7. Government and Economics
Mexico
Government and Economics 7

8. 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????

9. 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).

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Mexico’s economy is dominated by industry (some modern, some outdated) and agriculture.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

11. 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).

12. 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)

13. Challenges that Face Mexico Today

14. 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)

15. 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.

16. Environmental Problems
Severe air and water pollution
Tectonic hot spot
Loss of Fertile Soil
Deforestation
Desertification

17. 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%

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

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