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industry (some modern, some outdated) and agriculture.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.