Mexico: Key Highlights from Lecture

Introduction

• Common Cultural Elements: Chihuahua, smallest volcano, enchilada, mariachi, painted faces, tequila, chocolate, colored TV
• Mexico's Official Name: United Mexican States
• Geographical Location: Southern North America, between Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
• Borders: Three countries, largest boundary with the sea

Historical Background

• Independence: Achieved in 1821
• Early Inhabitants: Inhabited for millennia with major civilizations from 1500 BC to 1500 AC
• Aztec Influence: Key influence on modern Mexican culture
• Spanish Conquest: Spanish rule from 1521 for 300 years under the Viceroyalty of New Spain
• Post-independence Changes: Territorial and political changes post-1821

Geography

• Elevation and Mountain Chains: Three converging mountain chains create Mexican Plateau
• Volcanoes: Part of the 'Ring of Fire', highest volcano at 5,600 meters
• Rivers and Forests: Rio Grande/Rio Bravo, forests cover 33% of land
• Deserts: Cover 40% of the country
• Climate Regions: Warm and rainy south, temperate center, dry and hot north
• Natural Disasters: Occasional hurricanes, less destructive than Caribbean

Demographics

• Population: 120 million people across 31 states; Mexico City has 9 million
• Language: Largest Spanish-speaking country
• Religion: 91% of population is Christian (107 million)
• Ethnicity: 60% Mestizos (mix of indigenous and Spanish)

Economy

• Economic Rank: 11th largest economy in the world
• Exports: $441 billion, primarily to the US (77%); machinery, transportation, medical instruments
• Imports: $416 billion, mainly from the US (57%); includes mineral products
• Trade Infrastructure: Key ports on both coasts

Transportation

• Air Travel: Most efficient due to lack of passenger railway system, extensive network of airports
• International Connectivity: Non-stop routes to major global cities

International Relations

• Rivalry with US: Economic and developmental competition
• Healthcare: Affordable healthcare compared to US
• Friendship: No deep connections with Latin America; notable mention of Ethiopia due to historical gesture

Conclusion

• Mexican Saying: "If you're born to be a tamale, the leaves will fall from the sky."