|
Country information: Mexico
From the Our Food, Our World online resource
Mexico lies at the southern end of North America, south of the United States, and stretches into Central America. The landscape encompasses high mountain ranges, rocky deserts, swampy coastal plains and tropical rainforest, and the climate is correspondingly varied. The rainforest is particularly rich in wildlife, with jaguars, monkeys, anteaters and parrots.
From the second millennium BC, Mexico was the site of several major indigenous civilisations, notably the Maya and Aztecs. The latter were conquered in 1521 by Spanish colonists, who over the next 170 years defeated the other peoples, including the Maya. The modern population consists mainly of indigenous peoples, people of Spanish descent, and those of mixed race.
Since it gained independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1821, Mexico’s history has been a troubled one, with defeat by the USA in the 1846–48 war, civil war in the early 20th century and brutal repression of peasants, workers and students during the 1960s–80s. Most recently a largely non-violent rebellion in the state of Chiapas, ongoing since 1994, has highlighted discrimination against the indigenous Maya people, stimulating some reforms.
Mexico is a major oil producer, but the wealth this brings has yet to reach the wider population. Millions live in slums such as those that ring Mexico City. Over a million Mexicans a year are arrested as they try to cross the border into the USA in search of a better life – though Mexico also receives many immigrants from poorer Latin American countries.
Mexico is a largely Catholic country, although some traditions mingle Catholic and pre-conquest beliefs – such as the festival of the Day of the Dead, when departed ancestors are supposed to join the family for a feast.
Mexican food is widely loved for its spicy flavours, with much use of chilli and maize (sweetcorn), both of which were first cultivated in the region. Mexico’s greatest culinary gift to the world, though, is surely chocolate, prized by the Maya and Aztecs and adopted from them by the Spanish, who introduced it to Europe. Music and dancing play a large part in Mexican life, and football is a national passion.
Luis’ home of Mexico City was founded by the Spanish in 1521 on the site of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán: It is among the biggest cities in the world, just as its predecessor was in the 16th century; its vast population of nearly 20 million, many living in shanty-towns, is at the root of pressing environmental and social problems. The city has hosted the football World Cup and the Olympics.
| Capital |
Mexico City |
| Population |
106.4 million (UN, 2005) |
| Area |
1.96 million sq km (758,449 sq miles) |
| Major language |
Spanish |
| GNI per capita |
US $6,770 (World Bank, 2005) |
| Life expectancy |
72 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN) |
| People per doctor |
796 |
| Literacy |
93% male, 89% female |
| Access to safe water |
88% of population |
| Urban population |
76% |
From the Our Food, Our World online resource
|
Cool Planet for Teachers has moved
