Country E-book

Mexico

1. Brief Introduction Official Name: The United Mexican States; It is bordered on the north by the US; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf Of Mexico. Covering almost two mil-lion square kilometers (over 760,000 sq mi), Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Americas by total area and the 13th largest independent nation in the world. With an estimated population of over 113 million, it is the eleventh most populous and the most populous Spanish speaking country in the world and the second most pop-ulous country in Latin America. Mexico is a federation comprising thirty one states and a Federal district, its capital and Largest city. In pre-Columbian Mexico many cultures matured into advanced civilizations such as the Olmec, the Toltec, the Teotihuacan, the Zapotec, the Maya and the Aztec before first contact with Europeans. In 1521, the Spanish Empire conquered and colonized the territory from its base in Mexico-Tenochtitlan, which was administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain. This territory would eventually become Mexico following recognition of the colony's independence in 1821. The post-independence period was characterized by economic instability, the Mexican-American War that led to the territorial cession to the United States, the Pastry War, the Franco-Mexican War, a civil war, two empires and a domestic dictatorship. The latter led to the Mexican Revolution in 1910, which culminated with the promulgation of the 1917 Constitu-tion and the emergence of the country's current political system. In March 1938, through the Mexican oil expropriation private U.S. and Anglo-Dutch oil companies were nationalized to create the state-owned Pemex oil company.

Mexico has one of the world's largest economies, it is the tenth largest oil producer in the world, the largest silver producer in the world and is considered both a regional power and middle power .

History

From the stone cities of the Maya to the might of the Aztecs, from its conquest by Spain to its rise as a modern nation, Mexico boasts a rich history and cultural heritage spanning more

than 10,000 years. This detailed timeline of Mexican history explores such themes as the early civilizations that left their mark on the region’s landscape and society, the 300-year period

of colonial rule, the struggle for independence in the early 1800s and the country’s rebuilding in the 20th century.

From Ancient Mesoamerica to the Toltecs

c. 8000 B.C. The first human experiments with plant cultivation begin in the New World during the early post-Pleistocene period. Squash is one of the earliest crops. This agricultural development process, which continues slowly over thousands of years, will form the basis of the first villages of Mesoamerica (including Mexico and Central America).

1500 B.C. The first major Mesoamerican civilization–the Olmecs–grows out of the early villages, beginning in the southern region of what is now Mexico. This period is marked by the effective cultivation of crops such as corn (maize), beans, chile peppers and cotton; the emergence of pottery, fine art and graphic symbols used to record Olmec history, society and culture; and the establishment of larger cities such as San Lorenzo (about 1200-900 B.C.) and La Venta (about 900-400 B.C.).

600 B.C. In the late Formative (or Pre-Classic) period, Olmec hegemony gives way to a number of other regional groups, including the Maya, Zapotec, Totonac, and Teotihuacán civilizations, all of which share a common Olmec heritage.

600 With Teotihuacán and Mayan dominance beginning to wane, a number of upstart states begin to compete for power. The warlike Toltec, who migrated from north of Teotihuacán, be-come the most successful, establishing their empire in the central valley of Mexico by the 10th century. The rise of the Toltecs, who used their powerful armies to subjugate neighbor-ing societies, is said to havmarked the beginning of militarism in Mesoamerican society.

900

The early Post-Classic period begins with the dominant Toltecs headquartered in their capital of Tula (also known as Tollan). Over the next 300 years, internal conflict combined with

the influx of new invaders from the north weaken Toltec civilization, until by 1200 (the late Post-Classic period) the Toltecs are vanquished by the Chichimecha, a collection of rugged

tribes of undetermined origin (probably near Mexico’s northern frontier) who claim the great Toltec cities as their own.

Rise and Fall of the Aztecs

1325 The nomadic Chichimecha tribe of the Mexica, more commonly known as the Aztecs, arrive in Mexico’s central valley, then called the Valley of Anahuac, after a long migration from their northern homeland. Following the prophecy of one of their gods, Huitzilopochtli, they found a settlement, Tenochtitlán, on the marshy land near Lake Texcoco. By the early 15th century, the Aztecs and their first emperor, Itzcoatl, form a three-way alliance with the city-states of Texcoco and Tlatelóco (now Tacuba) and establish joint control over the region.

1428 The mighty Aztecs conquer their chief rivals in the city of Azcapotzalco and emerge as the dominant force in central Mexico. They develop an intricate social, political, religious and commercial organization, with an economy driven by bustling markets such as Tenochtitlán’s Tlatelolco, visited by some 50,000 people on major market days. Early forms of currency include cacao beans and lengths of woven cloth. The Aztec civilization is also highly developed socially, intellectually and artistically. Their language, Nahuatl, is the dominant lan-guage in central Mexico by mid-1350s, although numerous other languages are spoken. Distinctive examples of the Aztec artistic style include exquisitely feathered tapestries, head-dresses and other attire; finely worked ceramics; gold, silver and copperware; and precious stones, particularly jade and turquoise. In the great cities of the Aztec empire, magnificent temples and palaces and imposing stone statues decorating most street corners, plazas and landmarks all embody the civilization’s unfailing devotion to its many gods.

February 1517 Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, the first European to visit Mexican territory, arrives in the Yucatán from Cuba with three ships and about 100 men. Members of the local native population clash with the Spanish explorers, killing some 50 of them and capturing several more. Córdoba’s reports on his return to Cuba prompt the Spanish governor there, Diego Velásquez, to send a larger force back to Mexico, under the command of Hernán Cortés. Like most of the first European visitors to the New World, Cortés is driven by the desire to find a route to Asia and its immense riches in spices and other resources.

February 1519 Cortés sets sail from Cuba with 11 ships, more than 450 soldiers and a large number of supplies, including 16 horses. Upon arriving in Yucatán, the Spaniards take control of the town of Tabasco, where they begin learning of the great Aztec civilization, now ruled by Moctezuma II. Defying the authority of Velasquéz, Cortés founds the city of Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico directly east of Mexico City. With an entourage of 400 (including several captive members of the native population, notably a woman known as Malinche, who serves as a translator and becomes Cortés’s mistress) Cortés begins his famous march inward into Mexico, using the strength of his forces to form an important alliance with the Tlascalans, ene-mies of the Aztecs.

November 1519 Cortés and his men arrive in Tenochtitlán; they are welcomed as honored guests by Moctezuma and his people due to the Spaniard’s resemblance to Quetzalcoatl, a legendary light-skinned god-king whose return was prophesied in Aztec legend. Taking Moctezuma hostage, Cortés is able to gain control of Tenochtitlán.

1821 After revolt in Spain ushers in a new era of liberal reforms there, conservative Mexican leaders begin plans to end the viceregal system and separate their country from the mother land on their own terms. On their behalf, Iturbide meets with Guerrero and issues the Plan of Iguala, by which Mexico would become an independent country ruled as a limited monarchy, with the Roman Catholic Church as the official state church and equal rights and upper-class status for the Spanish and mestizo populations, as opposed to the majority of the popula-tion, which was of Native American or African descent, or mulato (mixed). In August 1821, the last Spanish viceroy is forced to sign the Treaty of Córdoba, marking the official beginning of Mexican independence.

1823 Iturbide, who earlier declared himself emperor of the new Mexican state, is deposed by his former aide, General Antonio López de Santa Anna, who declares a Mexican republic. Gua-dalupe Victoria becomes Mexico’s first elected president, and during his tenure Iturbide is executed, and a bitter struggle begins between Centralist, or conservative, and Federalist, or liberal, elements of the Mexican government that will continue for the next several decades.

1833 Santa Anna himself becomes president after leading the successful resistance against Spain’s attempt to recapture Mexico in 1829. His strong Centralist policies encourage the increas-ing ire of residents of Texas, then still part of Mexico, who declare their independence in 1836. After attempting to quell the rebellion in Texas, Santa Anna’s forces are decisively defeat-ed by those of rebel leader Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836. Humbled, he is forced to resign power by 1844.

May 12, 1846 As a result of the continuing dispute over Texas, frictions between the U.S. and Mexican residents of the region, and a desire to acquire land in New Mexico and California, the U.S. de-clares war on Mexico. The U.S. quickly smother their enemy with superior force, launching an invasion of northern Mexico led by General Zachary Taylor while simultaneously invading New Mexico and California and blockading both of Mexico’s coasts. Despite a series of U.S. victories (including a hard-won victory over Santa Anna’s men at Buena Vista in February 1847) and the success of the blockade, Mexico refuses to admit defeat, and in the spring of 1847 the U.S. sends forces under General Winfield Scott to capture Mexico City. Scott’s men accomplish this on September 14, and a formal peace is reached in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848. By its terms, the Rio Grande becomes the southern boundary of Texas, and California and New Mexico are ceded to the U.S. The U.S. agrees to pay $15 million as compensation for the seized land, which amounts to half of Mexico’s terri-tory.

1857 Defeat in the war against the United States serves as a catalyst for a new era of reform in Mexico. Regional resistance to the strict centralized regime of the aging Santa Anna leads to guerrilla warfare and eventually to the general’s forced exile and the rise to power of rebel leader Juan Álvarez. He and his liberal cabinet, including Benito Júarez, institute a series of reforms, culminating in 1857 in the form of a new constitution establishing a federal as opposed to centralized form of government and guaranteeing freedom of speech and universal male suffrage, among other civil liberties. Other reforms focus on curtailing the power and wealth of the Catholic Church. Conservative groups bitterly oppose the new constitution, and in 1858 a three-year-long civil war begins that will devastate an already weakened Mexico.

Milestones – Timeline format The first human experiment

with plant civilization

8000 B.C.

1500 B.C.

This period is marked by

the effective cultivation of

crops such as corn (maize),

beans, chile peppers and

cotton; the emergence of

pottery, fine art and graphic

symbols used to record Ol-

mec history, society and

culture; and the establish-

ment of larger cities.

600 B.C.

share a common Olmec

heritage

250 A.D

The Mayan civili-

zation, centered

in the Yucatán

peninsula, be-

comes one of

the most domi-

nant of the ar-

ea’s regional

600 A.D

The rise of the Toltecs, who used their

powerful armies to subjugate neighboring

societies, is said to have marked the be-

ginning of militarism in Mesoamerican

society.

900 A.D

The early

Post-Classic

period be-

gins with the

dominant

Toltecs

headquar-

tered in their

1325 A.D

By the early 15th century, the Aztecs and

their first emperor, Itzcoatl, form a three-

way alliance with the city-states of Texcoco

and Tlatelóco (now Tacuba) the region.

1517 A.D

Francisco Her-

nández de Córdo-

ba, the first Euro-

pean to visit Mex-

ican territory, ar-

rives in the Yuca-

tán from Cuba

with three ships

and about 100

1808 A.D

Napoleon Bonaparte occupies

Spain, deposes the monarchy, and

installs his brother, Joseph, as

head of state .

1814 A.D

Another priest, Jose Morelos,

succeeds Hidalgo as leader of

Mexico’s independence move-

ment and proclaims a Mexican

republic. He is defeated by the

royalist forces of the mestizo

general Agustín de Iturbide, and

the revolutionary banner passes

to Vicente Guerrero.

1861 A.D

Benito Júarez, a Zapo-

tec Indian, emerges

from the War of the

Reform as the champi-

on of the victorious lib-

1867 A.D

Under pressure from the United

States, which has continued to

recognize Júarez as the legiti-

mate leader of Mexico, France

withdraws its troops from Mexi-

co. After Mexican troops under

General Porfirio Díaz occupy

Mexico City, Maximilian is forced

to surrender and is executed

after a court-martial .

1992 A.D

President Carlos Salinas joins George H.W. Bush of the U.S.

and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada in signing the

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which goes

into effect January 1, 1994

Vicente Fox, of the opposition Partido de Acción

Nacional (PAN) wins election to the Mexican

presidency, ending more than 70 years of PRI

rule. Parliamentary elections also see the PAN

emerge victorious, beating the PRI by a slight

margin. A former Coca-Cola executive, Fox en-

ters office as a conservative reformer, focusing

his early efforts on improving trade relations

with the United States

2000 A.D

2006 A.D

National Action

Party (PAN) won

the presidency

with 36% of the

vote

Demographics of Mexico With a population of 119,713,203 as of 2014, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, the sec-ond-most populous country in Latin America after Portuguese-speaking Brazil, and the second in North America, after the United States. Throughout most of the twentieth century Mexico's population was characterized by rapid growth. Alt-hough this tendency has been reversed and average annual population growth over the last five years was less than 1%, the demographic transition is still in progress, and Mexico still has a large cohort of youths. The most populous city in the country is the capital, Mexico City, with a population of 8.8 million (2010), and its metropolitan area is also the most popu-lated with 20.1 million (2010). Approximately 50% of the population lives in one of the 55 large metropolitan areas in the country. In total, about 78.84% of the population of the country lives in urban areas, meaning that only 21.16% live in rural areas.

The Census Bureau in Mexico is the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI). The National Population Council (CONAPO), is an institution under the Secretary of the Interior in charge of the analysis and research of population dynam-ics. The National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples (CDI), also undertakes research and analysis of the sociodemographic and linguistic indicators of the indigenous peoples in Mexico. Population: 119,713,203 Growth rate : 1.2% Birth rate: 19.39 birth/1000 population Death rate: 4.83 death/ 1000 population Life expectancy: 76.66 years (Male 73.83 years, female 79.63 years) Fertility rate: 2.27 children/ woman Sex ratio: 0.96 male/ female Nationality : Mexican Official Language: Spanish Religion The Mexican population is predominantly Catholic (83.9% of the population aged five and older, according to the 2010 cen-sus),[88] although a smaller percent (46%) attends church on a weekly basis. About 7.6% of the population was classified as Protestant or Evangelical, 2.5% were classified as "Non-Evangelical Biblical" (a classification that groups Adventists, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses), 0.05% as practicing Jews, and 4.6% without a religion. The largest group of Protestants are Pente-costals and Charismatics (classified as Neo-Pentecostals).

The states with the greatest percentage or professing Catholics are central states, namely Guanajuato (96.4%), Aguascalien-tes (95.6%) and Jalisco (95.4%), whereas southeastern states have the least percentage of Catholics, namely Chiapas (63.8%), Tabasco (70.4%) and Campeche (71.3%). The percentage of professing Catholics has been decreasing over the last four dec-ades, from over 98% in 1950 to 87.9% in 2000. Average annual growth of Catholic believers from 1990 to 2000 was 1.7% whereas that of Non-Catholics was 3.7%. Given that average annual population increase over the same time period was 1.8%, the percentage of Catholics with respect to total population is still decreasing.

Mexican culture

The culture of Mexico has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past few decades and it varies widely throughout the country. Many Mexicans live in cities, but smaller rural communities still play a strong role in defining the country’s collective vibrant community.

Mexico is the 14th largest country in the world, according to the Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook. Accord-

ing to the CIA, Mexico consists of several ethnic groups. The mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) group accounts for 60 per-

cent of the population. Amerindian people or predominantly Amerindian people account for 30 percent, while 9 per-

cent of the population is white. These groups create a culture that is unique to Mexico. Here is an overview of Mexican

culture

Values of the Mexican People

Mexicans put a high value on hierarchy and structure in business and family matters. Especially outside of cities, fami-lies are typically large and Mexicans are very conscious of their responsibilities to immediate family members and ex-tended family such as cousins and even close friends.

Hosting parties at their homes plays a large part of Mexican life and making visitors feel comfortable is a large part of the values and customs of the country.

"Family units are usually large, with traditional gender roles and extensive family involvement from the external mem-

bers who assist one another in day to day life," Wagner told Live Science. There is a strong connection between family

members. "Parents are treated with a high degree of respect, as is the family in general and there may be constant

Mexican food

Mexican culinary norms vary widely based on income level and social class. The diet of working-class Mexicans includes sta-ples such as corn or wheat tortillas, along with beans, rice, tomatoes, chili peppers and chorizo, a type of pork sausage. Em-panadas, which are handheld pasty pockets, can contain savory or sweet fillings. Many Mexicans love spicy foods full of heat.

The diets of middle- and upper-income Mexicans are more closely aligned with diets of Americans and Europeans and in-clude a wide variety of food items prepared in wide range of culinary styles.

Mexico is known for its tequila, which is made from agave cactus that is well suited to the climate of central Mexico. Soda is a very popular drink in Mexico, as the country has a well- developed beverage industry.

Gross Domestic Product( GDP) - 1.261 trillion USD(2013)

Gross National Income (GNI)- 1.971 PPP dollars (2013)

GDP per capita - 10,307.28 USD(2013)

Human Resource Development Index :- 0.756

Rank HRDI :- 71

Population :- 122.3 million

Gross Domestic Product( GDP) - 1.877 trillion USD(2013)

Gross National Income (GNI)- 6.7 trillion PPP dollars (2013)

GDP per capita - 1,498.87USD(2013)

Human Resource Development Index :- 0.586

Rank HRDI :- 135

Population :- 1.252 billion

Automobile Market of Mexico

Mexico's automotive industry is mature, dynamic and in continuous growth. In 2011, Mexico’s Automotive industry showed clear signs of recovery; light vehicle production reached a new historical record with 2.55 mil-lion vehicles.

At a global level, Mexico ranked as eighth producer of light vehicles. In two years, Mexico climbed two posi-tions, surpassing French and Spanish production.

Currently, the automotive sector accounts for 4% of the national GDP and 20% of manufacturing production. The Mexican automotive industry is expected to continue increasing in the future. The forecasts indicate pro-duction will reach 3.7 million units by 2015.

Companies in the light vehicle industry have a total of 18 production complexes located in 11 states of Mexico, where they perform activities that range from assembly and armoring, to casting and stamping of vehicles and engines. Currently, more than 48 car and light truck models are produced in Mexico.

In terms of heavy vehicles, the OEMs have reached an important level of development in the country, per-forming activities ranging from assembly, stamping and bodywork, producing a wide range of models to satisfy the demand of the domestic and export markets. Currently, 11 commercial vehicle manufacturers and two en-gine manufacturers for this kind of vehicle have production facilities in Mexico.

In 2011, Mexico reached production of 136,678 heavy vehicles, ranking as sixth producer globally behind Chi-na, Japan, India, The United States and Brazil. The heavy vehicle production in Mexico is expected to reach 196.8 thousand vehicles by 2016.

Automobile market of India

The automotive industry in India is one of the largest automotive markets in the world. It was previously one of the fastest growing markets globally, but is currently experiencing flat or negative growth rates. India's passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturing industry is the sixth largest in the world, with an annual production of more than 3.9 million units in 2011. According to recent reports, India overtook Brazil to become the sixth largest passenger vehicle producer in the world (beating such old and new auto makers as Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Spain, France, Brazil). From 2011 to 2012, the industry grew 16-18%, selling around three million units. In 2009, India emerged as Asia's fourth largest exporter of passenger cars, behind Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. In 2010, India beat Thailand to become Asia's third largest exporter of passenger cars.

Major Industries and Companies Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer dura-bles, tourism . Companies: Automobiles & parts DINA, buses, trucks, parts, military vehicles Hydra Technologies, aircraft, UAV Italika, motorcycles, ATV Lerma Motors automobile assembly, automobile parts Mastretta, automo-biles Nemak, automotive parts, engines, transmissions San Luis Rassini, vehicle parts (BMV: SANLUIS)

Food & beverage Ah Cacao Real Chocolate, confectionery ; Alpura, dairy products ; Bachoco, poultry (BMV: BACHOCO) ;Barcel, unit of Grupo Bimbo; Cer-

vecería Baja California, brewery; Cerveza Tijuana, brewery; Chocolate Mayordomo, confectionery ; FEMSA, beverages (BMV: FEMSA); Gruma, tortillas (BMV: GRUMA); Grupo Bimbo, food (BMV: BIMBO)

Grupo Continental, bottling (BMV: CONTAL); Grupo Lala, dairy; Jarritos, beverage; Jumex, beverage; La Costeña, food; Pascual Boing, bever-age; Sangria Señorial, beverage; Sigma Alimentos, food; Tequila Cuervo La Rojeña, tequila (Jose Cuervo); Videxport, fruits and nuts

Personal & household goods Falco Electronics, electronics. electronic parts; Grupo Omnilife, Nutrition and Skin care; Kyoto Electronics, consumer electronics; Lanix, con-

sumer electronics, commercial electronics, electronic parts, contract manufacturer, ODM, OEM Controladora Mabe, appliances; Meebox, consumer electronics, commercial electronics; Pineda Covalín, apparel;Selther, bedding, textiles; Semex, consumer electronics, electronic parts;

Zonda Telecom, electronics, mobile telephones Consumer services Retail Calimax, grocery; Casa Ley, grocery; Chedraui, grocery; Comercial Mexicana, grocery (BMV: COMERCI); El Palacio de Hierro, stores & restaurants (BMV: GPH); El Puerto de Liverpool, de-partment stores (BMV: LIVEPOL); Famsa, retail; Farmacias Benavides,; pharmacies (BMV: BEVIDES); OXXO, grocery; Grupo Sanborns, retail (BMV: GSANBOR); Soriana, grocery (BMV: SORIANA) Media Azteca América, television; Esperanto Filmoj, film distribution; Grupo Reforma, publishing; Televisa, mass media (BMV: TLEVISA); Azteca, television (BMV: TVAZTCA) Travel & leisure Asistencia Asesoría y Administración, wrestling; Autobuses de Oriente (ADO), bus lines; Aviacsa, defunct airline; Avolar, defunct airline; Benedetti's Pizza, fast food; Camino Real, hotels and resorts; Carlos'n Charlie's, restaurants; Cinépolis, theaters; Consejo; Mundial de Lucha Libre, wrestling; Corporativo Interamericano de Entretenimiento, entertainment (BMV: CIE); Corridor Insurgentes, state-owned bus line Gorditas Doña Tota, restaurants; Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, airport (BMV: ASUR); Grupo Anderson's, restaurants; Grupo Posadas, tourism (BMV: POSADAS); Interjet, airline; MVS Comunicaciones, radio and television; Ocesa Teatro, theater; Potzollcalli, restaurants; Restaurante Arroyo, restaurants

Mexico’s relations with India

In 1947, Mexico became the first Latin American nation to recognize the independence of India from the United Kingdom. On first 1 August 1950, both nations established diplomatic relations and on the following year, Mexico opened an embassy in Delhi. To show the importance of the new relations between the two nations, the first Mexican ambassador to India was former Mexican President Emilio Portes Gil. In 1962, No-bel Prize laureate Octavio Paz was named ambassador to India.

Over the years, diplomatic relations between the two nations have strengthened. Both nations are active participants in the international arena and are mutual members of the G-20 major economies and the Unit-ed Nation.

Trade

Trade between the two nations has been steadily increasing on an average of 30% each year. Two-way trade between both nations amounted to $6,67 billion USD in 2013. Mexico's main exports to India include: pe-troleum, machinery, fertilizers and chemicals while at the same time, India exports to Mexico include: tex-tiles, gems, jewlery, leather and software. A notable Mexican multi-national company operating in India is Cinépolis.

Some recent news of Mexico.

1. The Drums of war : A genre of Latin music glorifies the Mexican U.S. drug war.

2. Son of Mexican drug cartel leader pleads guilty, cooperating with feds.

3.Protest note over pope’s purposed drugs comment.

4. Coca-Cola caught up in southern Mexico protest, 10 injured.