Mexico+(Tristan)

__**General Info**__

 * Mexico is formally known as the United Mexican States
 * The capital of Mexico is Mexico City with an estimated population of 22 million
 * As of 2011 the population of Mexico is 114.8 million
 * Mexico is a major exporter of oil, industrial machinery and food
 * Mexico is the second largest economy in Latin America
 * The official language is Spanish
 * The peso is used in Mexico
 * Mexico does not have an official religion, yet much of the population are Roman Catholic

__**Geography**__
Mexico is 761,600 sq. mi. and about 3 times the size of Texas. Mexico is mostly coastal lowlands and central high plateaus. Mexico is just south of the US, because of this many industries are investing in Mexico for inexpensive labor. The Tropic of Cancer divides Mexico into two parts, creating tropical and desert climates. Mountains reach 18,000 ft. Cordillera Nevolocanica and Sierra Madre Occidental are well known mountain ranges.



__**Brief History**__
Mexico was home to many ancient civilizations, the Toltec, Aztec, and Mayan to name a few. The ancient civilizations of Mexico were very complex, many were theological and had civil ideas such as taxing. The Mayans had a historical book called the Popul Vuh. It told the story of creation and many myths. These civilizations thrived for centuries until the arrival of European explorers. In 1519 Spanish Conquistadors led by Hernan Cortez fought and overthrew the Aztecs and their last emperor Cuahtѐmoc. Their victory was made easy by better weapons and the diseases they brought with them. From 1523 to 1821 Spanish Viceroys rule “New Spain” and the indigenous people. The Spanish conquerors caused a blending of cultures with the indigenous people, creating an new Mexican culture. On September 16, 1810 Father Manuel Hidalgo calls for Mexican independence from Spain. Sept. 16 becomes independence day in Mexico. Feb. 24 1821, General Augustin de Iturbide signed the Plan of Iguala to form the new nation of Mexico. General Santa Anna declares a Republic against Iturbide in 1823. Struggle between centrists and federalist began. Santa Anna leads Centrists to power. In 1846 the US-Mexican War begins over the annexation of Texas. On Feb. 2, 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the two year War.

In 1857 Benito Jaurez becomes the liberal president after a 3 year Civil War. After Benito's death Porfirio Diaz takes over and establishes an autocracy. The Mexican Revolution in 1910, ending the series of tumultuous coups. In 1941 Mexican President Avila Camacho allies with Us and British forces and declares war on the Axis after Pearl Harbor. On Aug. 12,, Mexico joins NAFTA with the US and Canada. This reduced trade barriers between Theses countries. In 1995 the Mexican banking crisis occurs. Mexico recovers with US aid.

__**Government**__
The United Mexican States are a Federal Republic, it has 3 Powers of the Union: legislative, executive and judicial. The United Mexican States consist of 31 states, Mexico City is a Federal District. The current President of Mexico is Felipe Calderon of the National Action Party. Mexico is a multi-party system, there are as many as six.

__**Culture**__

 * The Spanish brought many influences when they came to Mexico.
 * Including art, architecture, music and food. The people of Mexico also retained some Indian influences
 * Mexican art is a combination of Indian, Spanish, and Catholic, and revolutionary political influence
 * Popular muralist Diego Rivera is from Mexico
 * The musical composer Manuel Maria Ponce Cuѐllar
 * Mexico has 3 main ethnic groups: Indian-Spanish (Mestizo), Indian (Indigenous groups), and Caucasian
 * Mestizo 60%, Indian 30%, Caucasian 9%, Other 1%
 * After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Catholic missionaries traveled to Mexico to spread Christianity.
 * 89% of Mexican people are Catholic. 6% are Protestant, 5% are Other
 * Mexico has many holidays, ranging from Christmas & Independence Day to Children's Day and Teacher's Day.

__**Tourism**__

 * Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, and Tulum are popular historical attractions
 * According to Gloria Guevara, the Secretary of Tourism, many top tourist destinations are far from drug violence.
 * Mexico is known for its breath-taking Aztec and Mayan ruins
 * Mexico City has many popular nightclubs and world-class restaurants to offer
 * Mexico's economy depends on annual tourism. Tourist funnel capital into Mexico's economy by buying local crafts.

__**Current Events**__
During Feb. 15 to 21 Carnaval will be occurring. The festival allows the Mexican people to celebrate their culture and nationality. Carnaval refers to the weeks before Lent where indulgence and pleasure are encouraged. Carnaval originates even before Christianity. In ancient times the Greeks would hold lavish festivals honoring Dionysus, the Romans also continued this tradition.

Mexico’s economy if gradually taking the initiative to move towards green technology. Mexico is also shifting focus towards Climate change and ways to lessen its industrial impact on the earth. Mexico is vulnerable to floods and droughts, therefore interested is piqued in creating ways to preserve environmental stability.

Sources

[] [] [] Reilly, Mary Jo. “Cultures of the World: Mexico” [] [] [] [] [] [] [] http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/379167/Mexico/27386/Religion http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/mexico/