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Line 31: − The states of [[New Mexico]], [[California]], [[Arizona]], [[Nevada]], [[Utah]], and parts of [[Wyoming]], and [[Colorado]], were part of Mexico until the [[Mexican American War]]. [[Texas]] was a part of Mexico for only 15 years, until Texans won their independence in the Texas Revolution in 1836, but Spanish Texas (Tejas) lasted between 1690 and 1821. Therefore some U.S. citizens in this region speak Spanish as their native language. Mexicans often join and serve together in the US military. There are high concentrations of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in California marine units, Texas [[National Guard]] units, and, for some unexplained statistical quirk, there are many Mexican Patriot missile operators.<ref> [http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:XMdSoqPdhR4J:www.justthinkfirst.org/updates/MilitaryService/MexicansDyingInIraq.pdf+MEXICANS+DIED+IRAQ&hl=es&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=mx Mexico Fiercely Opposes the Iraq War, But Mexicans Are Dying There Every Week] </ref>+ + + − ==People== − [[Image:Mexican people.jpg|thumb|Mexicans in Madison, Wisconsin.]] − Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world and the second most-populous country in Latin America after Portuguese-speaking [[Brazil]]. About 70% of the people live in urban areas. Many Mexicans emigrate from rural areas that lack job opportunities--such as the underdeveloped southern states and the crowded central plateau--to the industrialized urban centers and the developing areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to some estimates, the population of the area around Mexico City is about 18 million, which would make it the largest concentration of population in the Western Hemisphere. Cities bordering on the United States--such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez--and cities in the interior--such as [[Guadalajara]], Monterrey, and [[Puebla]]--have undergone sharp rises in population in recent years. + + + Line 50:
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updates, small fixes
'''Mexico''' is a country in [[North America]] directly south of the [[United States]]. It borders the North Pacific Ocean to the west, [[Guatemala]] and [[Belize]] to the south, and the [[Caribbean Sea]] and the [[Gulf of Mexico]] to the east. Mexico is a federal republic with 31 states and 1 federal district. Its capital is [[Mexico City]]. At present Mexico's territory covers almost 2 million square kilometers with a population of about 108 million (2007).
'''Mexico''' is a country in [[North America]] directly south of the [[United States]]. It borders the North Pacific Ocean to the west, [[Guatemala]] and [[Belize]] to the south, and the [[Caribbean Sea]] and the [[Gulf of Mexico]] to the east. Mexico is a federal republic with 31 states and 1 federal district. Its capital is [[Mexico City]]. At present Mexico's territory covers almost 2 million square kilometers with a population of about 108 million (2007).
==People==
* for Mexicqans in the U.S. see [[Latinos]]
Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world and the second most-populous country in Latin America after Portuguese-speaking [[Brazil]]. About 70% of the people live in urban areas. Many Mexicans emigrate from rural areas that lack job opportunities--such as the underdeveloped southern states and the crowded central plateau--to the industrialized urban centers and the developing areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Mexico City region has 18 million people and is the largest concentration of population in the Western Hemisphere. Cities bordering on the United States--such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez--and cities in the interior--such as [[Guadalajara]], Monterrey, and [[Puebla]]--have undergone sharp rises in population and income in recent years.
===Education===
Education is among the Mexican government’s highest priorities, and the education budget has continued to grow in recent years. Funding for education increased from 6.9 % of GDP in 2002 to 7.3% of GDP in 2005. While efforts to decentralize responsibility for education from the federal to the state level in order to improve accountability are ongoing, the central government still retains significant authority. Although educational performance in Mexico has improved substantially in recent decades, the country still faces several major problems, including providing education to rural and indigenous populations.
Education is among the Mexican government’s highest priorities, and the education budget has continued to grow in recent years. Funding for education increased from 6.9 % of GDP in 2002 to 7.3% of GDP in 2005. While efforts to decentralize responsibility for education from the federal to the state level in order to improve accountability are ongoing, the central government still retains significant authority. Although educational performance in Mexico has improved substantially in recent decades, the country still faces several major problems, including providing education to rural and indigenous populations.
[[Image:Cu11.jpg|thumb|right|The University of Mexico City]]
[[Image:Cu11.jpg|thumb|right|The University of Mexico City]]
Education is currently mandatory for ages 5 through 15. An education reform law enacted in 2002 will make preschool mandatory for all children ages 3 and up by 2008. This reform is being implemented in stages. In 2005, 77.4% of the population between the ages of 3 and 15 were enrolled in school. Primary, including preschool, enrollment totaled 18.8 million in 2005. Enrollment at the secondary public school level rose from 5.4 million in 2000 to 5.9 million in 2005. After a significant increase in higher education enrollment during previous decades, Mexico has seen a slower rise in university enrollment more recently. Numbers rose from 2 million enrolled in 2000 to 2.4 million in 2005.
Education is currently mandatory for ages 5 through 15. An education reform law enacted in 2002 will make preschool mandatory for all children ages 3 and up by 2008. This reform is being implemented in stages. In 2005, 77.4% of the population between the ages of 3 and 15 were enrolled in school. Primary, including preschool, enrollment totaled 18.8 million in 2005. Enrollment at the secondary public school level rose from 5.4 million in 2000 to 5.9 million in 2005. After a significant increase in higher education enrollment during previous decades, Mexico has seen a slower rise in university enrollment more recently. Numbers rose from 2 million enrolled in 2000 to 2.4 million in 2005.
===Population statistics===
*Population (2006 estimate): 107.4 million.
*Population (2006 estimate): 107.4 million.
*Annual growth rate (2006 estimate): 1.16%.
*Annual growth rate (2006 estimate): 1.16%.
[[Image:Rafa Marquez.jpg|right|Rafa Marquez|thumb]]
[[Image:Rafa Marquez.jpg|right|Rafa Marquez|thumb]]
People who live in Mexico are often referred to as Mexicans (adjective: Mexican). Spanish is the ''de facto'' language of Mexicans. The population is estimated as 108,700,891, with a population growth rate of 1.153% (2007 est.). The net migration rate is high: -4.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.) (Mainly to the US.)
People who live in Mexico are referred to in English as Mexicans (adjective: Mexican). They speak Spanish. The population is estimated as 108,700,891, with a population growth rate of 1.153% (2007 est.). The net migration rate is high: -4.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.) (Mainly to the US.)
==History==
Famous Mexicans of history include: [[Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz]], [[Benito Juarez]], [[Porfirio Diaz]], [[Justo Sierra Mendez]], [[Francisco Madero]], [[Francisco Gabilondo Soler]], [[Jose Maria Velasco]], [[Joaquin Clausell]], [[Lazaro Cardenas]], [[Frida Kahlo]], [[Diego Rivera]], [[Carlos Chavez]] and [[Octavio Paz]].
Famous Mexicans of history include: [[Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz]], [[Benito Juarez]], [[Porfirio Diaz]], [[Justo Sierra Mendez]], [[Francisco Madero]], [[Francisco Gabilondo Soler]], [[Jose Maria Velasco]], [[Joaquin Clausell]], [[Lazaro Cardenas]], [[Frida Kahlo]], [[Diego Rivera]], [[Carlos Chavez]] and [[Octavio Paz]].
There is no official religion in Mexico. The Mexican constitution guarantees separation of church and state. The dominant Religion is [[Roman Catholic]]ism. (Mexico is 90% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant, 4% other). However, evangelical churches have dramatically expanded their membership in recent decades. (Mormons reported that membership surged from 248,000 in 1980 to 617,000 in 1990 and increased further to 1,043,718 by 2005.) <ref>[http://globalmormonism.byu.edu/?page_id=79 Source: 2007 Church Almanac]</ref>
There is no official religion in Mexico. The Mexican constitution guarantees separation of church and state. The dominant Religion is [[Roman Catholic]]ism. (Mexico is 90% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant, 4% other). However, evangelical churches have dramatically expanded their membership in recent decades. (Mormons reported that membership surged from 248,000 in 1980 to 617,000 in 1990 and increased further to 1,043,718 by 2005.) <ref>[http://globalmormonism.byu.edu/?page_id=79 Source: 2007 Church Almanac]</ref>
Mexico City has plenty of churches covering all denominations, including Jewish, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox. <ref>[http://www.solutionsabroad.com/a_religionmexico.asp Religion in Mexico]</ref>
Mexico City has numerous churches covering all denominations, including Jewish, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox. <ref>[http://www.solutionsabroad.com/a_religionmexico.asp Religion in Mexico]</ref>
Mexican society tends to be [[conservative]] in certain aspects, such as family values.
Mexican society tends to be [[conservative]] in certain aspects, such as family values.
The 1917 constitution provides for a federal republic with powers separated into independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Historically, the executive has been the dominant branch, with power vested in the president, who promulgates and executes the laws of the Congress. The Congress has played an increasingly important role since 1997, when opposition parties first made major gains. The president also legislates by executive decree in certain economic and financial fields, using powers delegated from the Congress. The president is elected by universal adult suffrage for a 6-year term and may not hold office a second time. There is no vice president; in the event of the removal or death of the president, a provisional president is elected by the Congress.
The 1917 constitution provides for a federal republic with powers separated into independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Historically, the executive has been the dominant branch, with power vested in the president, who promulgates and executes the laws of the Congress. The Congress has played an increasingly important role since 1997, when opposition parties first made major gains. The president also legislates by executive decree in certain economic and financial fields, using powers delegated from the Congress. The president is elected by universal adult suffrage for a 6-year term and may not hold office a second time. There is no vice president; in the event of the removal or death of the president, a provisional president is elected by the Congress.
[[Image:FCH.jpg|left]]
[[Image:FCH.jpg|left]]
The Congress is composed of a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies. Consecutive re-election is prohibited. Senators are elected to 6-year terms, and deputies serve 3-year terms. The Senate’s 128 seats are filled by a mixture of direct-election and proportional representation. In the lower chamber, 300 deputies are directly elected to represent single-member districts, and 200 are selected by a modified form of proportional representation from five electoral regions. The 200 proportional representation seats were created to help smaller parties gain access to the Chamber.
The Congress is composed of a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies. Consecutive re-election is prohibited. Senators are elected to 6-year terms, and deputies serve 3-year terms. The Senate’s 128 seats are filled by a mixture of direct-election and proportional representation. In the lower chamber, 300 deputies are directly elected to represent single-member districts, and 200 are selected by a modified form of proportional representation from five electoral regions. The 200 proportional representation seats were created to help smaller parties gain access to the Chamber.
Mexico's agrarian reform program began in 1917, when the government began distribution of land to farmers. Extended further in the 1930s, delivery of land to peasants continued into the 1960s and 1970s at varying rates. This cooperative agrarian reform, which guaranteed small farmers a means of subsistence livelihood, also caused land fragmentation and lack of capital investment, since commonly held land could not be used as collateral. Additionally, only 12% of Mexico’s land area is arable, of which less than 3% is irrigated. This, coupled with a general lack of economic opportunity in rural areas, has made it difficult to raise the productivity and living standards of Mexico's subsistence farmers.
Mexico's agrarian reform program began in 1917, when the government began distribution of land to farmers. Extended further in the 1930s, delivery of land to peasants continued into the 1960s and 1970s at varying rates. This cooperative agrarian reform, which guaranteed small farmers a means of subsistence livelihood, also caused land fragmentation and lack of capital investment, since commonly held land could not be used as collateral. Additionally, only 12% of Mexico’s land area is arable, of which less than 3% is irrigated. This, coupled with a general lack of economic opportunity in rural areas, has made it difficult to raise the productivity and living standards of Mexico's subsistence farmers.
Agriculture accounted for 4% of GDP in 2005, yet agricultural employment accounted for over 16% of total employment. However, the number of Mexican farmers is steadily decreasing as they seek greater economic opportunities from off-farm employment.
Agriculture accounted for 4% of GDP in 2005, yet agricultural employment accounted for over 16% of total employment because wages are low. However, the number of Mexican farmers is steadily decreasing as they seek greater economic opportunities from off-farm employment.
Poor availability of credit continues to plague agriculture. Agricultural loans were hard hit by the 1994 peso crisis and many private banks view agricultural lending, particularly to smaller producers, as too risky. Several government entities provide public credit to the rural sector, including Financiera Rural, a development bank dedicated to supporting agriculture.
Poor availability of credit continues to plague agriculture. Agricultural loans were hard hit by the 1994 peso crisis and many private banks view agricultural lending, particularly to smaller producers, as too risky. Several government entities provide public credit to the rural sector, including Financiera Rural, a development bank dedicated to supporting agriculture.
====Tourism====
====Tourism====
[[Image:Mar campechano.jpg|thumb|Mexico's sea]]
[[Image:Mar campechano.jpg|thumb|Mexico's sea]]
Tourism--mostly from the U.S. and Canada--is the third largest industry, with revenues of $13 billion in 2008. 80 Million Americans visited in 2008, and despite the [[Recession of 2008]] the numbers are up for 2009 because Mexico is a much cheaper destination than Europe.
The most visited destinations are Mexico City, [[Cancun]], [[Acapulco]] and the border cities.
The most visited destinations are Mexico City, [[Cancun]], [[Acapulco]] and the border cities.
Mexico City is the world's third-largest metropolis (following [[Tokyo]] and NYC). New tourist areas are Huatulco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, and Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast
Mexico City is the world's third-largest metropolis (following [[Tokyo]] and NYC). New tourist areas are Huatulco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, and Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast