Mehhiko
Quick Facts:
| Area: | 1,972,550 sq km | | Population: | 103,400,165 (July 2002 est.) | | Capital: | Mexico City | | Language: | Spanish | | Religion: | Roman Catholic (89%), Protestant (6%), other (5%) | | Currency: | Mexican Peso (MXN) | | YFU web site: | www.yfu.org/mx/ |
Introduction
Mexico is an important link to all of Latin America. It is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. At the same time, Mexico’s ancient culture has been wellpreserved. This fascinating country is a very exotic combination of geography, history, and culture. Mexico is amazing, mysterious, and romantic. People from Mexico are warm and friendly. They are interested in other cultures and countries and want to share their own culture with others. Mexican artists and thinkers have been well-known abroad. Examples of this have been the literary works of Octavio Paz (Nobel Prize winner), and internationally famous painters like Rufino Tamayo, José Luis Cuevas, and José Clemente Orozco.
Short FactsGeography: Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America and the 13th largest in the world. It has 10,000 km of coastline. In the southwest, it borders the Pacific Ocean; in the southeast, Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; the east coast, the Gulf of Mexico; and shares a northern border of 3141 kms with the USA. Mexico is divided into 31 states and a Federal District, which includes the country’s capital and largest city, Mexico City. Most of Mexico is highland or mountainous, ranging from 1000 to 5700 meters (3000 to 18,700 feet) in height. The heart of Mexico is made up of the Mexican plateau, which is broken by mountain ranges and segmented by deep rifts, while the southeast is mainly lowland.
Climate: Mexico’s climate is varied. The northern desert regions are relatively hot and dry. The coastal plains are hot and humid. Tropical climate is found in southern areas. The great altitude of the Mexican central highlands causes the climate there to be temperate all year.
Population: Mexico has a population of around 93 million people. Since 1920, the growth rate has been very high, almost entirely the result of natural increase. The great majority of Mexicans are of mixed Spanish and Indian descent and speak Spanish, the official language, as their first language. Around 70% of the population live in urban areas.
Language: The official language of Mexico is Spanish. However, 12 million Indians keep their traditions alive and speak their own language. One-third of them also speak Spanish fluently.
Religion: Around 89% of Mexicans are Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant.
Government: Under the constitution of 1917, as amended, Mexico is a federal republic whose chief executive and head of state is the President, who is assisted by a cabinet. The Presidential term limit is six years. The bicameral legislature is made up of the Senate, comprising 64members directly elected to six-yearterms, and the Chamber of Deputies,consisting of 219 members serving three-year terms. History: Before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in the early 16th century, great Indian civilizations developed and flourished in Mexico. The Maya, Aztec, Toltec, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Olmec all left remains of great interest. These cultures reached a high degree of development in engineering (including the building of massive pyramids), architecture, art, mathematics, astronomy, and trade. Upon their arrival, the Spanish conquistadores were surprised to find that the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan covered an area of 2500 acres and had an enormous market displaying produce and manufactured goods from as far away as the Yucatan peninsula, Guatemala and Honduras. The Spanish conquest of Mexico (1519- 21) succeeded only with the help of the Tlaxcalans, native people who were enemies of the Aztecs, including their ruler Moctezuma. For three centuries, Mexico was a Spanish colony. Independence from Spain was achieved after widespread armed uprising in 1821. However, resulting chaos in the country after independence caused politics to be dominated by groups formed around individuals, each seeking his personal ends. There was a frequent turnover of government, deficits in the national budget, and a loss of significantterritory- Texas in 1836, and Arizona, New Mexico, and California after the Mexican-American war in 1847.In 1910, an idealistic liberal movement began an armed revolt against a 36-year dictatorship. Not until after World War II, when the Mexican political party structure was reorganized and strengthened, were civilian leaders elected to the Presidency, numerous schools built, and public health and agrarian reforms instituted.
Economy: Since 1945, Mexico has enjoyed considerable economic growth, especially of its industrial plant. The leading products include iron and steel, motor vehicles, processed food, cement, refined petroleum and petrochemicals, mining, chemical fertilizers, rubber products, textiles, engines, and consumer electronics. Eighty-two percent of its exports are directed toward the United States, while 74% of its imports come from the US. In 1995, Mexico entered a severe financial crisis. The causes of this crisis were an overvalued exchange rate and increased trade deficits, as well as investment in risky portfolios. The economic crisis was accompanied by devaluation of the peso and political shocks. Nevertheless, strong economic fundamentals bode well for Mexico’s longer-term prospects.
Education: The Mexican educational system is divided into four levels: primary school (6 years), secondary school (3 years), high school (3 years), and university (5 years). In primary and early secondary school, students usually take uniform courses. After the first year of high school, courses in economics, psychology, business administration, humanities, industry, agriculture, and education are offered. Classes begin in early September and end in mid- May or late June. Students have 10- 15 days of vacation during the Christmas and Easter holidays.
Family life: Mexican host families represent all walks of society. Children usually live at home with their parents until they marry. Mexican families foster strong principles and a great concern for raising their children in traditional but flexible ways. Most Mexican families include 2-4 children. In general, families eat most of their meals at home, prepared by the mother. Children often enjoy certain comforts at home, but are expected to respect their parents, follow the rules of the house, have good manners, and receive good school grades. Sometimes, Mexican families vacation at the beach or in the mountains. They enjoy planning trips for the entire family and preparing abundant meals to share with relatives.
Food: Mexican cuisine is one of the great cuisines of the world. It has at least a half dozen cuisines, including the food of the Texas (USA) border and of the western highlands. International cooking is also available in most larger Mexican cities. A chocolate beverage was known to the Aztecs, and through the Spanish explorers, found its way into Europe. The Spanish people also brought Arabian influences, which are also reflected in Mexican cooking. Corn and beans are the staples of most meals. Mexican food has a reputation of being spicy, but most of the fire is reserved for sauces served on the side. The national herb, cilantro (coriander) adds a special taste to soups and meat dishes. Columbus came to Mexico searching for Indian spices. He never found India, but he surely found flavors!
Recreation: Despite the cultural differences among Mexico’s regions, it is possible to give a general overview of the country’s major recreational activities. Soccer (fútbol), tennis, basketball, and swimming are the most played sports. On weekends, and depending upon Mexican economic conditions, families gather at sports clubs or plan outings to the country or small towns, where they enjoy traditional foods and admire the arts and crafts. In some cities, students might go to cafes, discotheques, or the movies.
YFU Mexico YFU Mexico was founded in 1959. It is a volunteer-based organization with a national office in Mexico City. Most of its volunteers have been abroad. The organization celebrated its 40th anniversary in October 1999. Exchange activities for inbound students: Upon arrival, academic year and semester students are welcomed by YFU staff and volunteers who organize a 3-4 day orientation program. In May or June, year students take a cultural trip to places of interest throughout. Mexico. Destinations vary from year to year. This trip provides students the opportunity to meet other YFU exchange students and share their experiences.
Host families and placement: Host families are selected from volunteer families who wish to share their culture and experience having a new family member from another country. Some families have already sent their ownchildren on a YFU exchange and understand the challenges and rewards of student exchange. Host families are of various economic and social backgrounds; most are middle class. Common Phrases | English | Spanish | | Hi | Hola | | Good Morning | Buonas diaz | | Good Night | Buonas noches | | How are you? | ¿Cómo es usted? | | My name is | Mi nombre es |
|
